Driving When GPS is Down: Route Planning & Emergency Travel Guide

Modern navigation relies heavily on GPS and mobile technology, but what happens when your phone dies, you lose service, or a system-wide failure occurs? Whether you’re overlanding in the backcountry, escaping an emergency, or navigating an off-road adventure, having a detailed navigation plan is a must. In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps to create a comprehensive, offline-ready navigation system to ensure you and your family always know where to go—no matter what.

Before we begin, it’s important to clarify that this guide focuses on situations where phone-based GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze are unavailable. This is not the same as using a standalone GPS unit like a Garmin. Even with those, many people do not know how to navigate solely with a vehicle GPS device, so these techniques apply regardless of the tool used.

Step 1: Pre-Planning Routes for Any Situation

A well-thought-out navigation plan doesn’t start when you’re lost—it starts before you leave. The key to successful off-road travel and emergency preparedness is creating a multi-layered route strategy that takes into account primary paths, alternatives, and emergency contingencies.

The Three-Tiered Route System

1. Primary Route – Your ideal, direct path to your destination, based on the best available data.

2. Bailout Points – Pre-determined locations along your route where you can switch paths if needed.

3. Plan B Routes – Secondary and tertiary routes in case the primary path is blocked, dangerous, or congested.

How to Pick the Best Routes

Not all roads are created equal, and in an off-road or emergency scenario, choosing the right path can make or break your journey. Avoid common traffic bottlenecks and congested areas by selecting lesser-known but reliable routes.

How to Research and Verify Routes Before You Travel

1. Use Satellite Imagery & Topographical Maps

   • Open Google Earth, GAIA GPS, or Caltopo and locate your area of travel.

   • Identify roads that are lightly trafficked, remote, and provide multiple exit options.

   • Look for terrain features like valleys, ridgelines, and river crossings that may affect usability.

2. Check Road Type and Surface Condition

   • Paved Roads – Usually most reliable but can be congested in an emergency.

   • Gravel or Dirt Roads – Typically lower traffic, but check for washouts or seasonal closures.

   • Logging & Utility Roads – Often drivable but may be gated; verify access beforehand.

   • Private & Railroad Access Roads – Can be an option in emergencies, but legality varies.

3. Cross-Reference with Local & State Agencies

   • Contact the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or County Road Departments for updated road conditions.

   • Use state-provided motor vehicle use maps for national forests, state parks, and public lands to find additional routes.

4. Physically Drive & Test Your Routes in Advance

   • Record GPS Coordinates – Mark key intersections, fuel stops, and bailout points.

   • Assess Road Hazards – Note washed-out areas, steep terrain, or areas prone to flooding.

   • Identify Landmarks – Major structures, unique rock formations, or significant trees can serve as visual markers in case digital maps fail.

     
     

🔹 Pro Tip: Always carry bolt cutters in case critical access points are gated during an emergency. Ensure you understand local laws regarding trespassing.

Daily Practice Exercise: Navigating Without GPS Apps

One of the best ways to improve your navigation skills is to incorporate map-only navigation into your daily life. Next time you visit a new place (such as a sightseeing location or a new restaurant), pre-plan your route using a paper map or a printed map from an online source. Follow your planned route without using Google Maps, Waze, or a GPS app. This builds confidence in using maps and reinforces your ability to think ahead.

Step 2: Setting Up Emergency Meeting Points

Having designated emergency meeting locations ensures that even if communication fails, your group has a reliable way to reunite.

How to Choose Effective Meeting Points

1. Visibility & Recognition

   • Choose obvious landmarks like a ranger station, a large boulder, or a bridge crossing.

   • Avoid locations that could become congested, like main intersections or gas stations.

2. Multiple Access Routes

   • Ensure meeting points have at least two or more access roads in case one becomes blocked.

   • Consider terrain: avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding or steep inclines that could be impassable in bad weather.

3. Seclusion & Security

   • Avoid locations that could attract large crowds or looters in a disaster scenario.

   • Rural areas, backcountry campsites, or isolated trailheads make better choices than gas stations or rest stops.

4. Marking the Meeting Point on a Topo Map

   • If each group member has a different type of map, make sure the meeting point is clearly marked on a topographical map so it can be identified across different mapping sources.

     
     

Step 3: Navigating Without GPS

How to Use Terrain Features to Navigate

1. Using Linear Features to Find Direction

   • Power Lines: Follow them in remote areas; they often lead to maintenance roads or towns.

   • Fences: In rural areas, fences typically outline property and lead to roads or farmhouses.

   • Railways: Following a railway can lead to a town or supply station.

     
     

Step 4: Essential Backup Navigation Tools

Satellite Communication Devices & Their Pros & Cons

• Garmin InReach – Best for two-way messaging and SOS alerts.

• Spot X & Zoleo – Lower-cost alternatives for satellite texting.

• Starlink – Provides satellite internet but requires power and clear sky access.

Pros of Satellite Communicators:

✅ Works anywhere with a clear sky.

✅ Allows emergency SOS and messaging.

✅ Long battery life (depending on device).

Cons:

❌ Requires an unobstructed view of the sky – Trees, buildings, or terrain can block signals.

❌ Slow to update position – Some devices take several minutes to send or receive data, making real-time tracking difficult.

❌ Difficult to use in a moving vehicle – Many satellite messengers require a stationary position to function properly.

❌ Subscription fees can be costly.

🔹 Pro Tip: Carry at least two types of navigation backups to ensure redundancy.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Navigation Skills

Being self-reliant in navigation is a game-changer. Whether you’re an overlander, survivalist, or emergency prepper, mastering off-road navigation ensures safety, confidence, and independence.

Start today: Download offline maps, print your routes, and get outside to practice!