NM Maps and Guidebooks Coming Soon

A landmark initiative is under way to capture highly accurate center-line and trail services data on the CDT. Over the course of this three year project, we will capture an accurate “center-line” for the Trail that will be used for detailed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and the creation of public information materials.

The main goal of this project is to gather and provide Trail information to the public. As we continue to see usage of the CDT increase, there is increased demand for consistent and accurate information. Because the previous CDT guidebook series was published nearly ten years ago, and with the hundreds of miles of trail changes since that time, the need for updated publications is clear. In addition, we will collect information regarding the services located in trail towns along the CDT route, as well as accurate data about trail access points. This information will then be used to produce a data book, map book, and companion guide book for the CDT as each state is completed, and upon completion of the entire Trail, we will begin work on a new series of Trail guide books.

CDTA has hired Jerry Brown, a veteran GIS expert to lead the data collection. Jerry has previously mapped the 500 mile-long Colorado Trail and authored the Colorado Trail Foundation Data Book and Map Guide, as well as several other trail guidebooks. Once completed, the mapping project will enable CDTA to provide highly-valuable trail information to the public and to our agency partners.

We are working with Big Earth Publishing of Boulder, Colorado, our current guidebook publisher, to produce our publications with both hard copy printing and print on demand services so that as changes occur to the trail route, we will be able to quickly update our publications and information to the public.

During the 2010 field season, we hope to complete New Mexico. With the completion of New Mexico, we anticipate publication of a new data book and map guide to be ready for the 2011 season. A CDT Companion guide will detail the services available along the CDT trail route, access points and other pertinent hiking information, and will be produced as each state is completed.