Sierra Mapping Project

A fellow Pacific Crest Trail 2012 hiker and friend, Sara ‘BloodBank’ Fry is working on a very worthy mapping effort of the High Sierra in California. This is one of our favorite places in the world. Its beauty is immense and unspoiled. Check out the details of the project below:

Sierra Mapping Project

The Sierra Mapping Project is a 5 year project to GPS track and gather current conditions for ALL the trails in California’s iconic High Sierra. One of the goals of Sierra Mapping Project is to relieve some of the heavier populated trails such as the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails while simultaneously giving a voice to many forgotten and lesser used trail systems.

From Kennedy Meadow South to Kennedy Meadow North and everything in between, Sierra Mapping Project will record thousands of miles of trails and update the community on their current conditions. The public will be able to download the GPS tracks of every trail. In addition, an elevation profile, correct mileages, and water sources will be noted and made available free of cost to YOU!

Moreover, Sierra Mapping Project is focused on finding loops, thru-hiking alternates, and cross-country routes. All routes will remain wild and will be minimally document. Only a short summary of the route description will be available in order to retain the integrity of a wild and thrilling exploration.

With the sudden influx of backcountry enthusiasts, in part due to massive media coverage, there needs to be an overflow network that allows everyone who wants to go into the wilderness the opportunity. The trails already exist but the data and current conditions of them are minimal at best.

By providing the public with these free resources we’re ensuring that our wilderness remains open and accessible for its users – US!

This 5 year project will be costly. Funds go directly to basic operational costs such as GPS instruments, gear amendments and repair, GIS software, Non-Profit fees, as well as everyday expenditures such as gas, batteries, etc. The project goal is set low and will not cover the entire cost of this 5 year project. It is merely the beginning. Please continue to donate past the goal as this will make fundraising efforts later down the line less cumbersome and possibly not needed at all.

Sierra Mapping Project is by the public for the public. The knowledge and information of our trail systems should be free. That’s why I’ve decided to provide my findings at no cost, despite the heavy amount of energy, time, and money involved in a project of this magnitude. This project is for you!

Enjoy and please donate to this worthwhile cause.  Click here to support this project on Kickstarter.