Walking in nature has become a favorite activity for those seeking physical and mental well-being without the demands of other, higher-impact sports. Today, hiking is more than a hobby: it's a healthy routine that can be enjoyed alone or in a group, at any age, and anywhere in the world. Whether you prefer the scent of mountain pine forests, the sea breeze on the coast, ancient forests, or vast plains, hiking always offers well-being, direct contact with nature, and the opportunity to discover new places.
Thanks to today's technology, any outdoor enthusiast can plan hiking routes with a simple mobile phone. There are apps specifically designed to make organizing, tracking, and enjoying trails easier for both beginners and experienced hikers. These apps allow you to discover new trails, analyze technical details (elevation, length, difficulty), share recorded routes, follow paths offline, analyze the terrain, check safety alerts, and much more. In this article, you'll find a detailed guide to choosing between The best apps for free hiking trails that currently exist, safety tips and everything you need to know to get the most out of your outings.
Before you go: Tips and warnings for hiking trails with apps
Starting a hike relying solely on technology can be a serious mistake in the wilderness. Although modern apps offer offline maps, GPS tracking, alerts, and first aid guides, It is essential to take a series of precautions and have basic safety elements to prevent incidents:
- Compass and physical map: Technology can fail (battery failure, coverage, crashes). Always carry a compass (and learn how to use it) and a paper map (printed or laminated). Physical maps remain the ultimate reference in case of any unforeseen events.
- Basic first aid kit: Never go out without a small first-aid kit. It includes bandages, adhesive tape, sterile gauze, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, a first aid manual, and an updated list of emergency phone numbers.
- Flashlight (preferably headlamp): Essential if it gets dark, you're delayed, or fog reduces visibility. It's best if it's LED and comes with spare batteries.
- Mobile top-up: Bring a power bank with enough capacity to recharge your phone several times. Remember to turn on airplane mode if you're only using GPS to save power.
- Extra elements: Whistle, thermal blanket, sunscreen, raincoat, energy food and plenty of water.
These precautions not only make a difference in safety, but also demonstrate your preparedness and respect for the mountains. Apps are powerful allies, but always as a complement, never as the sole resource.
Wikiloc: The most popular and social hiking app
Wikiloc is the undisputed global reference for hiking, cycling, trail running, and any GPS-based outdoor activity. Its vast international community boasts tens of millions of users, with a database of authentic routes exceeding 50 million across all continents.
- Exploring and recording routes: Use advanced filters to search for routes by location, activity type, distance, difficulty, elevation, season, and more. You can record your own route, adding points of interest, descriptions, and photos, and share them with the community.
- Free and premium offline maps: Enjoy free topographic maps from around the world, downloadable offline for navigation without coverage. Premium versions expand the range with official maps (IGN, OSM, etc.), turn-by-turn navigation, detour alerts, and advanced planning.
- Device Sync & Live Tracking: Compatible with smartwatches (WearOS, Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch, COROS), it allows you to transfer routes, record and follow routes from your wrist and share your location in real time for maximum security.
- Dynamic community: Wikiloc stands out for its ratings, comments, social rankings (TrailRank and UserRank), the ability to create thematic lists, and the constant exchange of experiences.
- Environmental responsibility: It highlights its commitment to the planet (1% for environmental associations), promoting sustainable practices on all routes.
The app is free to download (Android, iOS, web). It's free to discover routes, record, and share. The premium mode (budget and with a trial period) adds key features for offline navigation, tracking, and planning. It's undoubtedly the platform with the best balance of community, route variety, and free/premium features.
AllTrails: Over 450.000 global trails and customizable filters
AllTrails has established itself as the largest database of hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and outdoor activity routes in the world, with particular strength in the Americas and Europe. Its route count exceeds 450.000, making it ideal for those who want to:
- Search routes by type and difficulty: Advanced filters (length, altitude, gradient, terrain type, points of interest, child-friendly, dog-friendly, wheelchair-friendly, etc.) to find the ideal route based on your plans or special needs.
- Real-time information and reviews: All routes include recent updates, trail conditions, weather, community ratings, and photos. The app even notifies you of air quality alerts, dust, wildlife warnings, and seasonal incidents.
- Creating and recording tours: You can record and save your routes, share reviews, post photos, and track your progress in a detailed profile.
- Offline maps, printing and navigation: AllTrails+ (premium version) allows you to download offline maps, activate off-trail alerts, print PDF maps with all the trail information, and view 3D maps.
- Social and inclusive approach: The community is very active and collaborative. You can connect with other hikers, share experiences, save your favorite routes or those of others, and personalize recommendations.
Available for free on Android and iOS, its main advantage is the route customization and the number of filters. The free version allows you to discover and record routes, although offline navigation or additional features require AllTrails+ (with a free trial and reasonable prices).
