9 Best Off-Road and Hiking Apps
When venturing out on the open road or exploring the great outdoors, it’s crucial to be prepared with the right navigational instruments.
The internet can be helpful- but relying on it for navigation can leave you stranded when you lose signal. That’s why having a trusty offline navigational map is so important.
So, which apps should you choose? This article will dive into the best offline navigation apps for Android and iOS. We’ll focus on apps designed for offroading and hiking.
Read on!
ONX Off-Road
When hitting the off-road, you can rely on the trusty ONX Off-Road app to discover new trails and get a handle on the current weather. It’s a steal at only $30 per year, saving your skin countless times.
You can turn to OnX’s Hunt and Offroad apps for work and play. When venturing onto BLM and FS lands, you can always lean towards the Hunt app. However, for regular GPS navigation, switch over to OSMAND+. This is because both apps offer offline map downloads that are much less bothersome than Google Maps.
Gaia GPS
Many have a penchant for Gaia. It has plenty of layers to pick from. In particular, its wildfire layer has become increasingly useful, especially in inclement weather. Even cartographic connoisseurs can rely heavily on Gaia for its vast layers that provide ample information.
One discovery, however, is the interactive map of bicycle routes- with a simple flick of a switch, the bicycle routes vanish, revealing only the unpaved roads. So, you’ll have a true moment of triumph. While it requires some transposition of data into Gaia, you’ll have access to all these roads at your fingertips.
Trailsofroad
For years, adventurers have relied on trailsoffroad.com to guide their adventures off the beaten path. The site’s comprehensive database of trail reviews and reports has been an invaluable resource, and the recent addition of its app has only made it better.
Whether planning your next trip or looking to start your season early, you can dig into the archives of previous years to glean insights and tips from seasoned adventurers. The site is loaded with photos, videos, and descriptions. It even allows users to contribute their media, providing information for anyone looking to venture into the wild.
So for those who value accurate, up-to-date information, we recommend trying Trailsoffroad.
Polaris GPS Navigation
Introducing Polaris GPS Navigation, the ultimate guide to the great outdoors! Whether you’re a hiker, boater, or off-road adventurer, this app has got you covered. It boasts top-notch offline navigation capabilities. With just a few taps, you can easily locate trails and waypoints and even use the built-in compass to keep track of your location.
But that’s not all. Polaris GPS Navigation is the perfect backup for any handheld satellite GPS device. This ensures that you’ll always be aware while exploring remote areas.
And if you’re a boating enthusiast, you’ll love the app’s marine navigation charts. Completely free of charge!
Polaris GPS Navigation also caters to fishing and hunting enthusiasts with its Fishing GPS and hunting maps. And thanks to the free download of unlimited marine, hiking, and topo maps, you can explore to your heart’s content without worrying about extra charges. The app boasts some seriously cool features like an odometer, speedometer, altimeter, and clock.
You can even share your location with others and see altitude profiles! With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Polaris GPS Navigation is the top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and comprehensive map app for their outdoor adventures.
Tracky off-road navigation app
Tracky is an off-road navigation app that is designed to provide users with a comprehensive navigation solution for their outdoor adventures. It has been created with the needs of off-road enthusiasts in mind and is designed to work in remote areas where there is little or no cellular network coverage. The app is available for both iOS and Android platforms.
The app uses GPS tracking to provide users with real-time location information and offers a variety of maps to choose from, including satellite and topographic maps. Users can download maps for offline use, which can be a lifesaver when navigating off-road trails in remote locations without any cell service. The maps are highly detailed, and users can zoom in and out to get a better view of their surroundings.
One of the most useful features of Tracky is its ability to record and save off-road routes. This can be useful for users who want to revisit a particular route or share it with others. Users can also browse through a list of routes created by other users on the app.
Tracky allows users to create and join groups, which is a great way to connect with other off-road enthusiasts. Groups can be public or private, and users can share routes and experiences with others in the group. The app also has a feature that allows users to chat with other group members.
Overall, Tracky is a highly useful app for anyone who enjoys off-road adventure travel. With its comprehensive navigation features, detailed maps, and community features, it’s an excellent tool for navigating the great outdoors.
Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping
Are you an adventurer seeking a reliable navigation tool that won’t leave you stranded in the wilderness? Look no further than Avenza Maps, the ultimate offline mapping app!
Avenza Maps is a mobile app that provides offline mapping capabilities for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms and allows users to download and view maps without the need for an internet connection. Avenza Maps is particularly useful for hikers, bikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture into areas with limited or no cellular network coverage.
One of the standout features of Avenza Maps is its vast library of maps from a wide range of sources, including government agencies, publishers, and individual contributors. Users can browse through the map library, which covers regions from all over the world, and download maps of interest for offline use. The maps are highly detailed, and users can zoom in and out to get a better view of their surroundings.
Avenza Maps also allows users to create and import their own maps, which can be useful for professionals who need to create custom maps for their work or hobby. The app supports a wide range of file formats, including GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, and JPG.
Another useful feature of Avenza Maps is its ability to track and record GPS locations. This feature can be used to track progress along a route, mark waypoints, or create custom paths. Users can also add notes, photos, and other information to their maps to create a personalized record of their outdoor adventures.
Overall, Avenza Maps is a highly useful app for anyone who needs offline mapping capabilities. With its extensive map library, customizable maps, and GPS tracking features, it’s an excellent tool for navigating the great outdoors.
Google Earth Tracks
Are you an avid Colorado off-roader like me? If so, you might be interested in a nifty tool that you can use to map my trails – Google Earth. With just a few clicks, you can download Google Earth tracks or GPS exchange files from traildamage.com, a site you’re probably familiar with. But that’s not all – you can also stumble upon a recent thread that could provide more insights.
