A typical road map can show you the fastest way from point A to point B. A Butler Map will quickly show you the best, most dramatic way from point A to point B.

While we do everything we can to absorb rising costs affiliated with our affiliates, there is still a material increase with everything nowadays. In addition, there is a tremendous amount of effort and expense that goes into making a Butler Map. We do believe that the product value you receive for that the amount of information packed into each map continues to make them a great value!

We strive to update our maps once every 8-12 months depending on the series. The BDR and Adventure lines require updates more often given the amount of content that is always changing (dirt road status changes far more often that paved). Our G1 and Experience series reprint every 12 months or so depending on inventory levels. We always print small press runs so our maps stay relevant and accurate.

Please check out video, What is a Butler Map, and How Butler Maps Ranks Roads, for more information on this topic. In a nutshell, we have a broad spectrum Utility patent on how we capture information to disseminate onto a map. Much of this work requires 'in-field' data collection from our scouts who literally ride every paved road in that state or region. Some of our maps have over 50,000 miles of cumulative riding that has been done! Once we have the data collected (in-house proprietary app), we send all that info (in the form of GPS coordinates that relate to that exact segment of road where one of our scouts has deemed meets the criteria on our rating system), to our cartographers where they drop the layers and colors onto that map. Finally, after numerous other details have been curated, added and edited, we print them on a large scale printer using a German material that is tear resistant and waterproof called HopSyn.

We're always looking for new scouts to join the team. If you're truly interested in becoming a Butler Scout, we can definitely help you out here. We have a program called RDAP (Rider Data Acquisition Program) where we train riders to learn how to rate roads. This isn't putting people on the moon or curing cancer--it's a relatively easy process that can be fun and rewarding. Please drop us an email at info@butlermaps.com for more information.

Great question! This is a substrate called HopSyn that we get from Germany. It is extremely durable, as you may have noticed if you have used one of our products in the past. It is tear resistant and totally waterproof and you can fold oodles and oodles of times without perforating and tearing at the edges. We have customers that are still using their first edition Butler Maps from 15 years ago!

Scott Calhoun, one of the founders of the company, used to fly airplanes and came up with the term 'G1' as in the 'Gold Standard' or highest level, rating, assessment, etc. So, the term G1 essentially means the best of the best when it comes to paved roads in that given state, area or region.

The G1 Series line of maps fundamentally focus on the best paved segments of road in each state, area or region. Years ago, we added a subordinate layer of data on our G1 Series maps called 'Recommended Dirt Roads'. This layer of information is extremely useful if you like to hopscotch between the best tarmac and the best dirt when you're out exploring. Both our BDR Series and Adventure Series lines focus predominately on dirt--the BDR showcases one single amazing dirt route across a state or multi-state area whereas the Adventure Series highlights what we consider the best most iconic dirt thoroughfares in that given state or area, not just one single route.

These colors are part of our broad spectrum utility patent--a really cool way that we can differentiate between different types of road criteria (road undulation/twisties, elevation change, scenery and peril) on a map (check out our video, How Butler Maps Ranks Roads for more info on this). Yellow (gold-G1) literally means the 'Gold Standard' or the best of the best in that state, be it tarmac or dirt. Red (G2) is our mid tier rating which are superbly outstanding roads and finally orange (G3) are our lowest level of rating we give to a road, however, don't let that fool you, G3 roads are still amongst the best paved or dirt sections of byway in North America.

Glad you asked! PMT or 'Paved Mountain Trail' is a unique type of paved road (loosely speaking, of course) experience that we have highlighted on many of our G1 Series maps. These roads, characteristically extremely narrow, can sometimes be 8-10 feet wide and only have the occasional turnout to let others pass. We have identified over 400 of them within the Pacific Northwest alone. Imagine a golf cart path extending for 20-50 miles into the forest for no apparent reason and you have yourself a 'PMT' road. There is a caveat with many of these though, they can be inherently rough as they typically don't receive much attention. If you have a bike that can handle the rough stuff, you definitely want to search these out next time you plan a trip!

Lost Highway's are amongst our most obscure types of roads that we've discovered throughout the years of exploration. One of the founding members of the company ended up noticing that there were several unique roads that seemed to be 'lost in time'. This is the description we use for them on our maps: Beyond high mountain passes and plunging canyons are roads that reach out into the horizon and unknown beyond. The faded paint of a centerline, the crumbling shoulder are all that remains of these byways that seem lost in time. Void of the trappings of modern life, they provide a motorcycling experience as unique as the untouched landscapes they divide.

