Trip Planning
Mapping Resources
Navigate Arizona's Backcountry
Arizona's terrain doesn't forgive bad navigation. Slot canyons look identical, desert ridges blend together, and trail junctions at 9,000 feet don't always have signs. Good maps aren't optional here - they're survival gear.
Every resource below is either free or has a solid free tier. We've used all of them for actual trip planning in Arizona and linked directly to each one. No affiliate links, no fluff - just the tools that work.
Apps & Software
Digital Mapping Apps
Gaia GPS
Free + PaidThe gold standard for backcountry mapping. Topo layers, offline downloads, GPX import/export, and route planning tools. The public topo layer alone is worth it, and the premium tier adds National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps and weather overlays.
CalTopo
Free + PaidBuilt by search-and-rescue folks, for search-and-rescue folks (and the rest of us). Incredible route planning with slope angle maps, terrain analysis, and the ability to print custom topo maps at any scale. The desktop experience is unmatched for trip planning.
OnX Backcountry
PaidStrong backcountry-specific layers including snow depth, terrain shading, and public land boundaries. Particularly useful for Arizona's mixed-ownership landscapes where you need to know exactly which parcel you're on. Good offline performance.
FarOut
FreeEssential for long-distance trails. If you're hiking the Arizona Trail, this is the app. Community-sourced waypoints for water sources, campsites, and trail conditions - updated in real time by thru-hikers. Covers the AZT, PCT, CDT, and more.
AllTrails
Free + PaidThe most popular trail-finding app for a reason. Huge database of Arizona trails with user reviews, photos, and recorded GPS tracks. Great for discovering new routes and checking recent trail conditions. The free tier covers most basic needs.
Avenza Maps
FreeTurn any PDF map into a GPS-enabled map on your phone. Download official USFS and NPS maps, or upload your own CalTopo exports. Tracks your position on the map even without cell service. A must-have companion app for anyone printing custom maps.
Free & Authoritative
Official Government Maps
USGS Topographic Maps
FreeThe original backcountry map. USGS 7.5-minute quads cover all of Arizona with contour lines, water sources, trails, and landmarks. Download free PDFs from the USGS store or access them through CalTopo and Gaia GPS. The basis every other map builds on.
Visit USGS Maps →US Forest Service Maps
FreeEvery national forest in Arizona publishes free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) showing roads, trails, and motorized access. Forest visitor maps add detail on recreation sites and wilderness boundaries. Download free PDFs from each forest's website - Tonto, Coconino, Coronado, Prescott, Apache-Sitgreaves.
Visit USFS Region 3 Maps →Bureau of Land Management Maps
FreeArizona has more BLM land than any other state. BLM provides surface management maps showing land status, wilderness study areas, and recreation opportunities. Essential for desert trips in areas like the Kofa, Gila, and Sonoran Desert wilderness areas.
Visit BLM Maps →National Park Service Maps
FreeGrand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Canyon de Chelly - each park publishes free trail maps, backcountry route maps, and river guides. Download PDFs from each park's website. The Grand Canyon backcountry map is essential reading before any rim-to-rim trip.
Visit NPS Arizona Maps →Local Knowledge
Arizona-Specific Resources
Arizona Trail Association
The definitive source for AZT maps, GPX tracks, and water reports. The AZT crosses 800 miles of Arizona - from the Mexico border to Utah. Their map packets and GPS data are free and regularly updated by trail maintainers.
Visit AZTA →Arizona State Trust Land Maps
Arizona has 9.2 million acres of state trust land - much of it excellent for backpacking. You need a permit to access it. The State Land Department provides parcel maps, and the AZ State Trust app shows boundaries overlaid on topo maps.
Visit AZ State Land →AZ Game & Fish Maps
The Arizona Game and Fish Department publishes detailed wildlife area maps, hunting unit boundaries, and habitat maps. Useful for understanding terrain, water sources, and seasonal access to wildlife management areas that double as great backpacking.
Visit AZG&F Maps →Paper Never Runs Out of Battery
Printed Maps
Nat Geo Trails Illustrated
Waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps for Arizona's most popular wilderness areas. Covers Grand Canyon, Superstition, Mazatzal, Sierra Ancha, and more. Available at outdoor retailers or online.
Shop Nat Geo Maps →Custom CalTopo Prints
Design your own map in CalTopo at any scale, with any layers, and print it on waterproof paper. This is what experienced Arizona backpackers do - custom maps for exactly the area you're hiking, with your waypoints already marked.
Create Custom Maps →USGS Quad Prints
Order physical copies of any USGS 7.5-minute quad. Old school, but reliable. Available from the USGS Store or third-party map retailers. Great as a backup to digital navigation.
Visit USGS Store →Field Notes
Arizona Navigation Tips
Always carry paper backup
Phones die. Screens crack. Batteries drain in cold. A printed map and a compass weigh 4 ounces and never need a charge. Print your route from CalTopo before every trip.
Know your land ownership
Arizona's land ownership is a patchwork - federal, state, tribal, and private parcels can change within a single mile. OnX and BLM maps show boundaries. Crossing state trust land without a permit is a fineable offense.
Download maps before you go
Cell service is nonexistent in most Arizona backcountry. Download your offline maps at home, on WiFi, before you head out. Test that they load properly. Don't discover a missing download at the trailhead.
Water sources change seasonally
Springs and tanks marked on USGS quads from 1965 may be dry. Check FarOut for recent water reports, call the local ranger station, and always have contingency water sources planned - especially in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
Plan Your Next Arizona Trip
Maps are just the start. Check our packing lists and DIY resources for everything else you need.