12 Best Hiking Apps to Download in 2025

15 Mar

12 Best Hiking Apps to Download in 2025

Hiking is an incredible way to connect with nature, stay fit, and explore breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner looking for new trails, having the right app can enhance your hiking experience. From navigation to weather forecasts and safety features, the best hiking apps provide essential tools for every adventure. Here are the 12 best hiking apps to download in 2025.

1. AllTrails

AllTrails remains a favorite among hikers, offering over 400,000 trails worldwide. It features detailed maps, elevation data, and user reviews. The premium version provides offline maps and real-time GPS tracking, ensuring you never lose your way.

In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing outdoor experiences, and few apps have revolutionized hiking quite like AllTrails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a casual weekend explorer, or a trail runner, AllTrails offers an unparalleled suite of features designed to make every outdoor adventure seamless, safe, and enjoyable. Let’s dive into what makes AllTrails the ultimate hiking companion.

What is AllTrails?

AllTrails is a comprehensive trail discovery and navigation app that provides access to over 400,000 trails worldwide. It helps users find, explore, and navigate trails suited to their skill levels and preferences. With detailed maps, user reviews, and offline capabilities, AllTrails ensures that outdoor enthusiasts stay on the right path—literally and figuratively.

Key Features of AllTrails

1. Extensive Trail Database

One of AllTrails’ biggest strengths is its vast collection of hiking, biking, and running trails. The app allows users to search for trails by location, difficulty, length, elevation gain, and route type, making it easy to find the perfect adventure.

2. Detailed Maps and GPS Navigation

AllTrails provides interactive maps with multiple layers, including topographic, satellite, and road maps. With real-time GPS tracking, hikers can follow their route and avoid getting lost, even in remote areas.

3. User Reviews and Photos

Before heading out, users can read reviews and view photos uploaded by fellow hikers. This helps in assessing trail conditions, scenic highlights, and any potential obstacles such as muddy paths or fallen trees.

4. Offline Maps for Premium Users

The AllTrails+ (premium) subscription unlocks the ability to download maps for offline use, a critical feature for hiking in areas with limited or no cell service.

5. Custom Trail Planning

AllTrails enables users to create custom routes by drawing paths on the map and setting waypoints. This feature is particularly useful for those looking to explore unmarked or less-traveled routes.

6. Trail Safety and Notifications

Hikers can share their live location with family or friends for safety. Additionally, the app offers alerts if users stray from their designated path, ensuring a safer hiking experience.

7. Integration with Fitness Apps

AllTrails seamlessly integrates with fitness apps like Apple Health, Strava, and Garmin, allowing users to track their hiking statistics, including distance covered, elevation gained, and calories burned.

Who Should Use AllTrails?

AllTrails is designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly nature walk, a challenging mountain trek, or a scenic trail for photography, the app has something for everyone.

2. Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS is a top-tier navigation app for serious hikers. It provides high-resolution topographic maps, offline access, and route planning tools. The app also integrates with Apple Health and Garmin devices for a seamless experience.

When it comes to outdoor navigation, having a reliable GPS app can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable adventure and a stressful, uncertain journey. Gaia GPS stands out as one of the best hiking and backcountry navigation apps available, offering robust mapping, offline capabilities, and powerful route planning tools. Whether you’re an avid hiker, backpacker, hunter, or off-road explorer, Gaia GPS is an indispensable tool for planning and navigating your outdoor trips.

What is Gaia GPS?

Gaia GPS is a high-performance mapping and navigation app designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need detailed topographic maps, offline functionality, and precise tracking capabilities. It offers a wide range of features tailored to hikers, campers, overlanders, and even emergency responders who rely on accurate GPS data in remote areas.

Key Features of Gaia GPS

1. Comprehensive Map Collection

Gaia GPS provides access to an extensive range of map layers, including USGS topographic maps, National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps, satellite imagery, road maps, and public land boundaries. This ensures that users can choose the best map for their specific needs.

2. Offline Maps and GPS Navigation

One of the app’s most valuable features is its ability to download maps for offline use. This is crucial for hikers and adventurers exploring remote areas without cell service. Once maps are downloaded, users can navigate using their phone’s GPS without needing an internet connection.

3. Route Planning and Tracking

Gaia GPS allows users to plan routes by creating custom waypoints, tracking their progress, and recording hikes for future reference. The app provides detailed stats such as elevation gain, distance traveled, and speed, making it a great tool for performance tracking.

4. Public and Private Land Boundaries

For hunters and overlanders, Gaia GPS offers map overlays showing public land boundaries, hunting units, and private property lines. This feature ensures users stay within legal areas and avoid trespassing.

