Modern hiking apps are now must-haves for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer offline maps, GPS tracking, and real-time updates to keep you safe and on track, even in remote areas like New Zealand’s backcountry. Whether you’re planning a short hike or a multi-day trek, these apps are packed with features like elevation profiles, weather updates, and community-driven trail insights.
Here’s a quick rundown of the 10 best hiking apps in 2025:
- AllTrails: Perfect for casual hikers with a huge trail database and 3D maps.
- Gaia GPS: Ideal for backcountry adventurers with over 300 map layers.
- FarOut: Best for long-distance hikers with detailed waypoints and offline tracking.
- PeakVisor: Great for mountain hikers with AR-based peak identification.
- Spyglass: A technical navigation tool with advanced GPS accuracy.
- Hiking Project: Free and community-driven, perfect for budget hikers.
- Cairn: Focused on safety with emergency alerts and route-sharing.
- Google Maps: A simple backup option for urban or basic trails.
- Avenza Maps: Excellent for offline custom maps and topographic data.
- OpenStreetMap: Free, open-source maps updated by a global community.
Quick Comparison Table
| App Name | Key Features | Pricing | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllTrails | Global trail database, 3D maps | Free, $29.99/year | Casual hikers | Offline features in Pro only |
| Gaia GPS | 300+ map layers, advanced navigation | $39.99/year | Backcountry hikers | Interface can be complex |
| FarOut | Detailed waypoints, elevation tracking | $39.99/year | Long-distance hikers | Limited local trail data |
| PeakVisor | AR peak ID, 3D maps | $29.99/year | Mountain hikers | Requires GPS signal |
| Spyglass | Advanced compass, satellite tracking | $5.99 one-time | Technical navigators | Steep learning curve |
| Hiking Project | Community-driven, offline maps | Free | Budget hikers | Basic features only |
| Cairn | Safety alerts, emergency tools | $26.99/year | Solo hikers | Drains battery quickly |
| Google Maps | Basic navigation, offline maps | Free | Urban trails | Lacks detailed trail features |
| Avenza Maps | Custom offline maps, imports | Free, $29.99/year | Regional trail users | Extra maps require payment |
| OpenStreetMap | Community-updated, free access | Free | Open-source map users | Coverage depends on region |
Each app has unique strengths, so pick one based on your hiking needs – be it navigation, safety, or planning. Keep reading to find out which app suits your next adventure.
Best Hiking Apps Compared
Key Features to Consider
Choosing a hiking navigation app in 2025 comes down to a few key features that make a big difference in outdoor adventures. One of the most important is offline maps. These allow hikers to navigate remote areas, like New Zealand’s backcountry trails, without needing cellular coverage. Detailed topographic maps can be accessed anytime, making them a must-have for isolated locations.
Another essential feature is GPS tracking, which provides real-time location updates to keep you on the right path. Combine this with elevation and terrain details, and you get a clear picture of the trail ahead. A simple and intuitive user interface is also critical. It ensures you can quickly find important information, even in challenging conditions like glaring sunlight or bad weather.
| Feature Category | Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Map Functionality | Offline Maps, Topographic Details, Trail Markers | Navigation without signal, terrain insights |
| Safety Features | Real-time Tracking, Weather Updates, Emergency Alerts | Improved safety and preparedness |
| Route Planning | Custom Routes, Waypoints, Distance Calculation | Easier and more efficient planning |
Real-time updates have come a long way. Apps now use crowd-sourced data to provide instant information on trail conditions, weather changes, and hazards. This community-driven approach ensures you’re always equipped with the latest trail insights.
When deciding between free and premium versions, think about the features you’ll need. Premium options often include better offline functionality, detailed weather forecasts, and advanced tools for route planning. For those who hike often or venture into remote areas, these extras can be well worth the cost.
Finally, the quality of maps can vary widely. Apps that rely on OpenStreetMap data tend to offer more detailed coverage, including lesser-known trails and unique points of interest [4][2]. This level of detail is especially useful for exploring unmarked routes or planning complex trips.
With these features in mind, let’s dive into the top hiking apps that stand out for navigation in 2025.
1. AllTrails
AllTrails Pro is packed with offline features like detailed topographic maps, trail markers, and elevation data, making it a reliable tool for navigating remote areas. Its Lifeline feature tracks your location and updates emergency contacts, adding an extra layer of safety for solo hikers exploring unfamiliar trails [2].
