How to Read a Topographic Map

A topographic map shows the shape of the land, not just the roads. Once you can read its contour lines, you can see hills, valleys, ridges and cliffs before you ever reach the trailhead.

Video: “How to Read a Topo Map” by REI, via YouTube.

What to look for

• Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. Lines close together mean steep ground; lines far apart mean gentle ground.
• Contour interval is the change in elevation between lines. You will find it in the map margin.
• Scale tells you how map distance matches real distance.
• The legend explains the symbols for trails, water, buildings and vegetation.

Get a map for your next trip

We carry USGS topographic quadrangles for Arizona and beyond, such as the Grand Canyon 7.5' quadrangle. Browse all topographic maps.