Want a street map style GPS Map of a specific trail in Moab or your local offroad park?

You're carrying your smart phone along anyway, so why not use that?

Phones these days not only receive cell tower signals, but also actual satellite GPS signals, so you can be outside cell tower range, and still receive satellite GPS info.



What a map might look like

Follow along on how to install and use Everytrail Pro which is an app for Android or iPhone. AS you can see below, many trails and offroad parks are already set up in Everytrail, and if your favorite is not included, you can map it for others. And it doesn't even have to be for offroading. There are guides and trips for all kinds of activities. Even BBQ!


My Downloaded guides

The first thing is to install the app.
There are two versions, Everytrail and Everytrail Pro
The regular version is free and the Pro version will cost you $3.99. The big difference is the Pro version will allow you to download all the map information to your phone. Not a big deal if you are doing things in areas where you always have cell coverage, but for offroading, this is important. $3.99 is a lot less expensive than a dedicated GPS unit, so this is really a good deal.
(By the way, I'm not affiliated with Everytrail so I don't get any of that $3.99)



Screen Shot of Play Store Search Page.
Sorry, I don't have an iPhone to show that

Now let's say you want to find the Washita offroad park which is near Farmington, MO.
(This is an offroad park that is currently only open on select weekends)
You can download the Washita paper trail map here

Open the app and Click your PHONE's search button.
**Don't tap "Search nearby" because this won't work unless you physically ARE 'nearby' whatever you're looking for



Screen Shot of search options

Fill in the search boxes like in this picture below.
Again, if you search near your current location, it won't find what you're looking for unless you're actually near it.

Change the "Within" miles from the default to far enough out to find whatever your're looking for. 'Within the whole world' should find anything, but may find too much depending on your keywords



Screen Shot of Everytrail app Search Page

If you fill in the boxes indicated in red in the picture above, you should probably only get one result
(Washita isn't a common word... but did you know it's the ancient Indian word for 'Carnage')



Select the map you want

So now that you've found Washita you need to save it to your phone. Tap it and then tap 'Download Options'



Tap the Download Options

The files aren't very big, so don't be afraid to save everything



Select what you want and tap download

Now let's take a look at what you've just downloaded.

Tap the MAP button at the top of the screen to bring up the map
You'll notice a map with some buttons



What a satellite map looks like

This park's map has been set up with waypoints to give you the trail names.
Tap on a dot in the middle of a trail and it will tell you the trail's name



A waypoint showing the trail name

Along with the Trail Names, this park is also set up with a different NUMBER at each intersection, sort of like a "You Are Here" thing at an amusement park
(For those poor lost souls without Everytrail GPS and are stuck with paper maps.)
But you can use them to correlate the app and a paper map
*NOTE: sometimes when in the woods, your phone gets confused with its location, particularly after waking back up.
**TIP: Use a 'screen on' app to keep the screen on to minimize this

You'll notice a blue dot in this shot. This is you while driving around the trails. Phones these days not only receive cell tower signals, but also actual satellite GPS signals, so you can be outside cell tower range, and still receive satellite GPS location info.



Screen Shot of an intersection waypoint and current location

You'll also notice some pin points on the map. These indicate that someone uploaded a picture of something interesting. They can help you to find the interesting stuff and also make sure you're in the right spot. They can also help you see what you're in for up ahead



Screen Shot of Point of Interest

If you tap the picture, it will get larger



Larger pic of something interesting

There are 3 map types you can choose from
"Map" map type which is a street map



"Map" map type (Streets)

"Terrain" map type (topo map)



Terrain Map

"Satellite" map type



Satellite Map

Now you ask, "So this is great, but how do I get to the park in the first place?"
That's easy, just tap "Get directions to Start" and up pops your favorite street map software to get you to the start point
(or google maps anyway)



Directions to Start

A "Screen on" app to keep your screen from shutting off can be helpful, but that's it, it's pretty simple to install and use.

Don't forget your charger and Have Fun!


P.S. If you're a midwesterner, also try searching for "SMORR trails".
SMORR is another great park