The app taps into its active user community to provide real-time updates on trail conditions, weather forecasts, air quality, and even light pollution. This crowd-sourced information helps hikers prepare better and stay aware of any changes on the trail [2].
For planning your route, AllTrails offers filters to sort trails by length, elevation gain, and difficulty. The Pro version also includes 3D mapping to help you visualize tough terrain before heading out. You can even create custom routes to tailor your hike to your preferences [2]. Searching and organizing trails is straightforward, making trip planning quick and efficient.
With its mix of tools and community insights, AllTrails is a great choice for exploring New Zealand’s varied trails. That said, if you’re looking for even more advanced navigation options, apps like Gaia GPS might be worth considering.
2. Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS provides access to over 300 downloadable maps, including options like NatGeo Trails Illustrated and Private Lands overlays [3]. This makes it a solid choice for navigating New Zealand’s remote backcountry trails, especially where cellular service is spotty.
The app’s snap-to-trail feature ensures precise GPS tracking, giving you real-time updates on your progress. This is particularly helpful when tackling unmarked or challenging routes in diverse landscapes [3].
For planning your journey, Gaia GPS stands out with its tools for creating custom routes and marking waypoints [3]. Its detailed topographical maps, developed through partnerships with trusted mapping organizations, offer the terrain details that serious hikers need. Plus, its integration with Outside+ brings in extra resources and expert advice [3].
Praised by major publications for its dependability, Gaia GPS boasts a strong 4+ rating on the App Store [3]. While it doesn’t emphasize social features like AllTrails, its mapping accuracy makes it a go-to for backcountry adventurers who value reliable navigation and detailed terrain insights.
That said, if you’re looking for more community-driven updates, FarOut might be a better match.
3. FarOut (Guthook by Atlas Guides)
FarOut is a go-to app for navigating remote areas, offering over 100,000 miles of downloadable trail guides – perfect for tackling New Zealand’s backcountry where cellular service is scarce [1]. Its GPS tracking works offline, giving you accurate location data and showing your position on detailed topographical maps. Features like elevation profiles and distance markers make it easier to track your progress and plan rest stops.
The app thrives on community input, providing updates on trail conditions, closures, and water sources. With a 4.8/5 rating from over 10,000 reviews, it’s trusted by hikers for real-time information – an essential tool for multi-day hikes and long-distance adventures, including New Zealand’s iconic Great Walks.
FarOut also offers powerful planning tools. You can map out routes, mark campsites, and resupply points, and calculate mileage while factoring in elevation changes. A premium subscription ($29.99/year) unlocks full offline access and advanced features. Plus, it connects with Garmin and Strava, and its weather forecasting helps you time your hikes more effectively.
Though FarOut is tailored for long-distance treks, apps like PeakVisor can complement it with features like terrain visualization.
4. PeakVisor
PeakVisor is making waves in the hiking app scene with its advanced augmented reality (AR) features and extensive peak identification system. With a database covering more than 1 million peaks globally, it’s a go-to tool for navigating and exploring mountainous terrain.
Offline Maps for Remote Trails
The app offers offline maps specifically designed for alpine navigation, including detailed topographic data for high-altitude trails in New Zealand. For $29.99 per year, premium users can download unlimited offline maps, ensuring reliable navigation even in areas without cell service.
AR-Powered GPS and Peak Identification
PeakVisor’s AR-based GPS tracking is perfect for pinpointing your location in challenging mountain environments. By simply pointing your phone’s camera, the AR view identifies surrounding peaks, complete with elevation and distance details. This feature is especially handy for navigating intricate mountain ranges or cross-checking landmarks.
Advanced Route Planning Tools
The app shines in route planning, offering 3D terrain visuals, customizable routes, waypoints, elevation profiles, and distance metrics – all of which can be shared with other hikers. For $4.99 per month, premium users gain access to enhanced planning tools that make organizing your hikes even easier.
With a 4.7-star rating and a multilingual interface, PeakVisor is a top choice for hikers worldwide, including those tackling New Zealand’s rugged peaks. Its AR features provide clarity and confidence for navigating alpine landscapes.
However, if real-time trail updates are your priority, you might find apps like Cairn more suitable.
5. Spyglass
Spyglass is a navigation app designed for tough terrains, offering accurate GPS tracking with real-time updates on altitude, distance, and location accuracy. It uses advanced satellite systems to maintain precise positioning, even in remote areas.
Key Features
Spyglass includes offline maps with detailed topographic data based on OpenStreetMap. Users can plan routes with waypoint marking and track recording, making it a handy tool for documenting hiking trips.
