Allison,

I noticed you recommended buying topo maps. I'd suggest getting the online version of Topo!Explorer at www.topo.com .

Each superquad costs $1.00, but you only buy the ones you need. Once you buy one, it's yours forever. I think the program comes with credit for 25 quads.

It's a little difficult to use, but it's like having a huge map on a table and you just print the little part you need. And they are never out of maps the week you want to go someplace.

The maps can give elevation profiles, download GPS waypoints to your GPS and a lot of other neat things. You can also see satellite pictures of the terrain.

For those who hike in one state, it's cheaper to buy the CD version for your state.