Whether you’re venturing into misty mountain ranges, navigating dense forests, or strolling through scenic coastal paths, hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature. But in 2025, hiking isn’t just about boots and backpacks—it’s about smart tech too. With the right hiking app, your phone becomes a powerful trail guide, safety net, and adventure planner.

From real-time GPS tracking to offline maps, elevation profiles, and community reviews, hiking apps have evolved into essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a seasoned thru-hiker, this guide will walk you through the best hiking apps currently making headlines, highlighting their strengths, features, and why they deserve a spot on your home screen.

Best Hiking Apps to Download This Year: Your Ultimate Trail Companion

1. AllTrails

Best for: Trail discovery & community reviews
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free; Pro version from $35.99/year

AllTrails is the gold standard for casual and experienced hikers alike. With over 450,000 trails worldwide, it’s the most comprehensive trail database available. You can filter hikes by difficulty, length, elevation gain, dog-friendliness, and more. Each trail includes user-generated reviews, photos, and tips—making it easy to avoid muddy paths or crowded routes.

The Pro version unlocks offline maps, real-time overlays like air quality and weather, and custom map printing. It’s especially useful for remote hikes where cell service is spotty. Whether you’re hiking in the Rockies or exploring trails in Lagos, AllTrails helps you plan smarter and hike safer.

Why it stands out: Massive trail database, intuitive interface, and a vibrant community of hikers sharing real-time insights.

2. Gaia GPS

Best for: Advanced navigation & off-grid hiking
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free; Premium $59.90/year

Gaia GPS is a favorite among serious hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers. It offers a rich selection of map layers, including topographic, satellite, and National Geographic maps. You can download maps for offline use, track your route with precision, and analyze elevation profiles in detail.

The app also supports route planning with waypoints, custom overlays, and syncing across devices. Gaia’s strength lies in its accuracy and depth—ideal for those venturing into wilderness areas or planning multi-day treks.

Why it stands out: Professional-grade mapping tools and offline capabilities make it indispensable for backcountry exploration.

3. OnX Backcountry

Best for: Wilderness safety & terrain analysis
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Subscription-based

Originally designed for hunters and off-roaders, OnX Backcountry has become a powerful tool for hikers. It offers detailed terrain maps, public land boundaries, and trail overlays. You can view slope angles, avalanche forecasts, and weather conditions—all crucial for alpine or winter hiking.

The app also includes offline maps and route planning tools. Its emphasis on safety and terrain awareness makes it ideal for solo hikers or those exploring unfamiliar regions.

Why it stands out: Safety-first design with terrain intelligence and backcountry-specific features.

4. FarOut (formerly Guthook Guides)

Best for: Long-distance thru-hikes
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Varies by trail

FarOut is the go-to app for thru-hikers tackling legendary trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Camino de Santiago. Each trail guide includes water sources, campsites, elevation profiles, and real-time updates from other hikers.

The app works offline and provides GPS-based navigation tailored to long-distance routes. It’s trusted by backpackers for its reliability and depth of information.

Why it stands out: Trail-specific guides with community updates make it essential for multi-day hikes.

5. Komoot

Best for: Custom route creation & multi-sport use
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free; Premium available

Komoot is a versatile app that caters to hikers, bikers, and runners. You can build personalized routes based on fitness level, terrain, and scenery. The app provides turn-by-turn voice navigation, elevation data, and offline maps.

Komoot also integrates with smartwatches and fitness trackers, making it ideal for those who want to log performance metrics. Its sleek interface and route customization tools make it a favorite among European hikers and urban explorers alike.

Why it stands out: Multi-sport flexibility and personalized route planning.

6. Wikiloc

Best for: Global trail discovery & GPS sharing
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free; Premium available

Wikiloc is a community-driven app with millions of trails uploaded by users around the world. You can search by location, activity type, and difficulty level. Each trail includes GPS data, photos, and user comments.

The app supports offline maps, live tracking, and safety alerts. It’s especially useful for international travelers looking to hike in unfamiliar regions. With a strong global community, Wikiloc offers a rich variety of trails beyond the usual tourist spots.

Why it stands out: Global reach and user-generated content make it perfect for discovering hidden gems.

7. Hiking Project

Best for: Free trail maps & beginner-friendly navigation
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free

Created by REI, Hiking Project offers curated trail maps with elevation profiles, GPS tracking, and offline access. While its database isn’t as vast as AllTrails, it focuses on quality over quantity. Each trail is vetted and includes detailed descriptions, photos, and difficulty ratings.

The app is completely free and ideal for beginners or casual hikers who want reliable information without a subscription. It’s also a great backup app for those who prefer redundancy on the trail.

Why it stands out: Free, reliable, and beginner-friendly with offline access.

Bonus Picks: Enhance Your Hiking Experience

PeakFinder

Best for: Identifying surrounding mountains
Using augmented reality, PeakFinder shows the names and elevations of nearby peaks. Just point your phone at the horizon, and it labels the landscape in real time. It’s a fun and educational tool for mountain lovers.

Star Walk 2

Best for: Stargazing after sunset hikes
Star Walk 2 turns your phone into a planetarium. After a long hike, lie back and explore constellations, planets, and satellites. It’s a magical way to end a day on the trail.

How to Choose the Right Hiking App

With so many options, choosing the right hiking app depends on your goals and hiking style. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hiking Style	Recommended App	Why It Works
Casual Day Hiker	AllTrails, Hiking Project	Easy-to-use, great for short trails
Backcountry Explorer	Gaia GPS, OnX Backcountry	Advanced mapping and safety tools
Thru-Hiker	FarOut	Trail-specific guides and community tips
International Hiker	Wikiloc	Global trail database
Multi-Sport Adventurer	Komoot	Route planning for hiking, biking, more

Pro Tips for Using Hiking Apps

• Download maps before you go: Even the best apps are useless without signal. Always download your route and surrounding area for offline use.
• Bring a power bank: GPS tracking drains battery fast. A lightweight power bank can be a lifesaver.
• Layer your apps: Use one app for navigation (Gaia), another for discovery (AllTrails), and a third for fun (PeakFinder).
• Check recent reviews: Trail conditions change. User comments can alert you to closures, flooding, or wildlife sightings.
• Respect nature: Leave no trace, stay on marked trails, and use your app to avoid sensitive ecosystems.

Final Thoughts:

In 2025, hiking is no longer just about intuition and paper maps. With the right app, you can explore deeper, hike safer, and connect with a global community of adventurers. Whether you’re scaling volcanic ridges in Indonesia, wandering through the Scottish Highlands, or discovering hidden trails in Nigeria, these hiking apps are your passport to the wild.

So lace up your boots, download your favorites, and let technology guide you to your next great adventure.