Top 10 Hiking Apps for 2023

Hiking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and explore new places. But with so many hiking apps available, it can be hard to know which ones are the best.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at the top 10 hiking apps of 2023. We'll discuss their features, benefits, and drawbacks, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

1. AllTrails

AllTrails is a must-have app for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore new trails and stay safe while hiking. With over 500,000 trails in its database, AllTrails provides detailed maps, reviews, and photos for users to find their perfect hiking destination. The app offers a range of features, including trail tracking, goal setting, and new trail discovery. However, some features are only available with a subscription, and the app can be slow to load in areas with poor cell service. It's also important to note that not all of the trails in AllTrails' database are accurate, so hikers should do their own research before setting out on a hike. [1][2][3]

References: [1] AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run - Apps on Google Play [2] AllTrails Review [2023]: Is the App Worth It to All Hikers? [3] AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run on the App Store - Apple

2. Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS is an outdoor activity app that allows users to explore nature through hiking, camping, and off-road routes. The app provides easy-to-read maps, altitude, elevation and distance tracker, and offline maps that track the user's location even when far from cell service. Additionally, the app offers a complete road trip planner with route planner, weather prediction, wildfire activity monitor, and GPS coordinates. It also includes camping app features with camping sites discovery, GPS navigation tools, and GPS coordinates to mark the base camp and points of interest. Gaia GPS supports off-road activity planning, with the ability to record and navigate through 4x4 and overlanding adventures, snap-to-trail route building, as well as Android Auto integration. The app features GPS navigation for professional outdoor enthusiasts with route, trail, water source, and campground marker, as well as sharing data with clients and fellow guides. The app has a limited free version and a subscription option with additional content and features. [2]

Gaia GPS is known for its highly accurate maps, which can be downloaded for offline use. The app makes it easy to plan hikes and share routes with others. It can track hikes, even when offline, and provide information on distance, time, and elevation. The app can be customized to suit specific needs and has a large and active community. However, it can be expensive, and some users may find it less user-friendly than other apps. The app can also be slow to load in areas with poor cell service. [3]

To conserve battery life, it is recommended to put the phone in airplane mode, reduce screen brightness, shut down unnecessary apps that use location tracking and manually request GPS fixes. Establish a baseline drain and experiment with usage patterns to estimate daily drain. The baseline drain for most iPhone models is 1-3% per day with battery conservation measures in place. Battery conservation settings are provided for Android or iOS smartphones. It is important to bring a backup battery when using the app for extended periods of time. [2]

References: [1] Gaia GPS: Hiking Trail Maps, Ski Touring, 4x4 Offroad App [2] Gaia GPS: Offroad Hiking Maps - Apps on Google Play [3] GAIA GPS the Best Hiking GPS and How to Use It

3. Hiking Project

Hiking Project is a comprehensive hiking app that can help you find your next trail adventure. With over 300,000 trails in its database covering 40 countries, you are sure to find a trail that suits your preferences [1]. The app has detailed maps that show important information such as trail difficulty, length, and elevation gain [2]. Additionally, users can leave reviews and photos of trails to help you decide which trails are right for you [2].

Not only can Hiking Project help you find your next trail, but it can also help you track your hikes and set goals [3]. The app can track your progress by showing you how far you've gone, how long you've been hiking, and how much elevation you've gained [3]. You can also set goals for your hiking such as hiking a certain number of miles or completing a certain number of trails [3]. Hiking Project can help you stay motivated and on track with your hiking goals.

However, there are some drawbacks to the app. Some features are only available with a subscription [3]. Additionally, the app can be slow to load in areas with poor cell service [3]. Lastly, not all of the trails in Hiking Project's database are accurate, so it's important to do your own research before setting out on a hike [3].

References: [1] Hiking Project | Hiking Trail Maps [2] Hiking Project - Apps on Google Play [3] Hiking Project on the App Store

4. Komoot

Komoot is a versatile route planning and navigation app that offers a range of features for hikers, bikers, and runners. The app allows users to create and follow routes based on riding type and ability, and features map overlays including an Open Cycle Map and a Google satellite map [3]. One of the standout features of Komoot is its community focus, which allows users to find and explore new routes recommended by other users [1]. Komoot also offers offline capabilities, allowing users to download maps for offline use, and can track hikes and provide navigation even when offline [2]. However, one potential drawback of Komoot is its subscription plans, which can be expensive for some users [3]. Despite this, Komoot is a popular choice for those looking to plan and track their outdoor adventures.

References: [1] Komoot | Find, plan and share your adventures [2] komoot - hike, bike & run on the App Store [3] Complete guide to Komoot: how to use the route planning ...

