Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while staying active. Whether exploring local trails or tackling a more challenging backcountry route, tracking your progress can add value to your experience. With the help of smartphone apps, you can monitor your distance, elevation, pace, and much more. These apps help keep you motivated, provide helpful information, and make your hikes even more enjoyable. The right app can be a game-changer if you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker. In this article, we’ll explore the best apps for tracking your hiking progress, making reaching your hiking goals easier.
AllTrails: A Popular and Reliable App for Hikers
AllTrails is one of the most popular hiking apps available today. Hikers of all levels widely use it due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive database. AllTrails offers a vast collection of trails, including over 100,000 worldwide, with ratings, reviews, and photos from fellow hikers. This makes it an excellent resource for discovering new trails, whether for a leisurely walk or a challenging mountain hike.
What makes AllTrails particularly useful for tracking progress is its ability to record your hike in real time. The app tracks your distance, elevation gain, and time, allowing you to see your progress as you hike. You can also access an interactive map that shows your route, so you never lose track of where you are. AllTrails allows you to log your hikes, making it easy to reflect on your achievements.
AllTrails Pro can download maps and access additional features for those who prefer offline access. This is perfect for hikes in areas where service may be spotty. The Pro version also offers real-time map overlays, such as satellite imagery and trail maps, giving you an even better understanding of your route. AllTrails is ideal for beginners and experienced hikers who want an all-in-one app to discover trails and track their progress.
Komoot: Plan Your Route, Track Your Progress
Komoot is another excellent app for hikers who want to track their progress while planning their routes. Known for its superb route planning capabilities, Komoot allows you to plan your hike based on various factors, including difficulty level, terrain, and distance. The app suggests routes tailored to your preferences and fitness level, whether for a leisurely walk or a challenging multi-day hike.
Once you’ve planned your route, Komoot helps you track your hike in real time. It records your time, distance, and elevation gain as you walk, giving valuable insights into your performance. The app also provides turn-by-turn voice navigation, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost on unfamiliar trails. Komoot even syncs your activity with fitness trackers, adding another tracking layer and motivation.
One standout feature of Komoot is its integration with wearable devices, such as Garmin, Suunto, and Fitbit. This makes it easy for avid hikers to track their progress alongside other fitness activities. The app also provides offline maps, which is helpful if you’re venturing into areas without cellular service. Komoot is perfect for those who like to plan and track their hikes, offering a comprehensive and efficient tool for every step of the journey.
Strava: A Fitness-Focused App for Tracking Hiking
Strava is a popular fitness app that has gained a loyal following in the hiking community. While Strava is often associated with cycling and running, it’s also an excellent app for tracking hiking progress. The app records your distance, time, pace, and elevation, giving you detailed data on your hike.
What makes Strava unique is its social aspect. The app allows you to connect with friends and other hikers, enabling you to share your accomplishments and see how you compare to others. You can follow friends, share photos, and join challenges, which adds a competitive element to your hikes. Strava’s community encourages hikers to push their limits and achieve new goals, making it ideal for those who enjoy socializing and engaging with others in the hiking community.
Strava also includes features like segments, which are specific portions of a trail where you can compare your times with others. This makes it an excellent app for those who want to measure their performance against other hikers and track improvements. Strava is free, but a paid subscription, Strava Summit, unlocks additional features like advanced metrics, live tracking, and personalized coaching. Whether you’re hiking for fitness or fun, Strava is a great app to track your progress and stay motivated.
Gaia GPS: Advanced Mapping for Serious Hikers
For more advanced hikers who want to go off the beaten path, Gaia GPS offers a powerful app that combines detailed topographic maps with real-time tracking features. Unlike other hiking apps, Gaia GPS focuses heavily on navigation and backcountry exploration, making it ideal for hikers who want to venture into remote or rugged terrain.
Gaia GPS provides access to various map layers, including topographic, satellite, and terrain maps. These maps give you detailed information about the landscape, including elevation changes, landmarks, and natural features. Whether planning a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, Gaia GPS ensures you stay on track with accurate, detailed mapping.
The app also allows you to track your hike, recording your distance, elevation gain, and other key metrics. It provides a route history to reflect on your hikes and see how far you’ve come. Gaia GPS also allows you to download maps for offline use, which is crucial for long hikes in remote areas. The app can also sync with wearable devices, such as a Fitbit or Garmin watch, for better fitness tracking.
Gaia GPS is perfect for experienced hikers who need advanced mapping and navigation tools. While the app is free with basic features, Gaia GPS offers a premium version with additional mapping options, such as 3D terrain views and weather overlays. If you’re planning to tackle remote trails, Gaia GPS is essential for navigating safely and tracking your progress.
ViewRanger: Explore, Track, and Share Your Hiking Adventures
ViewRanger is an app designed for outdoor adventurers, including hikers, cyclists, and mountaineers. With access to millions of trails worldwide, ViewRanger offers a comprehensive tool for planning and tracking your hiking adventures. The app allows you to search for trails by location, difficulty level, and type of hike, making it easy to find the perfect route for your next adventure.
ViewRanger’s tracking features are similar to other hiking apps, including distance, time, and elevation gain. The app provides real-time GPS tracking to see your progress as you hike. One of ViewRanger’s standout features is its augmented reality (AR) mode, which allows you to explore the landscape through your phone’s camera. As you look at your surroundings, the app overlays helpful information, such as trail markers, nearby landmarks, and points of interest. This feature helps you stay oriented and gives you a better understanding of your environment.
The app also lets you download maps for offline use, which helps you hike in areas with limited cell service. ViewRanger’s social features allow you to share your hikes with friends, track your performance over time, and access the hiking community. With both free and paid versions available, ViewRanger is an excellent app for hikers who want to explore new trails and share their experiences with others.
Enhance Your Hiking Journey with the Right Tracking App
Tracking your hiking progress can enhance your outdoor experience, keep you motivated, and help you achieve your hiking goals. Several apps can meet your needs, whether you are looking for detailed trail information, real-time navigation, or fitness tracking. AllTrails is perfect for finding and logging trails, Komoot excels in route planning and navigation, Strava offers a social and competitive element for fitness-focused hikers, Gaia GPS is ideal for backcountry navigation, and ViewRanger provides augmented reality features for exploring new landscapes.
By using these apps, you can elevate your hiking experience, stay on track with your progress, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The right app depends on your hiking preferences, whether you’re a casual day hiker or a serious adventurer looking for advanced tools. With the right app, you’ll be prepared to confidently hit the trail and enjoy every step of the journey.