5. Integration with Other Devices and Apps

Gaia GPS integrates seamlessly with Apple Health, Garmin devices, and other outdoor apps, making it easy to sync data and enhance the overall navigation experience.

6. Weather and Terrain Data

The app provides real-time weather forecasts, historical weather trends, and terrain shading, helping adventurers prepare for changing conditions in the backcountry.

7. Safety Features

Gaia GPS includes emergency location sharing, so users can send their real-time coordinates to family or friends in case of an emergency. Additionally, its breadcrumb trail feature ensures users can retrace their steps if they need to backtrack.

Who Should Use Gaia GPS?

Gaia GPS is ideal for:

* Hikers and Backpackers: Navigate remote trails with ease and safety.

* Overlanders and Off-Roaders: Use topographic and satellite maps for off-grid travel.

* Hunters and Anglers: Access public land boundaries and hunting unit maps.

* Emergency Responders: Benefit from accurate maps and real-time tracking in search and rescue operations.

* Outdoor Enthusiasts: From cyclists to climbers, anyone who enjoys the outdoors can use Gaia GPS to enhance their adventures.

Pros and Cons of Gaia GPS

Pros:

* Extensive map collection with multiple layers

* Offline GPS navigation for remote areas

* Custom route planning and tracking

* Public land and private property overlays

* Safety features like emergency location sharing

* Weather and elevation data

Cons:

* Some advanced features require a premium subscription

* Can drain battery life quickly if GPS tracking is used extensively

* Steeper learning curve compared to simpler navigation apps

Is Gaia GPS Worth It?

For outdoor adventurers who require precise, detailed mapping and navigation tools, Gaia GPS is absolutely worth it. Its powerful features, offline capabilities, and high-quality map layers make it one of the best choices for serious hikers, overlanders, and explorers.

Whether you’re planning a backcountry trek, a hunting expedition, or an off-road adventure, Gaia GPS provides the tools you need to navigate with confidence. Download it today and take your outdoor experiences to the next level!

3. Komoot

Ideal for both hikers and bikers, Komoot specializes in route planning based on terrain difficulty and user preferences. The app allows you to download maps for offline use and provides voice navigation for hands-free guidance.

For outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore new trails, having a reliable navigation and route-planning app is essential. Komoot is one of the best apps available for hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers, offering intuitive route planning, offline navigation, and community-driven recommendations. Whether you’re embarking on a casual hike or a multi-day cycling adventure, Komoot ensures that every journey is seamless and well-planned.

What is Komoot?

Komoot is an advanced route planning and navigation app designed specifically for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. With its intelligent routing system, the app helps users create customized trails based on their preferred activity type, fitness level, and terrain conditions. The app is widely used across Europe and beyond, providing detailed maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and offline accessibility.

Key Features of Komoot

1. Smart Route Planning

Komoot’s standout feature is its powerful route planner. Users can input their starting point and destination, and the app will generate an optimized route based on terrain difficulty, elevation, and user preferences. Whether you prefer paved roads, forest trails, or steep mountain climbs, Komoot tailors the experience accordingly.

2. Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation

For hands-free navigation, Komoot offers voice-guided directions, allowing users to stay focused on their activity without having to check their phone constantly. This feature is especially useful for cyclists and mountain bikers who need to keep their hands on the handlebars.

3. Offline Maps for Premium Users

With Komoot’s premium subscription, users can download detailed maps for offline use, ensuring reliable navigation even in remote areas without cell service. This feature is particularly beneficial for long-distance hikers and bikepackers.

4. Detailed Topographic Maps

Komoot provides high-resolution topographic maps that display terrain details, elevation profiles, and points of interest such as rest areas, viewpoints, and water sources. This helps adventurers make informed decisions about their routes.

5. Personalized Route Recommendations

Komoot leverages a vast community of outdoor enthusiasts who share their favorite routes, tips, and trail conditions. Users can explore popular routes based on ratings, difficulty level, and user-generated content.

6. Seamless Device Integration

Komoot syncs effortlessly with smartwatches, GPS devices, and fitness apps like Garmin, Wahoo, and Apple Health, enabling users to track their performance and analyze their activity data.

7. Multi-Day Tour Planning

For adventurers embarking on long-distance hikes or cycling trips, Komoot offers a multi-day tour planning feature that allows users to break down their journey into manageable segments with designated rest stops and accommodations.

Who Should Use Komoot?

Komoot is designed for anyone who enjoys outdoor exploration, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. It’s particularly useful for:

* Hikers looking for well-mapped trails with elevation details.

* Cyclists who need optimized routes for road biking, gravel riding, or mountain biking.

* Bikepackers planning multi-day cycling expeditions.

