Saw someone planning a Grand Canyon loop on Google Maps without checking elevation profiles

I was at a gear shop last weekend and overheard a guy telling his friend he mapped out a 45 mile loop on the South Rim using only Google Maps satellite view. No elevation data, no water source research, just eyeballing it. I wanted to say something but figured that's a lesson he's gonna learn the hard way. Has anyone else run into people who think mapping an app is the same as knowing the route?

2 comments

2 Comments

rivershah4d ago

Wait did I used to be that guy? lmao. I remember mapping out a route on the AllTrails app for a three day trip and thought I was good because I could see the trail lines. Then I got there and realized the "gentle slope" on my screen was basically a near vertical climb with loose rocks. Miserable. Honestly apps make it way too easy to skip the real research, I learned that lesson the hard way too. Now I always pull up the USGS topo maps and check water reports before I even think about driving out there.

theaw654d ago

Topos never lie. GPS quits when you need it most.