Performance Considerations
The app’s advanced features can drain your battery during long hikes, so bringing a power bank is a good idea. To stay up to date, regularly download map updates, especially in regions where trail conditions often change.
Navigation Tools
Spyglass stands out with tools like:
- Accurate altitude and distance tracking
- Advanced satellite-based positioning
- Customizable route planning
- Offline topographic maps with rich detail
While Spyglass is great for accuracy and offline navigation, apps like Hiking Project may be better for those seeking a trail-sharing community.
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6. Hiking Project
Hiking Project, part of the REI Co-op family, combines an extensive trail database with updates from its user community. Covering more than 200,000 miles of trails, it’s designed as a go-to navigation tool that works seamlessly with REI Co-op services and popular platforms like Strava and Garmin.
The app uses both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems to provide accurate tracking and offline navigation. It includes detailed topographic maps, elevation profiles, and waypoints, ensuring reliable positioning even in tough terrain or dense forests.
“Hiking Project is more than just a trail database – it’s a community-driven platform that helps you find and explore new trails.” – REI Co-op, Hiking Project Overview.
One of its standout features is the community-driven content. Users can submit trail reviews, route details, and real-time updates on trail conditions. Additionally, its integration with REI Co-op services brings tools like weather forecasts and trip planning into the mix. Best of all, the app is entirely free, offering full access to its trail database without any cost.
While Hiking Project shines with its community features and REI integration, the next app, Cairn, prioritizes safety and connectivity for hikers.
7. Cairn
Cairn has carved a niche for itself among hiking apps in 2025 by focusing on safety and community-powered features. It combines reliable navigation tools with safety measures, making it a solid choice for both solo hikers and groups.
GPS Accuracy and Tracking
Cairn uses a dual-source positioning system that blends satellite and cellular data for precise navigation. This ensures dependable tracking even in rugged or remote areas where other tools might struggle.
Real-Time Updates
The app taps into a crowd-sourced network to deliver updates on trail conditions, weather changes, and potential hazards. This user-driven system keeps information fresh, helping hikers stay prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Offline Map Access
Cairn provides high-resolution offline maps, complete with emergency exit routes and cell coverage details. A standout feature is its ability to share your planned route and estimated return time with selected contacts. If you don’t check in by the specified time, the app automatically alerts them, adding an extra layer of security for remote hikes.
Route Planning and Safety Tools
With Cairn, you can design custom routes, complete with waypoints and hazard markers, and share them with others. This is especially useful for navigating unpredictable terrains, like New Zealand’s backcountry.
The premium version, priced at $4.99/month, includes advanced features like detailed weather forecasts and additional safety tools. While the free version covers basic navigation needs, the premium plan is ideal for serious adventurers seeking extra functionality.
Though Cairn shines in safety and connectivity, general navigation apps like Google Maps might still appeal to casual hikers looking for simpler solutions.
8. Google Maps
Google Maps isn’t specifically built for hiking, but its wide availability and easy-to-use interface make it a handy backup for trail navigation in 2025.
Offline Maps
You can download offline maps through Google Maps, but these are mainly designed for roads and landmarks rather than detailed hiking trails. Keep in mind that these downloads expire every 30 days, so you’ll need to update them regularly.
Navigation and Tracking
Google Maps relies on satellite and cellular data for navigation. While it works well in cities and suburban areas, it often struggles with accuracy in remote or heavily wooded regions. It can help save battery life compared to some other apps, but it doesn’t match the efficiency of hiking-specific tools.
Real-Time Updates and Features
The app’s real-time updates are great for road navigation but fall short when it comes to hiking trails. Features like custom routes and waypoints are available, but it lacks key tools for hikers, such as elevation details and trail markers.
For those who hike often, Google Maps is best used as a backup. Its broad accessibility and simple interface make it a reliable secondary option, but it can’t replace the advanced features offered by apps like Avenza Maps.
9. Avenza Maps
Avenza Maps is an offline navigation app designed for hikers venturing into remote areas. It offers access to detailed topographic maps from trusted sources worldwide, which can be downloaded and used without needing cellular service. This makes it a great choice for navigating New Zealand’s varied and often isolated trails.
Key Features and Navigation Tools
Avenza Maps combines accurate GPS tracking with tools for planning and customizing routes. You can upload GPX or KML files to overlay custom routes, add waypoints, measure distances and elevations, and even annotate maps for later reference. One standout feature is its ability to pull maps from multiple trusted sources, giving you the flexibility to choose maps suited to your specific hiking region or preferences – something many other apps don’t offer.