* Trail runners seeking challenging terrain with clear navigation.

* Outdoor travelers who want reliable offline maps for remote adventures.

Pros and Cons of Komoot

Pros:

* Intuitive and user-friendly interface

* Smart route planning based on terrain and difficulty

* Voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation

* Offline maps for premium users

* Community-driven route recommendations

* Integration with GPS devices and fitness apps

Cons:

* Offline maps require a paid subscription

* Limited coverage in some remote regions outside Europe

* Some routes may not be up to date if not frequently reviewed by users

Is Komoot Worth It?

If you’re an avid hiker, cyclist, or outdoor explorer, Komoot is absolutely worth it. Its intelligent route planning, offline functionality, and detailed maps make it an invaluable tool for navigating new trails and planning adventures. Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend hike or an intense multi-day cycling trip, Komoot helps you discover and navigate the best routes with confidence.

Download Komoot today and start exploring like never before!

4. Cairn

Cairn prioritizes safety by allowing users to share real-time location updates with emergency contacts. It also maps out areas with cell coverage, helping you stay connected in remote locations.

Exploring the great outdoors can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re venturing into the mountains, hiking deep into the wilderness, or simply exploring new trails, Cairn is the go-to app for staying safe and connected. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, Cairn offers real-time location sharing, trail tracking, and cell coverage mapping to ensure you’re prepared for any adventure.

What is Cairn?

Cairn is a hiking safety app that helps users stay connected and accounted for while exploring remote areas. Unlike traditional navigation apps, Cairn focuses on safety features such as real-time location tracking, emergency notifications, and crowdsourced cell coverage maps. By using Cairn, adventurers can provide peace of mind to loved ones and ensure a safer outdoor experience.

Key Features of Cairn

1. Real-Time Location Sharing

Cairn allows users to share their real-time location with designated emergency contacts. Friends and family can track your progress and receive automatic updates if you don’t check in on time, making it an invaluable tool for solo hikers.

2. Offline Trail Maps & GPS Tracking

With Cairn, you can download maps and access them offline, ensuring you stay on track even in areas without cellular service. GPS tracking helps you navigate safely while keeping a log of your route.

3. Crowdsourced Cell Coverage Maps

One of Cairn’s standout features is its cell coverage maps, which show where hikers can expect to find service based on real user data. This helps you plan your route and communicate in case of an emergency.

4. Emergency Alerts & Check-Ins

If you don’t return from your hike as planned, Cairn automatically sends alerts to your emergency contacts with your last known location. This feature is crucial for search and rescue efforts in case of an emergency.

5. Estimated Trip Time & Progress Tracking

Cairn calculates estimated hiking times based on your route and terrain, helping you manage your time efficiently. The app also tracks your progress and lets you check in with your contacts along the way.

Who Should Use Cairn?

Cairn is perfect for:

* Solo hikers who want to stay connected and accounted for.

* Backpackers planning multi-day trips in remote areas.

* Trail runners who venture into unpredictable terrain.

* Outdoor adventurers looking for an extra layer of safety while exploring new areas.

* Families & friends of hikers who want peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe.

Pros and Cons of Cairn

Pros:

✔️ Real-time location sharing for added safety ✔️ Offline maps for navigating remote areas ✔️ Crowdsourced cell coverage maps for planning ✔️ Automatic emergency alerts if you miss check-ins ✔️ Simple and intuitive interface

Cons:

❌ Requires cell service or WiFi to send real-time updates ❌ Some advanced features require a paid subscription ❌ Limited detailed trail mapping compared to other hiking apps

Is Cairn Worth It?

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety, Cairn is an invaluable app. Whether you’re heading out for a short day hike or an extended backpacking trip, its real-time tracking, emergency alerts, and offline mapping make it a must-have tool. While it may not replace full-featured navigation apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS, it serves as an excellent safety companion for any outdoor adventure.

5. Hiking Project

Developed by REI, Hiking Project offers a vast database of trails with detailed descriptions, GPS coordinates, and elevation profiles. The app’s offline capabilities make it a great choice for backcountry adventures.

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, having a reliable and comprehensive trail guide is essential. Hiking Project is one of the best apps available for hikers, providing detailed trail maps, elevation profiles, and user-generated insights. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy nature walk or an experienced trekker searching for a challenging backcountry route, Hiking Project helps you discover, plan, and navigate your next adventure with confidence.

What is Hiking Project?

Hiking Project is a free hiking app developed by REI that serves as a crowdsourced trail guide and GPS navigation tool. Unlike other hiking apps that require subscriptions for premium features, Hiking Project offers full access to its extensive database of trails at no cost. With detailed maps, offline accessibility, and community-driven recommendations, it’s a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.