Hiking GPS Apps

Find trails. Don't get lost.

AllTrails

FREE / $36/yr Pro

Biggest hike database (400,000 trails). User photos + reviews. Pro adds offline maps, wrong-turn alerts.

Best overall.

Gaia GPS

$40/yr

Detailed topographic maps. Best for backcountry. Works offline.

Best topo.

onX Backcountry

$30/yr

Public/private land overlays. Trip planning. Strong in West.

Best for hunters/anglers.

Avenza Maps

FREE / $30/yr

Download official PDF maps from National Park Service, USGS, Forest Service.

Best for official maps.

Strava

FREE / $80/yr

Tracks hike + bike + run. Routes from local users. Heat maps show popular trails.

Best community.

Senior-friendly trail filtering

AllTrails filters — easy difficulty, paved/wheelchair, dog-friendly, kid-friendly.
Filter by length: under 2 miles for easy days.
Filter by elevation gain: under 200ft is mostly flat.
Sort by rating — 4+ stars from real users.
"Out and back" trails — turn around when you're tired.

Safety must-dos

Tell someone where you're hiking + when back.
Download trail map BEFORE leaving (cell signal often gone).
Phone fully charged + portable battery.
Apple Watch / Apple iPhone 14+ — Emergency SOS via Satellite (free, works without cell signal).
Bring extra water + snacks.
Wear sturdy shoes + sun protection.
Turn around BEFORE you're tired (saving energy for the hike back).

Emergency SOS for hikers

iPhone 14+ & Apple Watch Ultra — Emergency SOS via satellite. FREE. Hold side button.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 — $400 + $15-50/mo. Two-way satellite text. The standard for serious hikers.
Spot Gen4 — $130 + $13/mo. One-way SOS button.
Whistle — $5. 3 sharp blasts = universal distress signal.

Senior National Park pass

America the Beautiful Senior Pass — $80 lifetime (or $20/year). Free entry to ALL US National Parks for 62+. Get at any park entrance or USGS.gov/store. Best $80 a senior can spend if you like the outdoors.