Grand Junction, Colo. (KKCO) - Even though your smart phone can do just about anything these days, it may not be the best tool you have for navigation when in the backcountry.

Emergency officials say your cell phone can't always give emergency teams your exact location if you’re in an emergency situation. Also when some phones lose service, the apps stop working.
One solution would be to carry a GPS Device with you when in back-country or remote locations.

"The GPS is going to give me the ability to call 911 and give them my exact location. The phone may not do that even though it's a smart phone and has GPS capabilities it may not give us that option at that time," says Tim Orr, with the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team.

Tyson Younger, of Summit Canyon Mountaineering says, "the most important part about any GPS electronic device, is knowing how to use it. A GPS is just a plastic box unless you know exactly what this stuff has going on."

Officials say before going out you want to make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Another good device to have with you is a satellite transmitter which can signal rescue teams with your location if you are in an emergency.