GMRS
Repeater directories and resources for General Mobile Radio Service
GMRS is a licensed two-way radio service that operates on UHF frequencies and supports repeater use, giving it significantly more range than FRS. An FCC GMRS license covers your entire immediate family and does not require an exam. These resources help you find GMRS repeaters along your route and connect with the GMRS community.
- myGMRS Web App — GMRS repeater directory and community. Search for GMRS repeaters by location to plan communication coverage for your trip. Includes repeater details, coverage maps, and community discussion.
- RepeaterBook Web App — Also includes GMRS repeater listings alongside its amateur radio database. Search by location to find GMRS repeaters in the area you are planning to travel.
- RadioReference Web — Includes GMRS frequency references and repeater information as part of its broader radio frequency database.
Emergency Best Practices
Channel 16 (462.675 MHz) is the GMRS emergency and calling channel. Monitor this channel whenever you are in the backcountry. Other GMRS users and many repeater operators monitor it. It works simplex (radio-to-radio) with no repeater required.
- Program Channel 16 (462.675 MHz) as a priority or scan channel on every GMRS radio you carry
- Before a trip, check myGMRS or RepeaterBook for GMRS repeaters along your route and program the nearest ones into your radio
- GMRS repeaters use specific input/output pairs — make sure your radio is set to the correct offset for repeater channels, not simplex mode, when trying to hit a repeater
- Test your radio before leaving the trailhead — a quick check-in on a local repeater or simplex channel confirms it is working
- Carry spare batteries — GMRS handhelds with higher wattage drain batteries quickly
- When calling for help, state your call sign, your location (coordinates if possible), the nature of the emergency, and the number of people involved — repeat periodically
- GMRS shares some frequencies with FRS (Family Radio Service) — FRS radios are limited to 2 watts and have no repeater capability, but someone with an FRS radio on an overlapping channel may hear you
National Calling and Emergency Channels
GMRS uses a set of designated channels. These are the key ones to know for emergencies and general coordination in the backcountry. Channel numbers below follow FCC standard numbering and may differ from your radio's factory preset labels.
- Channel 16 — 462.675 MHz — The designated GMRS emergency and calling channel. Use this to call for help or to make initial contact with other GMRS users. Monitor it when traveling.
- Channel 20 — 462.775 MHz — The unofficial road channel out West. People use it for travel chatter, checking conditions, hailing other drivers -- that kind of thing.
- Channels 15–22 (462.550–462.725 MHz) — The 8 primary GMRS simplex and repeater channels. Handhelds can transmit up to 5 watts on these channels, mobiles up to 50 watts. Repeater pairs for these channels use a +5 MHz offset.
- Channels 8–14 (467.5625–467.7125 MHz) — Repeater input-only frequencies. You typically do not need to program these manually — your radio handles the offset automatically when set to repeater mode.