Navigating the Great Divide S to N
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Navigating the Great Divide S to N
This summer I'll be taking the ACA Western Express to the GD and then pedaling North. I'll be using mostly paper maps and hand written directions aided by a simple bike computer for this trip. I'll have a laptop that can be consulted when WiFi is available, but as of right now I will not have a GPS or smart phone. I've been told that the ACA GD maps are N to S. Normally I wouldn't be intimidated by reversing directions. However, since the GD consists of mostly dirt/gravel access roads with some single track this might be difficult. Any advice? Should I still buy the maps or would they be useless? Thanks in advance.
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I think you might be awfully sorry if you don't have the maps. They show the locations of services, including camping locations (both established and make-shift), as well as paved alternatives where they exist. They also have important notes about various part of the route that may pose issues. It's only the cues and mileages that are written N to S. The lines on the maps can be followed in either direction. You would simply have to read the cues in reverse and do some simple math.
#3
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Another option is using national forest maps - most are available in plastic.
They would be bulkier and the number of maps you would need would probably equal the cost of the GDMBR.
Since you are from Chicago, I don't know how much experience you have using USFS maps.
The biggest advantage they offer is detailed information of the entire area - not just a specified route.
And they allow you route options as well as the ability to drop into nearby towns.
They are available online or in twons along the way with forest service offices.
(You can always mail them home as you use them.)
They would be bulkier and the number of maps you would need would probably equal the cost of the GDMBR.
Since you are from Chicago, I don't know how much experience you have using USFS maps.
The biggest advantage they offer is detailed information of the entire area - not just a specified route.
And they allow you route options as well as the ability to drop into nearby towns.
They are available online or in twons along the way with forest service offices.
(You can always mail them home as you use them.)
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I think you might be awfully sorry if you don't have the maps. They show the locations of services, including camping locations (both established and make-shift), as well as paved alternatives where they exist. They also have important notes about various part of the route that may pose issues. It's only the cues and mileages that are written N to S. The lines on the maps can be followed in either direction. You would simply have to read the cues in reverse and do some simple math.
Another option is using national forest maps - most are available in plastic.
They would be bulkier and the number of maps you would need would probably equal the cost of the GDMBR.
Since you are from Chicago, I don't know how much experience you have using USFS maps.
The biggest advantage they offer is detailed information of the entire area - not just a specified route.
And they allow you route options as well as the ability to drop into nearby towns.
They are available online or in twons along the way with forest service offices.
(You can always mail them home as you use them.)
They would be bulkier and the number of maps you would need would probably equal the cost of the GDMBR.
Since you are from Chicago, I don't know how much experience you have using USFS maps.
The biggest advantage they offer is detailed information of the entire area - not just a specified route.
And they allow you route options as well as the ability to drop into nearby towns.
They are available online or in twons along the way with forest service offices.
(You can always mail them home as you use them.)
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I've been thinking of doing this too. Is there any advantage to going either direction? I've hiked the Appalachian Trail, and most people go south-to-north, to follow the warm weather as it moves northward. The Great Divide Trail seems to get more southbound travelers, and I don't know why. Any reason?
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Don't mean to hijack, but is there a portion of the route one could ride in about 10 days, with easy access to both ends for flights? Future planning only.
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I am starting a four-day tour tomorrow. I will look next week.
#9
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edit: I just scanned the many GDMBR journals over on Crazy Guy. Lots of folks cover the Lincoln-Henry's Lake section in 8-10 days + or -.
Last edited by BobG; 03-23-16 at 03:55 PM.
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I'll be using the NT to connect the GD and SC... so Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
The S to N in hiking the PCT and AT is mostly because you're racing Winter since it takes about 6 months to finish whereas the GD takes 15-45 days. As for the GD, there is some debate. Some of the last major passes to open up are in Colorado so going N - S allows you to start earlier. Also, there is a notorious hill in, I believe, Montana that is damn near impossible to traverse going North. However, others believe going S - N is better because it allows you to cross the NM desert while it is cooler and be in the higher elevations during the warmer months. You just need to time the Colorado passes well. Other than that, the reason may be, in part, a tradition amongst the biking community.
I've been thinking of doing this too. Is there any advantage to going either direction? I've hiked the Appalachian Trail, and most people go south-to-north, to follow the warm weather as it moves northward. The Great Divide Trail seems to get more southbound travelers, and I don't know why. Any reason?
#11
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The biggest reason NOT to go north-to-south is the rain cycle.
The rainiest two months of the year in Montana are May & June.
Plus, at high elevation there is still plenty of snow and mud.
By late July it is significantly drier in the Northern Rockies.
Conversely, the monsoon season in New Mexico is July & August.
And the clay/caliche soils of dirt roads turn into super-glue.
May and June are usually quite dry - the end of the dry season.
The rainiest two months of the year in Montana are May & June.
Plus, at high elevation there is still plenty of snow and mud.
By late July it is significantly drier in the Northern Rockies.
Conversely, the monsoon season in New Mexico is July & August.
And the clay/caliche soils of dirt roads turn into super-glue.
May and June are usually quite dry - the end of the dry season.
#12
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I would buy the maps. ACA maps are easy to navigate by, going either direction.
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#14
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The biggest reason NOT to go north-to-south is the rain cycle.
The rainiest two months of the year in Montana are May & June.
Plus, at high elevation there is still plenty of snow and mud.
By late July it is significantly drier in the Northern Rockies.
Conversely, the monsoon season in New Mexico is July & August.
And the clay/caliche soils of dirt roads turn into super-glue.
May and June are usually quite dry - the end of the dry season.
The rainiest two months of the year in Montana are May & June.
Plus, at high elevation there is still plenty of snow and mud.
By late July it is significantly drier in the Northern Rockies.
Conversely, the monsoon season in New Mexico is July & August.
And the clay/caliche soils of dirt roads turn into super-glue.
May and June are usually quite dry - the end of the dry season.
That's really valuable info Jamawani. Thanks for posting that. I'm slow now due to some foot problems, plus I like to relax when I'm camping, so it will likely take me 3 months to complete. Maybe I will do it south to north.