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🥾 Trail apps and offline maps
Phone signal disappears fast in the backcountry. These apps find trails and, on most paid plans, let you download maps to use offline.
Most people go to:
| Site | Best for | Coverage | Cost | App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllTrails ↗ | Finding hikes with reviews, photos and conditions | Worldwide | Free + paid (offline maps) | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Gaia GPS ↗ | Topo maps and route planning, offline | Worldwide | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| onX Backcountry ↗ | Trails, land boundaries and offline maps | US | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| CalTopo ↗ | Detailed mapping, slope angle and trip planning | US and beyond | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| FarOut ↗ | Long-distance trail guides (PCT, AT, CDT and more) | Worldwide | Paid per guide | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Hiking Project ↗ | Community trail guides | US and beyond | Free | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| MTB Project ↗ | Mountain bike trails | US and beyond | Free | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Komoot ↗ | Hiking and cycling route planning | Worldwide | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Avenza Maps ↗ | Official park and forest maps on your phone, offline | Worldwide | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
💡 Download the map before you leave signal, and carry a paper map as a backup.
Links open in a new tab. “Official” means a government site. Links are tagged so each site can see the visit came from Recreation.org. Prices and features change; check each site before you book. Last checked October 2026.
Questions
Do trail apps work without phone signal?
Many do, if you download the maps before you lose signal. Offline maps are often part of a paid plan.
Should I still carry a paper map?
Yes. Phones run out of battery and break. A paper map and compass are a reliable backup.
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