Modern technology has made hiking a whole lot easier and safer, especially when it comes to navigation. Gone are the days when hikers had to rely solely on paper maps and compasses—though these are still essential tools for any serious adventurer. Today, a wide variety of hiking apps are available to help you discover new trails, track your progress, navigate through tough terrain, and even share your journey with others. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a complete beginner, having the right app can make a significant difference in your hiking experience.
This article explores some of the best hiking apps available today for trail navigation. These apps come with features that provide up-to-date trail maps, GPS tracking, offline navigation, and plenty of community-driven insights to make your hikes safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
1. AllTrails: Your All-In-One Trail Companion
AllTrails is one of the most popular hiking apps out there—and for good reason. It offers an extensive database of over 400,000 trails worldwide, which includes detailed maps, elevation profiles, and user reviews. With AllTrails, you can easily find trails suited to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a challenging backcountry trek or a simple day hike.
AllTrails allows you to filter trails based on difficulty, length, dog-friendliness, and more, making it easy to find the perfect hike. Its GPS tracking feature helps you stay on course and monitor your progress in real-time, ensuring you’re always aware of your location. Additionally, you can download maps for offline use, a feature that’s crucial when hiking in areas without cell service.
A unique aspect of AllTrails is its community-driven approach—users leave reviews and post photos, providing valuable insights on trail conditions, challenges, and points of interest. This makes it easier to anticipate what to expect and plan your adventure accordingly.
2. Gaia GPS: Navigation for the Adventurer
Gaia GPS is an app that’s well-loved by experienced hikers, backpackers, and even mountaineers. It provides detailed topographic maps, satellite imagery, and multiple layers of geographic information, making it an excellent choice for those who like to get off the beaten path.
Gaia GPS shines when it comes to offline navigation. You can download maps to use even in the most remote locations, which is critical for multi-day hikes in areas without cell coverage. The app also allows you to track your hike in real-time, mark waypoints, and record essential information like elevation gain, distance traveled, and estimated times of arrival.
For hikers who crave adventure, Gaia GPS offers a level of detail that’s hard to beat. You can overlay maps with different information—such as land ownership data, public trails, and weather conditions—which makes planning your route easier and more informed. While the premium version does come with a price, the wealth of information and customization options makes it worth the investment for dedicated hikers.
3. Komoot: Plan, Navigate, and Conquer Trails
Komoot is another powerful app that is gaining traction among hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. What sets Komoot apart is its focus on planning your adventure before you hit the trail. You can create custom routes based on the type of activity, your fitness level, and even surface preferences—whether it’s dirt trails, gravel paths, or paved roads.
Komoot’s turn-by-turn voice navigation is one of its standout features, which is particularly helpful for those who don’t want to stop and constantly check their phones while hiking. The app also provides detailed offline maps, meaning you’ll be well-equipped even if your journey takes you deep into the wilderness where signal is nonexistent.
The community aspect is also a big part of Komoot. Users share their completed routes, tips, and photos, which can provide inspiration and useful information for planning your hikes. Komoot also integrates seamlessly with other devices, including smartwatches, which is convenient for those who like to keep their phone in their pack during hikes.
4. Cairn: Your Safety First
Cairn is an app that prioritizes safety, making it perfect for solo hikers or those heading into remote regions. Cairn helps you determine where you can expect to have cell service on your route by gathering information from other users who have previously completed the trail. This allows you to plan rest stops where you can check in with loved ones.
One of the standout features of Cairn is its ability to share your location and expected return time with family or friends. If you’re overdue, the app will send a notification to your emergency contacts. This added safety layer can make all the difference in an emergency, providing peace of mind to both you and those waiting for your safe return.
Additionally, Cairn provides downloadable maps and tracks your route so you can always know where you are in real-time, even if cell service is unavailable. It’s a great choice for those who want to feel more secure while hiking in less-frequented areas.
5. Avenza Maps: Offline Topographic Maps for Every Adventure
Avenza Maps is an app designed for those who value offline navigation and the accuracy of professional-grade maps. Avenza uses maps that are sourced from various publishers, including National Geographic and the U.S. Geological Survey, making it an ideal option for hikers who want detailed and reliable topographic information.
With Avenza Maps, you can download maps for offline use, track your GPS location on these maps, and drop pins to mark important spots. It’s particularly useful for areas where traditional trail maps may not be sufficient, and for those who want an extra layer of detail to help navigate challenging terrain.
Though the app is free to use, some of the maps available for download do come at an extra cost. However, the variety and quality of the maps offered make it a favorite among those who venture into more remote and less-charted territories.
6. PeakFinder: Identify the Mountains Around You
PeakFinder isn’t necessarily a navigation app, but it’s a great companion for those who enjoy knowing more about their surroundings. As the name suggests, PeakFinder helps you identify mountain peaks in your vicinity using your phone’s camera. This can add a fun and educational aspect to your hikes, allowing you to learn more about the mountains you see in the distance.
The app works offline, making it perfect for hikes where cell service is unreliable. Simply point your phone towards the horizon, and PeakFinder will display the names and elevations of the visible peaks. It’s an excellent addition for those who are curious about the geography of the regions they’re exploring and want to enhance their experience by learning more about the landscape.
7. Maps.me: Global Offline Maps for the Budget-Conscious Hiker
Maps.me is a solid choice for hikers who are looking for a budget-friendly option. This app provides access to detailed offline maps for free, making it a valuable tool for hikers who need navigation without breaking the bank. The maps are community-driven, and the app allows users to download them for use even when there’s no cell signal available.
While Maps.me might not have all the features of more specialized hiking apps, such as detailed elevation profiles or trail condition reports, it still offers GPS tracking, turn-by-turn navigation, and points of interest, such as campsites and trailheads. This makes it a great app for casual hikers who want straightforward navigation without any extra costs.
8. Outdooractive: A Versatile Option for All Outdoor Adventures
Outdooractive is a versatile app that caters to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and trail runners to cyclists and mountaineers. The app provides detailed maps, including topographic and satellite views, and has a database of thousands of trails worldwide. It offers route planning, offline maps, and the ability to track your hike in real-time.
One of the best features of Outdooractive is its route planner, which allows you to create customized routes tailored to your preferences. Whether you want to avoid steep climbs or find the most scenic route, the planner gives you the flexibility to design a hike that matches your needs.
Outdooractive also integrates with smartwatches, allowing you to keep track of your hike without constantly reaching for your phone. With community reviews, photos, and tips, it’s a comprehensive app that offers everything you need for an enjoyable hiking experience.
Choosing the Right App for You
With so many great hiking apps available, choosing the right one depends largely on your personal needs and preferences. If you’re a casual hiker looking for easy trail discovery and community insights, AllTrails is an excellent choice. For those who crave detailed maps and offline navigation in remote areas, Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps are ideal options. If safety is your primary concern, Cairn is perfect for keeping you connected. And for budget-conscious hikers, Maps.me provides valuable offline navigation at no cost.
No matter which app you choose, remember that technology can fail. Always bring a paper map and a compass as backups and understand the basics of using them. Hiking with the support of modern technology is incredibly rewarding, but the key to a safe adventure is to be prepared for every scenario—even those without a GPS signal.
Happy hiking, and may you always find your way!
