So how many people know what the are and what they mean? Figured we should have a post dedicated to them.
https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml
https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
- Thread starter Overland 505
- Start date
They're great. I used them a lot before downloading the Avenza Maps app for my phone. Now I use the digital versions of them and stitch them together in collections so they are all geo-referenced and automatically switches between pdfs without me having to hunt around. From what I gathered, MVUMs seem to be more of a California thing. I haven't found nearly as many of them in other states.
You can import these maps into Gaia but it takes a bit of effort and some additional software. PDF Maps is great for viewing but I do not like the tracking feature. I am trying to get Gaia to make these an available layer. If folks want to know the steps to convert the maps to usable tiles let me know.
And the original poster is correct. These are becoming the law of the land.
And the original poster is correct. These are becoming the law of the land.
Advocate III
These are new to me. Is their purpose to tell you which routes have seasonal restrictions?
Yes and which roads are no longer to be used and also what vehicles can use them. Some are width limited. Also where you can camp on the side of the road.
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Influencer II
The forest service does the same here in South Dakota so the trails can regrow. They remove them for a few years and then bring back a few that were dormant. Also they remove trails if they find endangered plants/animals near them. We lost a decent section of trails last year due to an endangered flower.
Influencer II
I use MVUMs along with Gaia when I head on trails. Each year in South Dakota, the MVUMs are updated so they are very accurate about trail openings and closings as well as hunting and restrictions.
I wish Gaia had a way to get the MVUMs into the app. I use Avenza to view the maps.
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I have suggested it in the past. I would encourage anyone who would like to see this to comment on this Reddit post on the Gaia support site.
Enthusiast III
I also use Avenza Maps. If you check out their store they have a large selection of MVUMs maps to download.
Benefactor
I used MVUMs for the first time this Fall. @BEAR and I did a trip through Mendocino National Forest and we had a set printed based on our route. At camp, we looked for different tracks that would join back to our planned course. We did make a wrong turn that quickly became the highlight of the trip.
Avenza changed and now charges $30 a year if you want to download more than 3 maps at a time.
Chad
Chad
What are you using Avanza on? I jus download 8 new ones on my iPhone. No problems. Free.
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Pathfinder II
I've not used Avanza but have really liked Offroad Atlas. It was only a buck when I got it and allows you to download unlimited MVUMs. The developer is great to work with and answers email in a few hours if you have any questions.
https://offroadatlas.org/
As some of you know... I have a bit of a sore spot when it comes to the issued MVUMs because the ones I've used in New Mexico are fairly inaccurate.
For example, the map shows a legal road, but the entrance has been blocked for years with a berm. Or, in other instances are some perfectly good trails that aren't on the map, but are obviously open for use (met forest rangers on them many times). So use them with a grain of salt! It makes it tough on us who want to tread lightly, and legally. Maybe it's just a New Mexico thing...
https://offroadatlas.org/
As some of you know... I have a bit of a sore spot when it comes to the issued MVUMs because the ones I've used in New Mexico are fairly inaccurate.
For example, the map shows a legal road, but the entrance has been blocked for years with a berm. Or, in other instances are some perfectly good trails that aren't on the map, but are obviously open for use (met forest rangers on them many times). So use them with a grain of salt! It makes it tough on us who want to tread lightly, and legally. Maybe it's just a New Mexico thing...
I have the latest version on my iPad and iPhone. Dunno.
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