Hi everyone,
Just curious as to what people are planning on bring for a thru-hike of the CT in terms of maps/guidebooks. I was thinking of the CT Databook (small one) and the topo map for the Sawtooth Range (I’m taking the alternative route over Hope Pass and through the Collegiate mountains. Wasn’t sure if I needed full topo maps for the entire trail or if the data book would be sufficient. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
The CT Data Book is helpful for the most part. Since you will be traversing the Sawatch Range, I would recommend carrying the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps for this area. These maps are compact, water-resistant, and I’ve found them useful.
Enjoy your hike!
Bernard
For Hope Pass and other trails nearby, newish “Sawatch Range” by Mountain Maps (below, and elsewhere) is really good too.
http://www.shop.ColoradoTrail.org/MountainMaps-The-Sawatch-Range-MTN-MAP-SAWATCH.htm
On Track
Thanks - I have the Mountain Maps map for the Sawatch Range, which looks great for the off CT hiking. Just curious as to whether topo maps will be required for the rest of the trail or if the directions in the data book are pretty good. I think that I’ve read from folks that they’re pretty good …
Nancy
Along the trail, many users have used only the Databook with good result because the CT is well marked.
If the trail is under snowpack, though, you need the Map Book and/or GPS too cuz the trail is not marked for snow travel. For trip planning and for driving, the Guidebook is what you need because it details the roads much better than the Databook.
On Track
You can now get Nat Geo Trails Illustrated maps for the whole CT, nice to have because they show side trails and roads out to towns and major highways, nice if you find yourself in need of getting out.
LA