The New AAA Maps

If you're like me, then you're a AAA member more for the maps than for roadside assistance. I'll bet I go through 50 - 100 AAA maps per year as I plan and ride my various motorcycle excursions. Maps like these usually cost $2-3 at the store, which makes AAA's $50 per year membership fee a real bargain for me. If you're not a AAA member, I suggest you join for the maps alone.

For the last couple of years, AAA has been in the process of converting to computerized mapping and has been revising its mapping system for California in the process. They should finish next year. You'll then be able to have comprehensive, detailed coverage of the entire state, at three different scales in a set of twelve maps: the California State map; a set of five section maps covering the entire state; and a set of six regional maps or guides covering frequently visited areas in even more detail.

Following is a breakdown of the section and regional map series as they exist at this point in the transition to the new system (which is being phased in as new maps are produced) and in their projected final configuration.

Section Maps

These "intermediate" maps are the ones I use most while riding because of their good balance of detail and broad coverage.

Current Set (six maps): Northern California Section; Bay and Mountain Section; Coast and Valley Section; Sequoia; Death Valley and Lake Mead; Southern California Section.

 

Final Set (five maps): Northern California Section; Bay and Mountain Section; Coast and Valley Section; Death Valley and Southern Nevada Section; Southern California Section.

Regional Maps and Guides

More detail which is helpful in finding those "unknown" roads and negotiating more densely settled areas. The "guides" include additional information about sights, attractions and accommodations.

Current Set (five maps or guides): Mendocino and Sonoma Coast Region; San Francisco Bay Region; Monterey Bay Region; Sacramento Valley; Yosemite Region Guide.

 

Final Set (six maps): Mendocino and Sonoma Coast Region; San Francisco Bay Region; Monterey Bay Region; Gold Country Region; Lake Tahoe Region Guide; Yosemite Region Guide.

County Maps

County maps are being discontinued as the new section and regional maps appear. Only the following County maps are currently available: Fresno/Kings; Madera/Mariposa/Merced; San Joaquin/Stanislaus; Solano/Yolo.

So, to get current, comprehensive coverage for all of California, go to your local AAA office and ask for a California state map, the current set of section maps, the current set of regional maps/guides and the four remaining County maps listed above (16 maps total). Then, over the next year or so, AAA will complete their transition and your California map set will consist of the California state map, the final set of section maps and the final set of regional maps/guides listed above (12 maps).

AAA allows you to get two copies of each map per visit.

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Revised 11/29/97