This Land Is Your Land. Let's Explore It Together.
National Parks, Wilderness Areas, State Parks, and Other Public Lands in the United States
Explore Them Here
Why Maps Matter:
I use a GPS watch to find my location now and then, as necessary, but over
the course of a wilderness experience the map becomes part of me; part of my mind, an extension of my feelings, an understanding of place. With a map, I experience less stress and more nature.
I save my precious phone battery for photos and then hang my trail worn map on the wall, by those pictures, when I get home.
Scott at Frugal Navigator
Some of our favorites:
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone was our first "National Park" and created well before the National Park Service by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872.
Great Smoky Mountain NP
Great Smokey Mountains NP was created by Congressional charter in 1934 and officially dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1940.
Zion National Park
Born a National Monument in 1909, Zion became an official National Park in 1919 through Congressional re-designation and the signature of President Woodrow Wilson.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, already partially protected, was added as a National Park in 1916, when the park service was created.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado was established at the pen of President Wilson in 1915.
Topographic Maps for Hikers, Backpackers and Off-Trail Explorers
Frugal Navigator is the most comprehensive source for USGS Topographic Maps. We have small, medium and large scale topos to suit your every need.
This Public Land Explorer page will take you to a USGS quadrangle to which we have added a shaded relief layer to help the terrain pop right off the page, and a clear but subtle UTM grid that will pair perfectly with any gps device you happen to be carrying.
Please us our site to peruse our nation's beautiful public lands and find your path. You are welcome to use our images and search engines for planning or research. Once you've picked an area to explore on foot, consider dropping a couple maps in your cart and we promise you that the small investment will pay dividends in lower stress, a better understanding of your surroundings and even a sentimental souvenir complete with a coffee stain, blueberry compote, oatmeal residue - patina; sure to bring back all those wonderful memories.
Happy Trails To All You Frugal Navigators!