Recommended Dirt Roads, also referred to as Dual Sport Adventure Roads on some of our titles, are an added resource to our popular G1 Series lineup. We noticed that while most of our G1 customers ride tarmac, there was a growing number that hopscotch between choice pavement and iconic dirt backcountry byways. We elected to find 40-60 of the best of them in that respective state and added them to the map for your continued exploration. These aren't singletrack trails or goat trails, rather they are largely comprised of graded gravel and hardpack--perfectly suited for those larger adventure bikes! Make sure you read the disclaimer on our maps as the condition of any dirt road is always changing. While we try our best to ensure the most accurate and up to date information, even a simple rain storm can drastically alter the condition of even a freshly graded road.

No way! We've have a ton of other useful information on these awesome maps. For example, we noticed that while most of our G1 customers ride tarmac, there was a growing number that hopscotch between choice pavement and iconic dirt backcountry byways. We elected to find 40-60 of the best of them in that respective state and added them to the map for your continued exploration! In addition, we have roads that we call PMTs or Paved Mountain Trails as well as Lost Highways that are sure to meet your expectations. You can learn more about each one of these cool experiences within this FAQ section or on each map.

Some of our customers have wondered why we don't have any current ratings for eastern Colorado as well as why we elected to put many of our inset boxes over the top of a third of the state on our G1 and Adventure Series maps.
There are two reasons, the first of which we can't get around - given the fact that Colorado is such a motorcycle riding mecca and there is so much content, it was impossible to highlight everything to the high level of detail that we use and still have it all fit on the map. Something had to give and unfortunately, this section of the state was it. The second reason we don't currently have any rated roads in the far eastern part of the state is because we are still currently mapping numerous other places in the US. There will be a day when this section of the state is also ridden and rated but that is probably still a couple years away.

Butler maps has a unique patented system of rating roads based upon their drama and excitement. In 2008 we invented a rating system (please see our video, How Butler Maps Ranks Roads for more information) which essentially quantifies the level of drama experienced on any single road by any type of vehicle. This drama could be distilled down into four separate criteria--road twistiness or undulation, elevation change, scenery and peril. The more of this criteria, the better the road and experience. We literally ride every single paved road in the country! Of course, this is no small feat and that's why it takes a while to come out with new maps. Some of our maps have over 60,000 miles of cumulative riding before we can begin the design and layout process.

We have identified nine (9) types of roads and riding experiences throughout our years of mapping. They are as follows:

G3, G2 and G1: these are the fundamental ratings incorporated all throughout our G1 series map line. These three ratings showcase the best paved miles of road segments within each state, area or region.

PMTs or Paved Mountain Trails:
We have more detail into these unique experiences in other areas on our FAQ section. Essentially, these are super narrow paved roads that we found throughout many places in the United States and they can also be rated G3, G2 and G1.

Recommended Dirt Roads:
We have more detail into these unique experiences in other areas on our FAQ section. Essentially, these are big-bike friendly backcountry dirt roads that can be remarkable and iconic experiences.

Lost highways:
We have more detail into these unique experiences in other areas on our FAQ section. Essentially, these are lonely highways that have crumbling shoulders or faded center lines that seem to be lost in time.

The BDR Series was one of the first lines of maps we produced back in 2011. These maps feature one iconic route across a state or region that is predominately dirt. We have a ton of information piled into every one of these maps and you can download the route tracks for free on the BDR website at www.rideBDR.com.

The Adventure Series map line is one of our newest lines of maps debuting in 2024. These maps showcase what we would consider all the best dirt roads in that given state, color-coded for easy reference to get an expectation of what type of adventure you want to enjoy. These maps work seamlessly with our BDR and G1 Series to deliver a complete resource for both planning and navigation when you journey outside.

No. These are separate resources and the maps fundamentally showcase different things. Adding a BDR route to an Adventure Series map would potentially create confusion and add a bit too much information to an already full product. We do have these maps for sale as a discounted combo package.

There is an inherent subjectivity to rating roads, be it tarmac or dirt. Paved roads don't necessarily change as much as dirt roads do. Any given rainstorm can drastically alter the composition of the road and the riding experienceo on a dirt road. It's for that reason that we had to develop a new rating system, or rather we call it an 'expectation system' to take an assessment of these routes. Since every riders abilities are different, it is challenging to distill out the level of subjectivity when it comes to dirt roads. One person may consider a road easy and another might find that same road extremely challenging. Our rating system for the Adventure Series maps takes into consideration numerous different road criteria like ledges, rocks, sand, high alpine riding, etc to give the rider a general feeling of what they can expect before they embark on that journey. This, in addition to descriptive sections to explain the routes, significantly aid in giving you the confidence that's needed to make a decision on where to go explore!