Updates and Offline Dependability
Unlike apps that focus on live updates, Avenza Maps provides manual map updates to maintain accuracy. This makes it a reliable option for areas where cellular service is spotty or unavailable. The app’s performance depends on the quality of the maps you load, making it an excellent tool for hikers who need detailed topographic data and offline navigation.
If you’re looking for a free alternative with detailed trail information, OpenStreetMap is worth considering.
10. OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free mapping platform powered by a global community of contributors. It offers detailed offline maps, making it a reliable choice for navigating remote areas without internet access. Its active user base helps keep trail information accurate, especially in regions with engaged hiking communities.
Navigation and Tracking
OSM combines user-submitted and verified data to provide dependable GPS tracking, even in rugged or remote locations. Its accuracy shines in areas with many contributors, making it particularly useful for well-traveled hiking spots and lesser-known backcountry trails.
Community Updates and Features
One of OSM’s standout features is its dynamic update system. A worldwide network of users frequently adds details about trail conditions, route changes, and new paths. While update frequency varies depending on the region, this collaborative effort ensures maps are detailed and relevant for hikers.
Route Planning and Integration
OSM offers tools like GPX/KML exports, waypoints, and elevation profiles to help hikers plan and customize their routes. These features also make it easy to share routes with others. Additionally, its compatibility with popular apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails increases its value for trail navigation.
“OpenStreetMap’s collaborative nature ensures that changes are incorporated relatively quickly, making it an invaluable resource for hikers who need up-to-date trail information”, states the OSM community documentation.
With its open-source foundation and ability to integrate with other tools, OSM delivers flexible and detailed navigation options. Its free access and continuous updates from the community make it a trusted resource for hikers of all levels.
Comparison Table
Here’s a breakdown of popular hiking apps, including their main features, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. This should help you pick the right one for your next adventure:
| App Name | Key Features | Pricing | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllTrails | • Global trail database • 3D maps • Route recording | Free version Pro: $29.99/year | Casual hikers | Offline features only with Pro |
| Gaia GPS | • 300+ map layers • Advanced navigation • Private lands overlay | Premium: $39.99/year | Backcountry hikers | Interface can be complicated |
| FarOut | • Detailed waypoints • Elevation tracking | $39.99/year | Long-distance hikers | Limited local trail data |
| PeakVisor | • AR peak identification • 3D maps | $29.99/year | Mountain hikers | Needs GPS signal to work |
| Spyglass | • Advanced compass • Night vision | $5.99 one-time | Technical navigators | Steep learning curve |
| Hiking Project | • Extensive trail database • Offline maps | Free | Budget hikers | Basic features only |
| Cairn | • Safety alerts • Emergency tools | $26.99/year | Solo hikers | Drains battery quickly |
| Google Maps | • Basic navigation • Offline maps | Free | Urban trails | Lacks detailed trail features |
| Avenza Maps | • Custom offline maps • Map import | Free basic Plus: $29.99/year | Regional trail users | Extra maps require payment |
| OpenStreetMap | • Community-updated maps • Free access | Free | Free, open-source maps | Coverage depends on region |
Whether you’re tackling rugged backcountry trails or sticking to well-marked urban paths, the right app can make a huge difference. Think about your hiking style, the terrain, and your budget to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Conclusion
Hiking apps have become must-have tools for navigating trails today. They simplify navigation, improve safety, and make trip planning easier – key benefits for hikers in 2025.
Different apps bring unique features to the table. AllTrails is known for its large trail database and easy-to-use design, while Gaia GPS shines with its detailed topographic maps. Safety-focused apps like Cairn offer automated alerts and emergency tools.
When choosing a hiking app, focus on factors like trail coverage, offline access, battery usage, and extras such as weather updates or augmented reality navigation. Using multiple apps together can give you the best of both worlds, combining strengths for better planning and on-trail guidance.
New technologies, like real-time hazard alerts and AI-based trail suggestions, are changing how we use hiking apps. Features like augmented reality, advanced weather tracking, and improved safety tools are becoming the norm, showcasing how quickly hiking tech is advancing.
Before heading out, familiarize yourself with your app, download maps for offline use, and keep it updated. Whether you prefer AllTrails for its trail options or Gaia GPS for terrain details, the right app can take your hiking adventures to the next level.
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