how does one print the maps? special paper? would you take it to kinkos to do it? i don’t think my printer is that great. how small would be too small to print them. always thinking of weight.
dirty bird
Printing maps - The Colorado Trail
system
#2
I always take the original map, usually because it’s made out of fairly water-resistant material (at least MATC’s are).
But, if you are TRULY serious about that weight, consider this:
As far as AT maps for Vermont, NH, and Maine are concerned (as they’re the only ones I’ve ever seen), one side of the map is split into two parts. One shows the profile of the trail (and most, if not all, side trails/road crossings), and it looks sort of like a EEG readout. The other part of the map shows the trail as it appears on a contour map, which is to say it’s an actual map showing the topography beyond the trail. If you get lost using the profile map, for all you know you’ve fallen off the face of the Earth.
:rolleyes So, if I was so weight conscious as to start cutting up maps (an absurd extreme, IMHO), then I would want the half which has the topography. You would be able to do that with MATC maps, but not with NH VT maps, unless you buy two sets, an absurd act which would get you commited someplace where they don’t even let you touch the crayons, let alone the sharp pencils. 
Kineo Kid
system
#3
What are the best maps for the Colorado Trail? Get the CD, or use Trails Illustrated? Or use USFS maps?
Peaks
system
#4
Most inkjet printouts, at least those from consumer-grade inkjet printers, will “run” if they get any rain on them at all. Sure, you can keep them in a ziploc to protect them, but sooner or later they’re gonna have to come out of the ziploc to be viewed, turned around, etc. And the fewest of raindrops will wreak havoc on them.
If you’re going to print out maps, you’d want to do so on a toner-based laser printer. A lot more durable in the woods, tho nothing’s going to be as good as the waterproof/tear-resistant maps being made today for many sections of the A.T.
Skyline
system
#5
Just as heads up, the AT maps may not work too well on the Colorado Trail! 
The Colorado Trail map set is approx $40. Not sure how much it would cost to print in terms of ink (if you use your home ink jet) or at Kinko’s. If printer at Kinko’s, less likely to “run” when wet. As alwayts, keep teh printed maps in a ziplock.
I like the TI maps because they show more than just the CT, let you plan alternate routes/14ers, etc. However, a full set of these maps for the CT are about $120. Living in Colorado, had many of the TI maps already, and will beusing teh the maps in the future.
Some people find the maps in the guide book to adequate (USFS maps). Please note, these maps do not have topo lines and are of limited scale. They are fine if you just want to follow the official trail. Personally, I liked taking my two alternate routes (higher, longer, harder…but more beautiful), many people on the CT also enjoy doing 14ers asw well. Easier tdo with topo maps than the USFS maps.
YMMV
Mags
system
#6
Brain cramp…one of my rare Saturday’s working. Anyway, the map set is on CD. Should of mentioned that. Doh! Can buy it from the www.coloradotrail.org
Mags
system
#7
I bought the CD and printed the maps at home. I printed them 2 to a page and it still ended up being between 50 and 100 maps, if I remember right. I just used a ziploc and never had a problem. I just left the current map on top, and since there were two on a page it was rare to have to change them. You could probably change maps inside the bag if it was that important and was raining. I’m guessing the special paper is rather expensive.
Mike
system
#8
thanks mags for setting it straight i was talking about the CT maps. i already hiked the AT, with maps, that i bought already printed. i guess i have to think over the map thing again. just don’t know if i really need them or want to go through the hassle.
dirty bird