I’ve Used AllTrails Consistently for Nearly 10 Years. Here’s How to Navigate the App Like a Pro

The out of doors business has exploded in reputation throughout the previous decade, contributing over $1.2 trillion to the US economic system in 2023. Extra individuals than ever are participating in out of doors leisure actions like biking, climbing, tenting and hiking. As a wellness author at CNET, I discover this encouraging. Spending time outdoors, whether or not exercising, having fun with nature or just absorbing the solar, can decrease stress ranges and even assist combat depression.

Quite a few apps make opting exterior simple, with AllTrails on the forefront. Launched in 2010, it has performed an influential position within the rise of outside recreation. That includes over 450,000 trail guides across the globe, AllTrails has been my go-to useful resource for locating and navigating trails within the US and internationally. It has been a trusty companion in my pocket that has led me 1000’s of miles over the past ten years — and I am actually not alone. It is one of the crucial widespread mountaineering apps — if not the hottest — with over 80 million individuals worldwide counting on it for his or her adventures.

All hail AllTrails. There are many the explanation why so many individuals love this app. It’s extremely user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for all ages and talent ranges. The free model offers sufficient data for a lot of to efficiently embark on out of doors excursions with out paying for an upgraded plan. It is best for locating and trekking identified trails, so except you’re going off the overwhelmed path, it is a worthwhile device to have in your telephone.

At present, AllTrails gives three subscription options: Fundamental (free), Plus ($35.99 per 12 months or $2.99 per 30 days) and Peak ($79.99 per 12 months or $6.67 per 30 days). The Peak plan rolled out not too long ago as a part of the AllTrails 2025 summer update. For the primary eight years as an avid AllTrails person, I relied solely on the Fundamental plan, upgrading to the Plus plan throughout the final 12 months — and I am so completely satisfied I did.

Let’s dive into my favourite AllTrails options and suggestions for benefiting from your hikes with this app. 

My AllTrails love story

Born and raised in Iowa, I loved spending time outdoor, however there weren’t many conventional mountaineering alternatives in my space. It wasn’t till I moved to Lake Tahoe, California, practically ten years in the past, that I started mountaineering often. It felt like discovering a complete new world, an oasis of infinite peaks, lakes, bushes and breathtaking views to discover. I turned addicted. Every time I had an additional hour or two (or ten), I discovered myself on a path.

Navigating these unfamiliar mountainous landscapes wouldn’t have been potential with out AllTrails guiding me. This app rapidly turned integral to my life, from mundane every day walks after work to planning and executing cross-country journeys and worldwide journey. I even use AllTrails alongside Zillow whereas taking a look at houses on the market to see what number of trails are inside a sure distance from every property. Is {that a} bit obsessive? Maybe.

Learn extra: 8 Hiking Gadgets I’m Taking for Spring and Summer Treks

Suggestions for utilizing the AllTrails app

I used the free model of AllTrails up till final 12 months after I upgraded to Plus. Right here’s how I like to recommend utilizing the app and why I upgraded my subscription plan.

Base plan options

1. Use the search filters

Until you haven’t any preferences, I like to recommend utilizing the app’s search filters to slim your choices first. Relying on my objectives for the day, I primarily use the size and elevation achieve filters to type the paths. Not too long ago, I’ve been mountaineering extra deliberately in preparation for Mount Whitney, the tallest peak within the continental United States. The search filters find close by trails acceptable for coaching, as I would like to arrange my physique for the excessive altitude of 14,505 toes.

I additionally often choose the dog-friendly filter when in search of appropriate trails to take my pup, Charlie, who could be very explicit about gaining access to water and shade. I’m critical — if a path doesn’t have these two options, he will likely be mad at me for the remainder of the day (he’s a husky, in spite of everything). Moreover, I take advantage of the search filters for locating trails with different points of interest I’m within the temper for, comparable to lakes, waterfalls or wildflowers. You can too search and uncover trails which are stroller-friendly, kid-friendly and disability accessible.

2. Arrange hikes into customized lists

The listing function lets you save and arrange hikes. I achieve this primarily based on sure traits, comparable to quick hikes close by for a fast jaunt earlier than or after work or longer, extra strenuous day hikes. I create lists when planning trips, comparable to tenting in new areas or discovering flat, simply accessible paths for relations who’re visiting and are usually not fairly acclimated to the elevation. I even have a listing of trails with water only for Charlie.

3. At all times learn the evaluations

I like to recommend checking current evaluations from different hikers earlier than venturing on a brand new path. I’ve usually discovered these evaluations extra useful than the knowledge supplied by AllTrails, particularly in terms of altering situations comparable to path closures, inclement climate or different uncommon eventualities. As an illustration, I not too long ago went on a hike the place somebody talked about in a evaluate, “One factor that was a little bit of a nuisance was that there have been a ton of nymph grasshoppers masking sections of the path.” I did not suppose a lot of it at first, however I used to be quickly being uncomfortably pelted by 1000’s of tiny grasshoppers on my legs, arms and face.

