Paid $50 for a "legit" shortcut trail map from a guy outside a trailhead in Colorado

The map was just sharpie on printer paper and the shortcut led straight to a dead end cliff. Has anyone else gotten scammed by trailhead map sellers?

3 comments

3 Comments

logan_mitchell1mo ago

That map sounds like a total ripoff. Real shortcut maps from legit sources usually have some kind of waterproof material or at least a lamination. But hey, at least you didn't pay more. Some of those guys charge $75 or more for the same garbage. Makes me wonder if the shortcut was actually a prank or if the guy just didn't know the area. Either way, sticking to official trail maps from the ranger station or REI is way safer. Next time, snap a photo of the map and the seller so you can warn other hikers on the forums here.

mary_nelson711mo ago

I used to think those trailhead guys were just locals selling helpful tips, but @logan_mitchell is right, after hearing stories like yours I'm never buying anything from one of them again.

drewr151mo ago

Real shortcut maps from legit sources usually have some kind of waterproof material" - yeah, well this one was on soggy printer paper with smudged pink pen lines. @logan_mitchell I once bought a "secret fishing spot" map from a guy at a gas station and it just led to a drainage ditch behind a Dennys. Least we got out of it with just wasted cash and not a broken ankle.