CO Topo Map help
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: mgmicky
19-Apr-18
I’m another flatlander going on my first elk hunt this fall asking for some help/suggestions. I’ll be hunting Unit 41 and want to get a topo map of the area to study this summer, but I’m not sure which one to get. A Google search came up with a TON of different maps, brands, etc. Can anyone give me some advice on what to look for in a topo map? Are they all the same? FYI I will also have OnX or similar but want to have a map and compass as well... Thanks, mg
From: Muddyboots
19-Apr-18
What you want to do for crusing around the area is type in www.hillmap.com On the map on the left side zoom and pan until you are looking close to your area. Then on the upper right of this screen open the pulldown menu and open caltopo. Bingo, near-current topo plus a google photo of the same area on the right. You can look your entire unit over. I find printing to be "not so good", and use an older National Geographic topo map series for printing. I use hillmap for studying.
From: IdyllwildArcher
19-Apr-18
IdyllwildArcher's Link
Check the link. From that screen, you can make a custom map of 41. I like to make it USGS definition. You can change it to tall or wide depending on the shape you want it. They give you the option to have it rolled or folded. Get the folded version for hunting. It comes water proof. I get one of these for most hunts.
From: Surfbow
19-Apr-18
What he said^
From: LKH
20-Apr-18
You might want to try Google Earth and then activate the topo to overlay the area.
From: WDP
20-Apr-18
Of course you could always use the Colorado setup till you decide what map you really want because this is free.
https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas
From: sticksender
20-Apr-18
If you're talking paper maps, then IMO the best are Nat Geo Trails Illustrated. They have good detail, show private land, waterproof, and to me are the most easily readable maps. Most areas of Colorado are available.
From: Jethro
20-Apr-18
The Nat Geo maps are very nice. I also have maps from DIY maps that are good for broad generalization such as roadless areas, access, trails etc. They are not good for studying topography.
Once I pick some particular spots, I have printed out nice maps from Caltopo. Can zoom in as much as you want. Very nice for showing topo.
From: mgmicky
20-Apr-18
Thanks for the info guys. I will definitely check these out!
From: SoDakSooner
20-Apr-18
Just like above Mytopo. I have 4 or 5 of those. They are good scouting maps but lack the definition I like. I use a ton of the NATGEO maps. they are by far the best non military maps I have used. Printed on plastic too. They are trail maps but do show the gmu boundaries as well. Only downside is they aren't available for every square inch of ground.
From: jims
20-Apr-18
For scouting I often use a combo of maps. I look at the terrain in detail with google earth on my computer. If I'm hunting an area with lots of public/private I use topozone or similar land statis maps. There are a bunch of tricks for figuring out potential areas that may hold elk and access points that you can figure out on maps at home.
Out in the field I often use OnXmaps when hunting areas with mixed land status. I also bring hard copy topo quad maps that I can write on while scouting and hunting...and take lots of photos and videos of areas so I remind myself of different areas. These are great references for future trips.
From: discgolfk9
20-Apr-18
discgolfk9's Link
Hello,
You can try these for a paper map (link above). They include the entire GMU and forest information. Most sporting goods stores around the front range carry these (Cabelas, Sportsmans Warehouse, BassPro, etc). I also use Onx Maps on my phone.
The one draw back to the maps on this link is they are paper and you will need to keep them dry.
Matt
From: Backpack Hunter
20-Apr-18
Mytopo has worked well for me.
From: md5252
21-Apr-18
Get GAIA Premium GPS phone app. Awesome app and you can print Topo maps from it too
From: midwest
21-Apr-18
I'm a mytopo.com fan, too. I always get shaded relief with the UTM tick marks.
From: Lovehunt11
26-Apr-18
How can I transfer waypoints from google map to Onxmap? I can see water better on google map or google earth but I can’t figure it is belong to private or public.
From: midwest
27-Apr-18
midwest's Link
Lovehunt11, Check out Toprut.
At my link...
From: Pop-r
29-Apr-18
There was a guy trolling the sites a couple years ago that had a CO topo & just general map service. I forget his handle. He even hunted elk barefoot! Lol!
