GiudittaTop 6 Route Tracking Apps - Hiking & Cycling (Updated 2024)
Mountains, sea, woods or hills: thanks to GPS tracking apps, exploring new trekking and cycling routes is now simple and safe. In the age of mobile devices and geolocation, you will never risk getting lost, even in the wildest places.
But how can you easily find a scenic itinerary that is suitable for your physical abilities? We have selected the following for you 6 Best Apps Updated to 2024 that offer detailed maps, precise tracking and many additional features to help you on your next adventure.
What are route tracking apps and how do they work?
Route tracking apps use the format GPX, an open source standard that allows the exchange of georeferenced information (routes, points of interest, trails) between different GPS devices. Applications import GPX data and display the routes on digital maps (Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, etc.).
Calculating the slope
The best apps also offer an accurate calculation of the percentage slope, useful for understanding the difficulty of the chosen route. The slope is obtained by calculating the difference in altitude between two points (A and B) and representing it graphically next to the route.
Top 6 Hiking & Biking Apps in 2024
1. Komoot
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: Yup
- Map detail: high
- Cost: free (premium options available)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
Komoot remains a leading app with detailed maps, voice navigation, a large community, and the ability to create and share custom routes.
2. AllTrails
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: yes (premium)
- Map detail: very high
- Cost: free (premium options available)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
AllTrails boasts a large community with over 100.000 verified routes, user reviews, detailed maps, and ongoing updates on trail conditions and accessibility.
3. outdoor active (formerly ViewRanger)
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: Yup
- Map detail: very high
- Cost: free (advanced premium features)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
Also used by mountain rescue professionals, Outdooractive (formerly ViewRanger) combines detailed professional maps, advanced features and offline use.
4. Strava
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: No.
- Map detail: medium-high
- Cost: free (advanced premium features)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
Strava is the perfect app for athletes and competitive cyclists. It offers detailed performance tracking, community comparisons, and great advanced analysis features.
5. Gaia GPS
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: Yup
- Map detail: high
- Cost: free (premium for unlimited offline maps)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
Gaia GPS is among the best for those looking for professional topographic maps. It is particularly appreciated by expert hikers and lovers of extreme trekking.
6. Trailforks
- Route planning: Yup
- Slope calculation: Yup
- Offline maps: Yup
- Map detail: high
- Cost: free (optional premium)
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
Trailforks is designed especially for mountain bikers. It includes over 160.000 detailed MTB routes with up-to-date information on trail conditions, allowing you to better plan your bike ride.
How to choose the best app for you?
The choice of app depends a lot on your personal needs. If you are a competitive cyclist, Strava It's ideal for you. If you love technical hiking, Gaia GPS e outdoor active offer detailed and accurate maps. Komoot and AllTrails are great for amateur trekking and active tourism, while Trailforks is specialized for passionate bikers.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have a powerful tool to explore new territories and fully experience every outdoor adventure.
You are still not satisfied with what the current market offers, and you think you can make an app to track routes best?
Contact the Pizero Design team and make your project come true with us!
