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Approach and Descent Trails

What are Approach and Descent Trails?
These mark the way from your car, trailhead, or another trail to the base of the climbing area or route. Descents are from the summit of a climb back to the base, or some other logical endpoint. Descents are most useful for alpine routes.
How do I add one?
On any area page, look for the 'Add to Page' link near the top right of the page.
Can I add more than one for an area?
Yes. You might do this if there is more than one popular approach to an area, or if you need to create multiple branches to different parts of an area.
Do I need a GPS to create one?
No, you can use a phone app, such as Motion GPS or even Google Maps to record a route. If you know it very well, you can also just 'draw' it on a map right on Mountain Project.
Can I use this to document a traverse climb or technical hike?
No. While similar, we don't want to make Approach or Descent trails confusing with technical routes.
What about complicated areas, overlaps, or multiple nearby areas?
Use a single trail to get to the general area, then create shorter branches to the neighboring areas.
Do these need to follow established trails?
While these do NOT need to follow established hiking trails, they should follow the most common, most SUSTAINABLE route to the area. Social trails and wandering climbers cause signficant damage.

Please check out the FAQ topics.

You can Contact Us if you still need help, but we have limited capacity to respond to everyone.
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