Google Earth is a popular web-based mapping service that allows users to explore the world in 3D. In addition to its basic mapping features,
Google Earth also includes a feature called “Tracks” that allows users to record and save their own GPS tracks.
With Google Earth Tracks, users can record their movements and save them as a file that can be played back later. The tracks can be viewed in 2D or 3D, and users can also add photos and notes to the track to create a more comprehensive record of their outdoor adventures.
The Tracks feature is particularly useful for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep a record of their routes and share them with others. It’s also useful for professionals who need to track their movements for work or research purposes.
Google Earth Tracks can be accessed from the desktop version of Google Earth or through the Google Earth app on mobile devices. The app allows users to view and edit their tracks on the go, making it a useful tool for real-time navigation and tracking.
Overall, Google Earth Tracks is a highly useful feature for anyone who wants to record and share their outdoor adventures. With its GPS tracking capabilities, 3D mapping features, and easy-to-use interface, it’s an excellent tool for exploring the world and keeping a record of your travels.
Offroad Trail
Offroad Trail is a website and mobile app that provides a community-driven platform for off-road enthusiasts to find and share information about off-road trails and routes. The platform features a database of trails and routes that can be searched by location, difficulty level, and other criteria.
Users can also contribute to the database by adding new trails, uploading photos, and leaving comments and ratings. This community-driven approach allows users to share their knowledge and experiences with others, helping to build a comprehensive resource for off-road enthusiasts.
In addition to its trail database, Offroad Trail also offers a range of tools and resources to help users plan their off-road adventures. These include detailed trail maps, real-time weather information, and a trip planner that allows users to create custom routes and itineraries.
Offroad Trail is available on both iOS and Android platforms, as well as on the web. The app can be used offline, allowing users to access trail information and maps even in areas with limited or no cellular network coverage.
Overall, Offroad Trail is a highly useful resource for off-road enthusiasts who are looking to discover new trails and routes, as well as plan and share their own off-road adventures. With its community-driven approach, comprehensive database, and useful tools and resources, it’s an excellent platform for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.
OsmAnd
Introducing OsmAnd – the ultimate map application that gives you access to free, high-quality OSM (OpenStreetMap) data from around the world. Even when you’re offline! Unlike other mapping apps, OsmAnd allows you to store all the map data on your memory card. This way, you can navigate even in the most remote areas without an internet connection.
But that’s not all OsmAnd is a must-have for offroading enthusiasts, with its amazing features that make exploring the mountains a breeze. You can easily navigate the rugged terrain with contour lines and hill shading, even in the most challenging conditions (though these features are only available in the paid version).
And for those who love customizing their maps, OsmAnd has got you covered! With customizable transparency, you can display different overlays like navigation/ touring GPX tracks and other maps.
But that’s not all! OsmAnd is also great for car navigation. 
You can enter vehicle parameters and specifications, perfect for RVs and expedition trucks, and even display optional speed and altitude information. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even FAVOUR unpaved roads (instead of avoiding them), but remember to choose wisely!
The only downside? The price. But it’s a small price to pay for offroading and overlanding enthusiasts. So if you’re ready to take your navigation skills to the next level, try OsmAnd today!
Komoot
Komoot, the trailblazing app with over five million downloads, has a stellar rating of 4.6 stars, surpassing its competitors. This Google Play Editor’s Choice is a favorite among adventurers and trail enthusiasts. Its unique ability to create custom trails with detailed information- including elevation and surface type, sets it apart from similar apps.
Komoot is a mobile and web-based route planning and navigation app designed for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly cyclists and hikers. The app offers a range of features to help users discover new routes, plan their trips, and navigate the outdoors.
One of the standout features of Komoot is its route planner, which allows users to plan custom routes based on their preferences and needs. Users can select their activity type, desired distance and elevation, and other criteria, and the app will generate a route that matches their specifications. The app also provides turn-by-turn navigation and voice prompts, making it easy to follow the route while out in the field.
Komoot also features a social networking aspect, allowing users to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and share their routes and experiences. Users can browse through a library of recommended routes, created by other users or by the app’s team of experts.
Another useful feature of Komoot is its offline maps, which can be downloaded in advance for use when there is limited or no cellular network coverage. The app also provides detailed information about points of interest, including restaurants, accommodations, and scenic spots.
Komoot is available on both iOS and Android platforms, as well as on the web. The app is free to download, but some features, such as voice navigation and offline maps, require a subscription.
Overall, Komoot is a highly useful app for outdoor enthusiasts who want to plan and navigate their trips with ease. With its customizable routes, social networking features, and offline maps, it’s an excellent tool for discovering new routes and exploring the great outdoors.
Final Words
Numerous apps exist in the digital realm that could cater to your off-road navigation necessities. Nevertheless, the applications highlighted in this inventory possess a plethora of downloads and commendable reviews, rendering them among the finest.
If you opt for a different app, perusing its average review ratings beforehand would be prudent. Moreover, ensure that you can avail yourself of free downloads, as certain apps may cunningly exhibit “Offline” in their title yet slyly entail payment to access their features.
Off-road and hiking apps can be incredibly useful tools for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore off-the-beaten-path trails and routes. These apps provide a range of features to help users plan their trips, navigate the outdoors, and discover new routes.
Some of the standout features of off-road hiking apps include GPS tracking, detailed maps, and turn-by-turn navigation. Many apps also offer offline map support, allowing users to access maps and trail information even in areas with limited or no cellular network coverage. Additionally, some apps include social networking features that allow users to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and share their experiences.
There are many off-road hiking apps available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most popular off-road hiking apps include Komoot, AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and Avenza Maps.
Overall, off-road hiking apps can be highly useful tools for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors. With their range of features and ease of use, they’re an excellent resource for discovering new trails, planning trips, and navigating the outdoors with confidence.