Komoot: Voice-guided navigation, route planner, and offline maps by region
Komoot is the go-to app for those looking for precise voice navigation and detailed route planning, whether you're hiking or cycling (MTB, road, gravel). Its key points:
- Route planner: It allows you to create custom routes based on starting points, destinations, and intermediate milestones, adjusting the difficulty, surface type, and distance. It includes information on elevation gain, altitude profile, surfaces, terrain types, and points of interest highlighted by the community.
- Voice guided navigation: The system provides clear, precise directions, so you can leave your phone in your pocket or backpack without missing a single detour.
- Offline maps by region: Each free account allows you to download an entire region for offline navigation. The rest are unlocked through a one-time purchase or a World Pack. The maps detail roads, trails, shelters, and natural features.
- Community and Highlights: The most popular spots (views, peaks, fountains, benches, shelters) appear on the map as "Highlights," and you can suggest new ones. Get inspired with real-life trails and photos from the community.
- Full device integration: Compatible with Garmin, Wahoo, Sigma, Wear OS, Bosch and multi-platform synchronization (mobile, tablet, web).
Its free experience is quality, especially focused on nearby regions. The regional shopping system helps save money if you only visit specific areas. The full version allows global navigation and advanced planning.
Gaia GPS: Professional maps, advanced planning, and offline navigation
Gaia GPS is the go-to app for advanced hikers and mountaineers looking for the highest level of mapping detail, advanced planning, and a professional experience.
- Topographic quality and premium maps: It includes high-resolution topographic maps, satellite maps, OSM maps, relief layers, weather, and many options for overlaying data and analyzing terrain (slope, vegetation, shade, etc.).
- Interactive planning and personalized routes: It allows you to create manual routes, follow downloaded tracks, import/export GPX and KML files, and add waypoints. The editing system is one of the most comprehensive and detailed.
- Robust offline browsing: Offline navigation is one of its greatest strengths, with downloading by selected areas, layer management, and quick access to maps even without data coverage.
- Statistics and comprehensive record: It measures distance, altitude, time, speed, elevation gain, estimated calorie consumption, and allows you to record and share tracks with detailed information.
- Web-app synchronization and export: All your routes are synced to the cloud, allowing you to access them from the web to plan from your computer and send routes to your mobile phone or external devices.
The free app is powerful. However, For unlimited map downloads or advanced features, the premium version is required., which is aimed at professionals and demanding users. It stands out for its mapping quality and personalized experience.
Outdooractive: Detailed planning, topographic maps and European community
Outdooractive (which integrates the functions of the legendary ViewRanger) is the most widely used platform in Europe for planning, navigating, and discovering outdoor routes.
- Routes and activities database: It offers more than 150.000 validated routes, interactive elevation profiles, information on shelters, accommodations, risk zones, and real-time weather conditions.
- Official topographic maps: Integrates high-quality national maps (IGN, Swisstopo, Ordnance Survey, etc.), OSM maps and satellite views.
- Compass navigation with advanced tools: Includes digital compass, altimeter, full screen display and emergency call button.
- Offline download and collaborative planning: It allows you to download routes and maps offline and plan group activities, with collaborative tools and full synchronization between the web and the app.
The free version is comprehensive for planning, route viewing, and basic navigation. Offline topographic maps and pro features require a subscription. Ideal for long hikes or trekking in challenging mountain environments, especially in Europe.
IGN Maps of Spain: Your official tool for topographic maps and GPX routes
IGN Maps of Spain is the official and free app of the National Geographic Information Center, supported by the National Geographic Institute. It is essential for hikers and trekkers who want to explore the area in detail and access official Spanish maps.
- Detailed topographic maps and orthophotos: Direct access to national cartography, including aerial orthophotos, digital terrain models, raster and vector maps.
- Opening, editing and recording tracks: Compatible with GPX, KML and KMZ files, you can view tracks, record routes, share journeys and edit waypoints.
- Offline support and customization: Download map areas for offline navigation, customize layers, and view routes for the Camino de Santiago, National Parks, or Greenways.
- Professional features: Includes access to IGN's WMS and WMTS services, highly valued for technical and professional routes.
The app is completely free and one of the best options for planning and tracking in Spain. It's perfect for those seeking maximum reliability and mapping accuracy.
OruxMaps: The Swiss Army Knife of GPS Navigation for Experts
OruxMaps is the go-to app for experienced users of hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor navigation. It is characterized by:
- Multi-map support: Use online and offline maps from almost any source (OpenStreetMap, IGN, OpenTopo, Mapbox, etc.), even allowing you to import custom maps, PNG, JPG, georeferenced maps, raster and vector maps.
- High customization: Configure every aspect of the interface and navigation. You can load WMS, TMS, and WMTS maps, and adjust advanced GPS parameters and data layer display (elevation, slope, hillshade, etc.).
- Advanced route recording and editing: Record tracks, edit, navigate routes, create points of interest, exclusion zones, waypoints, polygons, and perform detailed analysis of your rides.
