Not sure if this is the "correct" place to post such a question, but thought I'd ask. When searching for trails on the internet, or when googling some of the places I've seen folks posting with their pictures, I seem to get a link to Trails.com which of course you must pay for to actually get trail directions and maps, etc. Has anyone ever subscribed, and if so, have you found it useful, worth the dough, etc?

 

I subscribed, although it doesn't really have "Jeep trails" (at least not in my area - Oregon, Washington), but it does have "Off-Highway Drives". These seem to be mostly forest service roads. The descriptions are nice. And of course if you go out on the forest service roads, you'll generally find turn-offs that have deteriorated and require a bit more skill.

Whether it's worth the money... I think if you were into some of the other stuff (hiking, biking, etc) it would be. But probably not just for jeeping, IMO.

 

Good info. Thanks for the reply!

 

What jwetzel said. Trail.com is very useful for backpacking, hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing etc., but not for finding the Jeep/4WD only trails.

If you are looking for Jeep trails in AZ, UT, CO and CA , I'd recommend getting the "Backcountry Adventures" books: adlerpublishing.com/products.aspx?catID=1 I have the NorCal and UT. I've been to few of the trails few years ago, and they were very useful.

4x4books.com sells "Guides to Backroads & 4WD Trails". These look like a good one also.

 

When I bought a magellan handheld unit, it was advertised in a few areas because it could sync online maps from trails.com, but the topo3d had so much information including trails I couldn't possibly see the need for trails.com unless there have been a ton of changes to trails that you're aware of. I just don't see that as a reality.

I'm sure it's alright, but worth the money - doubt it unless you don't have topo3d.

Also, regarding the books - I liked them too, but I did get somewhat lost at one point. Fortunately an ATV guy came up and he had the same book I had, but the ATV version..it was MUCH more detailed than mine. I emphasize again, MUCH MORE. I'm still puzzled as to why that is..

 

I have used it for hiking camping and backpacking. I found it very sueful, but then I got National Geographic Topo! software...

 

I'm puzzled that someone hasn't started a user-contributed website where Jeep trails can be described and documented. When I went to Sedona this past summer, I searched all over the Internet and could not find any decent descriptions of the Jeep trails in the area. I asked here on JK-Forum and was told that the visitor center had material. Well, a ranger gave us a map, because the visitor center lady only had info on the Jeep tours. We did find some forest service roads with the help of the ranger, but I somehow feel that we missed out on some good trails. In Moab, the experience was entirely different, but still, I'd like to have done my research before arrival at the destination. For an example of what I'm talking about (in this case a user-contributed website of mountains and rocks), check out the following:

Mountains on SummitPost

Maybe this would make a good upgrade for JK-Forum.

 

Great idea. I'll float it by one of the adminstrators.

Thanks for the link as well. Next time you're in AZ, shoot me a line. I have a couple of books that are AZ specific that list several great trails in Sedona and elsewhere in the state that I'd be happy to share some info on.