I additionally rely closely on evaluations in the course of the springtime to gauge how a lot snow nonetheless covers the path, particularly for hikes at larger elevations. If nobody has posted a evaluate for a number of weeks or months, it normally signifies that the path nonetheless has massive snow-covered sections. 

AllTrails categorizes its routes into three problem ranges: simple, reasonable and exhausting. It determines this by contemplating size, elevation achieve and traits comparable to scrambles, uneven terrain and orienteering calls for. As a result of these rankings are meant for a broad viewers, they’re not all the time essentially the most dependable indicator of how simple or exhausting a path could be for you. All of us have totally different expertise and health ranges, which may result in various opinions relating to the problem of a path. 

I usually consult with the evaluations and components such because the path’s size and elevation achieve to find out the problem for myself. This strategy aligns with AllTrails’ suggestions: “The person evaluations will even present perception into path problem ranges in addition to situations, which may change relying on season and might have an effect on problem. We all the time suggest studying evaluations when figuring out path problem or utilizing further filters to suit your wants.” 

4. Navigate your route

Using your phone’s GPS, the navigation device tracks your route whilst you hike, displaying data like your distance, tempo, elevation and the way a lot additional you’ve left to go. You can too add notes about path situations and add images in actual time. I take advantage of this function on most hikes — not simply to log the paths I’ve accomplished, however to assist me keep on monitor.

I’ll admit it — I’ve a horrible sense of course. Having this real-time navigation show my present location and present how far off the path I sometimes wander has been invaluable, particularly in inclement climate, poor path situations or on a route that lacks notable landmarks. It may be surprisingly simple to get rotated or stray off the trail, particularly if you happen to’re somebody like me who’s directionally challenged or will get distracted by the views, wildlife, bugs or crops.

Plus plan options

5. Get alerts for fallacious turns

The Plus plan goes a step additional by offering telephone notifications if it detects you’ve got strayed off the path. I used to be particularly grateful for this function on a current hike after I was so fully and totally distracted by the view that I did not understand I had missed my turnoff for the summit till receiving the alert.

6. Pre-download your maps

The first purpose I upgraded to the Plus plan is to obtain maps, permitting me to navigate trails with out cell service. It’s been a lifesaver for me on a number of events, and I’m not the one one — AllTrails customers within the app’s evaluations and on Reddit have expressed the identical sentiment. You possibly can obtain particular trails, entire parks and customized sections of the map, guaranteeing entry to all the paths in areas and not using a cell sign. Remember that an web connection is required to obtain the maps, so you’ll want to do that earlier than getting into a useless zone.

7. Preview the path in 3D

Plus plan members can preview trails in 3D, which has confirmed surprisingly useful in mentally getting ready for unfamiliar trails. The enjoyable digital walkthroughs spotlight the path routes, terrain and elevation modifications, so I do know what I’m getting myself into earlier than beginning.

8. Put together for factors of curiosity

Points of Interest are notable landmarks or options you will encounter alongside your hike. These are represented as icons or images on the map, which you’ll be able to faucet to be taught extra. POIs present worthwhile details about what to anticipate on the path, together with scenic viewpoints, lakes, river crossings, historic markers and extra. This function is nice when mountaineering with my canine, Charlie, because it helps me know when water will likely be accessible for him to swim and funky off in.

The information for these factors is sourced from OpenStreetMap, which anybody can contribute to. Moreover, you possibly can submit requests so as to add, edit or take away a POI by way of AllTrails.

9. Share your hike in actual time

The Live Share function lets you share a hyperlink with pals or household to allow them to observe your progress. To entry it, choose the path you are mountaineering, faucet “Map,” after which pull up the underside of the display screen. You will note choices comparable to “Exercise,” “Path Circumstances,” and “Stay Share.” Tapping on “Stay Share” will generate a customized URL to ship to a good friend or member of the family, who can join textual content updates and consider your route.

Stay Share additionally shows your estimated finish time (if you happen to add it) and offers security data, comparable to your coordinates and cell sign power. Simply understand that this function requires a knowledge connection.

10. Sync AllTrails with Garmin or Apple

You possibly can sync your recorded AllTrails actions and health knowledge with Garmin Connect and Apple Health. Plus and Peak members also can ship AllTrails routes to their Garmin units from AllTrails’ web site to navigate the map by way of their Garmin device. Moreover, the AllTrails app is out there for obtain on Apple Watches, so you possibly can keep on the path utilizing the navigational compass and monitor exercise hands-free — simply be aware you can now not view the precise path map on an Apple Watch.

Peak plan options

Peak is AllTrails’ new premium plan. It provides you entry to all of the aforementioned options of Base and Plus, in addition to a couple of new ones, together with AI-powered customized path routes and climate prediction capabilities.

11. Create customized routes

The customized routes function lets you create your individual path by ranging from scratch or customizing current trails. You can too construct your path by way of good routing, which makes use of AI to robotically create shorter, much less steep or extra scenic routes, relying in your preferences.