5. Avenza Maps

Avenza Maps is a mobile app designed for hiking, biking, and trail navigation [1]. The app offers a variety of features, such as offline GPS capabilities and downloadable maps from publishers like National Geographic and the US Forest Service [1][2]. Users can import their own custom maps or access the app's Map Store for free or premium map downloads [1][2]. Avenza Maps offers three subscription tiers - free, Avenza Maps Plus, and Avenza Maps Pro [2]. The app allows users to plan routes, navigate trails, and track their hikes [1][2]. However, it can be difficult to use, especially for beginners, and is not as user-friendly as some other hiking apps [3]. Despite this, Avenza Maps is a great option for those looking for offline map capabilities and access to professional-grade maps.

References: [1] Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping on the App Store [2] Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping - Apps on Google Play [3] Avenza Maps

6. PeakVisor

PeakVisor is an app that helps users identify mountains and other features in the landscape [1][2][3]. It uses augmented reality to overlay 3D models of mountains and other features on top of the live camera view [1][2]. The app also offers trail tracking, navigation, and weather forecasting features [1][2]. PeakVisor can track hikes, show how far users have gone, how long they have been hiking, and how much elevation they have gained [1][2][3]. It can also help users navigate their way around even when offline [1][3]. PeakVisor provides weather forecasts for users' location to plan hikes accordingly [1][2][3]. The augmented reality feature is a great way to learn about the landscape and identify mountains and other features [1][2]. However, the subscription plans can be expensive, and the app is not as user-friendly as some other hiking apps [1][3].

References: [1] 3D Map & Peaks ID - PeakVisor on the App Store - Apple [2] 3D Maps and Peaks Identification [3] PeakVisor - 3D Maps & Peaks ID - Apps on Google Play

7. Seek by iNaturalist

Seek by iNaturalist is an app that uses the power of image recognition technology to identify plants and animals in your surroundings [1][2][3]. It draws from millions of wildlife observations on iNaturalist and shows users lists of commonly recorded insects, birds, plants, amphibians, and more [2][3]. With Seek, you can earn badges for seeing different types of plants, birds and participating in challenges [2][3]. Seek is designed by the iNaturalist team and is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society [2][3]. The app is great for families and those who want to learn more about the life around them [3]. Seek is kid-safe and does not require registration or collect any user data by default [2][3]. However, some user data will be collected if users choose to sign in with an iNaturalist account [2].

References: [1] Seek by iNaturalist [2] Seek by iNaturalist - Apps on Google Play [3] Seek by iNaturalist on the App Store

8. The Dyrt

The Dyrt is an app that helps campers find and book their perfect campsite in the US [2]. With a collection of over 50,000 campgrounds, it covers tents, RVs, trailers, cabins, and glamping [1]. It has more than one million users and an online community that is active [2]. The app offers search filters for campgrounds by distance, rating, type, and more to plan better camping trips [2]. Dyrt Pro membership offers benefits such as Dyrt Alerts to get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, finding free camping, discounts, and offline mode. Additionally, campground owners can advertise their properties on The Dyrt app at no cost [2]. The app features a trip planner, offline maps, a downloadable campground database, and map layers [3]. However, some features are only available with a subscription, and not all campsites in the database are accurate [1].

References: [1] The Dyrt | Camping near me: Tent, RV sites, Glamping & Cabins [2] The Dyrt: Tent & RV Camping - Apps on Google Play [3] The Dyrt App Review: The Best Camping App? [90-Day ...

9. Guthook Guides

Guthook Guides is a popular app among hikers, especially those who are planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) [1]. The app provides detailed maps, directions, and information about long-distance trails, including water sources, campsites, and points of interest [2]. With the app, hikers can track their progress, navigate their way around the trails, and access weather forecasts [1]. Guthook Guides is available on both Android and iOS and is sold in five sections, which can be purchased separately or as a bundle. The cost per section is $7.99, with the bundle priced at $29.99 [1]. The app has been downloaded over 337,000 times and is used by 85% of PCT hikers [2]. However, some users find the app expensive and not as user-friendly as other hiking apps [1].

References: [1] Guthook Guides (Atlas Guides) PCT App Review [2] How the Guthook App Revolutionized Thru-Hiking [3] Guides - FarOut

10. iOverlander

iOverlander is a great app for overlanders and travelers who are looking for a place to access the internet, either public or private, with good workspace [1]. However, the app's main feature is its massive database of dispersed camping locations. The app covers over 40 countries and allows users to leave reviews and photos of the dispersed camping locations [2][3]. The maps in iOverlander show the location of dispersed camping locations, making it easy for users to find their way there. Another great feature of iOverlander is its ability to track the dispersed camping locations and set goals for the camping trip. The app also has offline capabilities, which means that users can download maps for offline use [2]. The iOverlander database is crowd-sourced, so it's important to do your own research before setting out on a dispersed camping trip. The app offers a free version, but some features are only available with a subscription [2].

References: [1] iOverlander | Find your next destination [2] iOverlander - Apps on Google Play [3] iOverlander on the App Store

Ultimately, the best way to choose a hiking app is to try out a few different ones and see which one you like the best. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.