Hiking Apps

Find Those Hidden Trails

Overview

Hikers may want to bring along their iPhone for the next big adventure into the wilderness. There are some fantastic hiking apps and many of them can be used offline. You may want to invest in a waterproof iPhone case if you are a frequent hiker. We compare the best hiking apps in this AppGuide.

Essential Apps

• $19.99

  Gaia GPS - Offline Topo Maps and GPS Tracker

  by TrailBehind

  Hikers search for trails high and low. Often times, hikers find themselves in areas where any connection from their iPhone is almost impossible. Gaia GPS allows users to download maps so you aren't lost when you don't have an internet connection on a hike. The app includes topographic and road maps available in the United States and Canada. Other features included are the abilities to record track and take geo-tagged photos. Search for waypoints and back up those waypoints to the GaiaCloud. You can even customize all aspects of the app such as units, coordinate types, color, and sounds.

• Free

  Columbia’s GPS PAL™

  by Columbia Sportswear Co.

  Another great app that we consider to be essential for hikers is Columbia's GPS PAL. This app is ideal for preserving memorable experiences while hiking. Not only can you set notes to tag your favorite spots, you can also use videos or photos to do so. This app will track and store your route, distance, time, and elevation by default. You can also rate events, share your adventures through multiple social networks, and save paths for later. Create an online account at gpspal.columbia.com for more useful features.

• $1.99

  Point de Vue

  by Sen:te

  So maybe you are someone that likes hiking in higher places. If you are, then look no further than Point de Vue. This great app can give you all of the information that you need about mountains around you, including their elevation, distance, and summit. This is especially useful when you are trying to see where the summit of a mountain is, but can’t due to fog or other bad weather. At just $1.99, this app is a steal for what you get, and is easily a must have for any mountain climber.

Notable Apps

• $3.99

  EveryTrail Pro

  by GlobalMotion Media, Inc

  EveryTrail Pro is a lower cost alternative to Gaia GPS. You can take both pictures and video along your hike to remember your adventure. Packed into this app are over 400,000 hikes. EveryTrail Pro is both intuitive and powerful. There are little things like audio notes for different POIs you arrive at to guide you beyond what other apps could.

• Free

  AllTrails Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails, GPS Tracker, & Offline Topo Maps

  by AllTrails, Inc.

  AllTrails is an incredibly useful app to find new hiking trails. You don’t get the actual trail maps, but this free app will help you find some cool hiking spots. Each find will show you the rating, distance, elevation, route type, reviews, and a few more odds and ends. We have found some great trails using this app. For many people, this may be the only hiking app you need.

• Free

  MapMyHike GPS Hiking

  by MapMyFitness

  If you simply want a free way to track your hikes, then iMapMyHike is for you. This simple app just tracks and logs your hikes. There is not too much to this app. It is simple and it works. It may be just what you are looking for if you aren't the type to worry about elevation or topographic maps.

Decent Apps

• Free

  Trails

  by Demand Media, Inc.

  Trails is an okay alternative to the AllTrails app. With a paid subscription, you can have access to trail maps, something not included with AllTrails. We found that AllTrails was more user-friendly in the end. It should also be noted that paid subscribers are now being bombarded by ads within this app.

• $0.99

  MotionX GPS

  by MotionX™

  MotionX GPS is a very popular app for the outdoor enthusiasts. The app allows you to download free maps that include road maps, terrain maps, and even marine charts. While this is a great app, we don't think it is as in-depth for hikers as some of the other apps listed are.

Other Apps