The Importance of Geo-hiking Maps in Management of Geomorphosites of Iran, Case Study: Geomorphosite of Payam Pass

Geo-hiking tourism, which combines sport activities and appreciation of geological-geomorphological aspects of nature, is today one of the main recreational and economic activities among the markets which will experience a great increase in the near future. This paper presenting Payam Pass in northwest of Iran (38°17′05″-38°55′52″N and 45°46′13″-45°59′12″E) as a geomorphosite, illustrates a methodology to develop a thematic map, namely, the “geo-hiking map”. These maps emphasize the landscape elements that the tourist can recognize and observe, as well as the possible hazards. Payam Pass has a strong geo-hiking-tourism vacation merit (its spectacular high-mountain landscape, dense network of hiking tracks, springs, winter sports possibilities, country climate). Thus, the study area shows geomorphological hazard levels of mass wasting, snow and rock avalanches, and aggradational and deggradational activities of rivers. The results emphasize and propose for the people in charge and planners to provide the geo-hiking maps for all gomorphosites of Iran. This study could represent an important instrument for a responsible and safe utilities of high-mountain tourist areas.