Not necessarily. Since every riders abilities are different, it is challenging to distill out the level of subjectivity when it comes to dirt roads. One person may consider a road easy and another might find that same road extremely challenging. Our rating system for the Adventure Series maps takes into consideration numerous different road criteria like ledges, rocks, sand, high alpine riding, etc to give the rider a general feeling of what they can expect before they embark on that journey. This, in addition to descriptive sections to explain the routes, significantly aid in giving you the confidence that's needed to make a decision on where to go explore!

We color code the routes on our Adventure Series maps based upon their level of coolness and unforgettableness, not riding difficulty. Every single route has both a descriptive text as well as numerous icons to give you an idea of what type of experience you're about to embark on. If you're looking for an easier route, you might consider opting for rides that have fewer icons associated with them. This, in conjunction with a bit of quick due diligence, will greatly help in finding a ride that is within your skill level. It's always important to remember that the complexion of a dirt road can change in a moments notice. Even a single rain storm can alter a freshly graded road into a chaotic mess, so make sure you cover your bases before you begin your journey.

The BDR Series was one of the first lines of maps we produced back in 2011. These maps feature one iconic route across a state or region that is predominately dirt. We have a ton of information piled into every one of these maps and you can download the route tracks for free on the BDR website at www.rideBDR.com.

The Adventure Series map line is one of our newest lines of maps debuting in 2024. These maps showcase what we would consider all the best dirt roads in that given state, color-coded for easy reference to get an expectation of what type of adventure you want to enjoy. These maps work seamlessly with our BDR and G1 Series to deliver a complete resource for both planning and navigation when you journey outside.

The BDR series of maps are managed and produced by BDR so it is up to their discretion as to how often they choose to update and reprint this series. Rest assured we provide them the best cartography data each time so you keep on exploring the backcountry!

The BDR is now on the 13th route and each one has their own unique aspects. They range from moderately easy to intermittently challenging all the way up to expert only sections. Thankfully, our maps give a detailed description and location where all of these sections are located so that none catch you by surprise. The Mid-Atlantic BDR and Idaho BDR tend to be a bit more moderate in nature and good starter experiences. Arizona, Southern California and Northern California BDR routes tend to be a bit more challenging in nature given the amount of sand.

Absolutely, and we are big proponents of smaller displacement bikes when journeying out into the backcountry. Large adventure bikes, while they have their value and can carry a ton of gear, can be a nightmare when the going gets tough and the road gets washed out or sandy. Trying to lug a 600 pound, fully loaded adventure bike around on a nasty fire road is definitely type 2 fun for only a small amount of people! Each one of our BDR maps show distances between fuel to give you the confidence you need to have a great experience without running out of gas on smaller tank machines.

Our Experience Series is the newest in the lineup. These map differ from our other lines in that they are less motorcycle-centric in nature and a bit more 'by any means'. Each map features one paved road experience that is unique and will assuredly make for an awesome adventure. Think of popular journeys like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66 and Natchez Trace along with lesser known thoroughfares like the Old Airmail route, Antebellum Trail and the Sandhill Journey. Each one of these maps are chock full of our recommendations as to the best lodges, overlooks, POIs and other 'don't miss' items to add to your adventure!

While we have our humble roots entrenched in the motorcycle and powersports industry, we recognized early on that many people who don't necessarily ride motorcycles still enjoy using our maps. There is nothing we do that omits other industry demographics from benefiting from the ample information he have hosted on our products. The Experience Series line allows anybody, with any type of vehicle, to get out and experience these awesome roads be it on two wheels, four or twelve.

Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order. Once your order is fulfilled, you will receive an email notification with your tracking information. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the case of returns.

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. Please note that international shipping times vary greatly, and change frequently. If you are ordering a map for a planned ride, please visit a local dealer to purchase, or call us at 877-379-6053 to receive expedited shipping to meet your deadline.

If you decide you do not like your map and wish to return it we offer a 14-Day money-back guarantee of your purchase price. You must contact us within 14 days expressing your desire to return the item. You are responsible for shipping the item(s) back to us at your own expense. All items must be unused and in new condition. If we cannot re-sell the item due to noticeable use, we will be unable to accept your return.

Non-returnable items:

• Gift cards
• Apparel 
• Personalized Items

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item and whether or not it was approval or denied. If you are approved, you will be notified by email and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment within a 7 days. If you do not see your refund on your account statement after 7 days, please contact us at info@butlermaps.com.