5 Great Apps to Help Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure

With Spring now in full swing, it’s time to get outside and explore. Not sure where to start? Luckily, there are a number of apps that make planning your next adventure seamless and exciting. Whether you’re looking to hike a new trail, try a challenging new climbing route or explore new scenery from the comfort of your car, keep reading for five apps that will help you plan your next adventure.

1. AllTrails: Ideal for planning and recording your hike

With over 300k curated trails to select from, you’ll never run out of options with the AllTrails app. Each trail listed on the app has been verified by hiking experts and includes reviews from other users. Once you have selected the path you want to take, AllTrails acts as your guide by keeping track of how far you have gone and upcoming elevation changes.

AllTrails also keeps track of all of your adventures in one place. With the ability to log your travels and share insights from your experience with millions of other users, the adventure never stops. Need help finding the next place to explore? AllTrails lets you sort and filter by difficulty, trail length, type of activity and more so you can easily find your next hiking adventure in your community and beyond. 

2. Gaia GPS: Great for navigation

Are you looking to explore a new area but worried about losing your way? Well, never feel that way again with Gaia GPS. Gaia GPS offers maps that support numerous outdoor activities from hiking, biking and off-roading to snow sports, fishing and more.

Once you select your favorite activity and preferred location, the app takes you directly to a recommended map. While maps can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming-- especially in an area you’re unfamiliar with-- Gaia GPS offers different map views to provide you with the information you need. With satellite and topographical options, you can select the best version for navigating. Download the app today, highlight the locations on the map you want to visit and start exploring!

3. PeakVisor: Perfect for mountain exploration 

If you’re ready to take your adventure to new heights, PeakVisor is the app for you. Whether you’re an experienced climber or want to explore the mountains from your car window, PeakVisor has the most advanced 3D maps of more than one million mountains around the world. After you select the mountain you are interested in, PeakVisor maps will clearly label all the additional peaks around so you can get a better idea of your surroundings. The 3D maps not only highlight peaks, but trails, passes and even mountain huts.

Covering all major and minor mountain ranges in the world, PeakVisor makes sure you have all the information you need before and during your adventure. All of the app's data is available for download, so you can store the information you need on your device before you go and always have it on hand - no matter where you are.

4. FarOut: Great for long distance hiking and backpacking

The FarOut app is made for off-road adventurers. Known as the number-one navigation app for long-distance trails, FarOut is a database of trusted trail data gathered by experienced hikers that provides the most up-to-date and accurate trail information.

Each trail selection includes side trails and alternative routes for those who like to take the road less traveled. As with PeakVisor, all FarOut trail data is available offline, so you never have to worry about getting lost. The trail guides provide information on elevation, waypoints, photos and reviews, so you can find the hiking excursion that’s right for you.

5. NPS App: Perfect for Navigating through National Parks 

Visiting a national park for the first time can feel overwhelming; there are so many exciting areas to explore, but how do you ensure you don’t miss the best parts? The National Park Service (NPS) app is a great resource for planning your trip before you go. With a catalog of over 400 national parks, the NPS app is fully accessible and provides interactive maps as well as information on park tours, news, events, and amenities. This resource is a great way to begin planning your next trip to a national park.

Whether your ideal outdoor adventure includes hiking, biking, fishing, or a scenic drive, these apps are a great way to check out new areas and plan your next trip before you go.