Website of the Week: Boulder Map Gallery
When I get ready for a backpacking trip, the preparation starts well before. With the exception of my quilt, all most of my gear is pre-packed and ready to go, I already have an ample of supply of food in the house suitable for backpacking (cous cous, turkey sticks, cheese, wraps, oatmeal and so on) and can quickly pack my food without having to go to the grocery store.
And of course I pore over my map collection, and in conjunction with online resources such as Summit Post or ProTrails, I pick out a route for my planned trip.
When I do not have the appropriate map, I head over to the Boulder Map Gallery.
Formerly in downtown Boulder, the Boulder Map gallery has recently moved to an easier to access south Boulder location with ample and easy parking. As a bonus, the store is now in the same plaza as other places convenient for last minute trip essentials: Food, Gear and Beer. 🙂
Because they have so many maps for not only western hiking destinations, but also for international destinations. The Boulder Map Gallery also stocks Delomore Gazetteers and Benchmark atlases for navigation on BLM and USFS roads when getting to the trailhead. In stock are also old school 7.5 topos if you need more detail for a route that extends beyond a typical 8”x11” print out. And if you want, say a poster map of the Colorado Front Range, the BMG has this type of item, too.
Though mainly a “brick and mortar” store, the BMG does have a website for orders and is also happy to take calls with any questions you may have.
The Boulder Map Gallery has been a frequent stop in my years of living in the Boulder area and I suspect it will continue to be a place I frequent. (I am proud to say I do wear out some of my more local maps, after all. 🙂 )