- Compatible with external sensors and devices: Integration with heart rate monitors, ANT+ sensors, Bluetooth, smartwatches, and export/import in all standard formats.
The learning curve is steep, but the flexibility is unbeatable. The free version is very comprehensive, and there's a paid OruxMaps GP version on Google Play with extended support. Ideal for hikers, mountaineers, and professional guides who require complete control.
Other essential apps for free hiking trails and advanced planning
- GPX Viewer: Perfect for viewing, analyzing, and editing GPX/KML/KMZ/LOC tracks, checking statistics, locating yourself on the map, and recording simple routes. The free version is sufficient for most users, although the Pro version adds track recording and offline maps.
- Relive: Specialized in creating 3D animated videos of your routes (hiking, biking, running, etc.), it allows you to import tracks and share your adventure visually. However, it doesn't allow you to download GPX files shared by others.
- Bergfex routes & GPS: It excels in mountain routes (especially in Austria/Switzerland/Germany), with more than 70.000 verified routes, topographic maps, track recordings, and safety tips.
- Cairn: With a strong focus on safety, it displays network coverage on routes, reception points, emergency notifications, and alerts to security contacts. Ideal for remote areas or solo outings.
- PeakVisor: Identify mountains and peaks using your phone's camera, showing the names, altitudes, and details of hundreds of peaks around the world. Perfect for curious mountaineers and mountaineers who want to learn more about their surroundings.
- Mapy.cz: Czech app focused on hiking routes, offline maps, detailed outdoor maps (with contour lines, slopes, and hillshading), webcam integration, and a stage-by-stage forecast.
- Locus Map: Advanced GPS with OSM maps, cross-platform planning, and tools for recording, tracking, and analyzing routes. It offers three free offline zones and a Gold version with extras.
- Avenza Maps: Designed for loading and using customized, professional offline maps, it's ideal for areas without coverage or planning off-trail.
- OsmAnd: Multiplatform, it allows navigation, offline maps by region, layer overlays, and configuration of specific profiles for different outdoor sports.
- MAPS.ME and Organic Maps: Simple, effective, and free, they're ideal for beginners who want to find their way around familiar trails thanks to offline OSM maps (without too many technical details).
- Hiker: Ideal for long-distance trails in the US and Europe, with free offline zone downloads, planning, navigation, and hundreds of international routes.
Key tips for choosing the best free hiking trail app for your needs
La best free hiking app It will depend on your experience level, the type of routes you ride, and the depth of features you need. Use these criteria to make the best decision:
- Beginner: Choose apps with a simple interface, basic offline maps, and easy navigation (e.g., MAPS.ME, Organic Maps, GPX Viewer).
- Intermediate: If you're looking to discover new routes, record them, and share them, try Wikiloc, AllTrails, Komoot, or Bergfex.
- Advanced/Professional: OruxMaps, Gaia GPS, Outdooractive, IGN Mapas de España, and Avenza are the most comprehensive, with support for custom maps, route analysis, and technical tools.
- Social focus: Wikiloc and AllTrails stand out for their active communities, rankings, ratings, and reviews.
- Mountaineering, alpinism and expedition: Prioritize apps with topographic maps, advanced elevation profiles, track import, web planning, and security tools like Cairn or Mapy.cz.
- Cycling, mountain biking and trail running: Komoot, Strava, and AllTrails offer dedicated features for recording and analyzing multisport workouts.
- Device Compatibility: If you use a smartwatch, external GPS, or want integration with Garmin/Suunto/cycling, check compatibility (Wikiloc, Komoot, Locus, Gaia GPS, etc.).
- Official map and accuracy: For routes in Spain, IGN Maps of Spain offers the most accurate and up-to-date cartography.
Always consider your context, geographic area, coverage, map reliability, and whether you need advanced customization or just simple orientation.
Why is it essential to have the right app on your hiking trails?
Free hiking apps have revolutionized the way we plan, record, and share our adventures in the countryside, mountains, and rural settings. With them you can:
- Avoid getting lost with GPS navigation, offline maps, and detour alerts.
- Discover alternative routes, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and hidden gems filtered by the community.
- Record your runs to keep a history of your sports activities and progress.
- Share experiences, safety tips, and recommendations in real time with other hikers.
- Improve your safety with emergency alerts, contact notifications, and live tracking.
- Contribute to the preservation of nature with responsible practices and geolocated environmental information.
Digital hiking is a growing trend. New apps emerge every year, and major platforms improve their functionality with artificial intelligence, 3D mapping, environmental data integration, and collaborative projects with trail conservation platforms. The key is choosing the tool that best suits your way of enjoying nature, your experience, and the unique characteristics of each outing.
Before embarking on your next adventure, explore these apps, discover which ones best suit your style, and integrate technology as a smart ally, never as a substitute for preparation and respect for the natural environment. The future of hiking is now on your phone, opening up a world of routes, landscapes, and experiences to discover.