12. See neighborhood heatmaps

Whether or not you want to keep away from the crowds altogether or be a part of them for security causes, community heatmaps present visitors knowledge on trails so you possibly can see after they’re busy. It additionally lets you uncover quieter, lesser-known trails.

13. Entry path and climate situations

By now, I’ve a reasonably good grasp on which trails in my space will likely be busy and when, so I haven’t felt the necessity to improve my plan for the neighborhood heatmaps. I additionally don’t do a ton of off-grid bushwhacking, so I haven’t wanted to create customized routes but. Nonetheless, the Peak plan gives one other function that I’ve been contemplating upgrading for: path and climate situations. I all the time consult with my iPhone’s weather app when scouting and planning my hike for the day, but it surely’s not all the time essentially the most dependable useful resource.

AllTrails’ new trail conditions feature particulars the present and forecasted climate so you recognize what to anticipate. The situation overlays embody precipitation, temperature and snow depth. It additionally offers alerts for air high quality and mosquito exercise. It analyzes 15 climate components and over 10 million knowledge factors to offer as correct details about the path as potential, pulling from sources comparable to Meteomatics and Tomorrow.io. AllTrails states {that a} “future replace will add terrain and floor situations displaying pavement, gravel, mud and extra.”

This function could have been useful after I was not too long ago caught in an sudden snowstorm atop the mountain. I had checked the climate app beforehand, and although it predicted some clouds and funky temperatures, there was no precipitation within the forecast after I began the hike — a testomony to how rapidly mountain situations can change.

May AllTrails have been higher capable of predict this sudden storm? It is exhausting to say, particularly given the Trump administration’s recent budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA’s National Weather Service performs a vital position in offering climate and local weather forecasts by gathering knowledge through satellite tv for pc and radar. Although Tomorrow.io and Meteomatics (AllTrails’ major climate sources) make the most of their very own proprietary knowledge assortment strategies, in addition they supply from and collaborate with meteorological businesses comparable to NOAA.

My greatest recommendation is to cross-reference climate apps and be as prepared as possible earlier than hitting the path. At all times costume in layers and convey further water and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a first-aid equipment. It additionally does not damage to throw a flashlight, map, compass or GPS machine in your bag.

Learn extra: Best Safety Gear for Your Outdoor Activities

Do you have to improve your subscription plan?

Whether or not or not you need to improve your AllTrails plans is dependent upon your mountaineering preferences and desires. I made a decision to improve to the Plus plan as a result of I steadily discovered myself mountaineering in areas with little cell service and wanted to navigate the path maps and not using a sign. There’s nothing worse than that panicky feeling of realizing you’re undecided which course try to be heading, and I’ll do something to keep away from that. For my part, the $35.99 per 12 months for the Plus plan has been completely value it.

In the event you’re a newbie or informal hiker who sticks to the identical trails or treks in areas with strong cell service, you may get by with the free Base plan. Nonetheless, if you happen to often enterprise into new or unfamiliar locations (particularly if they’re distant and fewer frequented by different hikers), I’d say it’s value upgrading to one of many premium plans for the added security options and peace of thoughts. 

AllTrails gives a 7-day free trial of the Plus and Peak plans that will help you decide if the premium options fit your wants.

Different useful out of doors apps

Many apps might help you efficiently put together for and execute your out of doors enjoyable. Listed here are different apps I like to recommend exploring if you happen to’re thinking about these actions:

Hipcamp: Generally known as the “Airbnb of tenting,” non-public landowners can grow to be hosts and listing their properties on this app. Out of doors fans in search of distinctive or lesser-known locations to camp, glamp or park their RV can search and join with these hosts. There are over 120,000 campsites listed on this app that you just gained’t discover elsewhere. On the Fourth of July final 12 months, I discovered a ravishing campsite simply an hour away on the day of — fully unparalleled for this space, the place each identified campsite fills months prematurely. 

The Dyrt: The Dyrt primarily showcases public land tenting alternatives, comparable to campgrounds and campsites. You possibly can learn detailed evaluations and consider images by different campers. 

OnX Backcountry: That is the last word offline, real-time GPS monitoring and navigational app for mountaineering, mountain biking, backcountry snowboarding and mountaineering. It offers detailed data on off-grid backcountry terrain and public land boundaries you can entry and not using a cell sign. 

Strava: Strava is a good coaching device for runners, bikers and hikers. It tracks actions and information exercises utilizing GPS. Like a social media platform for out of doors fans, Strava permits customers to share their exercises with household and pals and “like” and “remark” on each other’s actions.

PictureThis: PictureThis is a good plant-identifier app that lets you rapidly and precisely establish crops with a photograph. I’ve used it on a number of hikes to find out which crops are poisonous. It’s extraordinarily useful for gardening because it additionally diagnoses crops and offers care suggestions and tips. 

Merlin Bird ID: In the event you’ve instantly developed an intense curiosity in birdwatching, you’re not alone. Developed by Cornell Lab, Merlin Hen ID is a good free useful resource for figuring out birds in actual time on the path utilizing sound or images, offering detailed details about the species.