I’ve Been Hiking With AllTrails for 10 Years. Here’s Why I Love This User-Friendly App

The outdoor industry has exploded in popularity within the past decade, contributing over $1.2 trillion to the US economy in 2023. More people than ever are engaging in outdoor recreational activities like biking, climbing, camping and hiking. While this has advantages and disadvantages, I find it encouraging as a wellness writer. Whether exercising or simply enjoying the sunshine and nature, spending time outside can lower stress levels and even help combat depression.

Many apps make opting outside easier, with AllTrails at the forefront. Launched in 2010, it now features over 450,000 trail guides around the globe. It’s been my primary resource for locating and navigating trails in the US and internationally — a trusty companion in my pocket that has led me thousands of miles. It’s also one of the most popular hiking apps (if not the most popular), with over 80 million people worldwide relying on it for their adventures.

The app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it a valuable tool for all ages and skill levels. The free version provides enough information to discover new hikes without paying for an upgraded plan. AllTrails offers three subscription options: Basic (free), Plus ($36 per year or $3 per month) and Peak ($80 per year or $6.67 per month). The Peak plan just rolled out as part of the AllTrails 2025 summer update.

I upgraded my plan to Plus last year and am so happy I did. Here are my favorite AllTrails features with a few tips for making the most of your hikes.

AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps: $0 at AllTrails

Note: AllTrails is best for finding and navigating known trails. If you’re heading off the beaten path or looking to create your own custom routes, I recommend checking out Gaia GPS or onX Backcountry.

My AllTrails love story

I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors, but it wasn’t until I moved to Lake Tahoe, California, that I began hiking regularly — and by regularly, I mean almost every day. It felt like discovering a new world, an oasis of endless peaks, lakes, forests and breathtaking views to explore. Whenever I had an extra hour or two (or 10), I was hitting the trails.

AllTrails quickly became integral to my life, from mundane walks after work to planning and executing cross-country trips and international travel. I even use AllTrails alongside Zillow while looking at homes for sale to see how many trails are within a certain distance from each property. Is that a bit obsessive? Perhaps.

Read more: 8 Hiking Gadgets I’m Taking for Spring and Summer Treks

Tips for using the AllTrails app

I used the free version of AllTrails up until last year when I upgraded to Plus. Here’s how I recommend using the app and why I upgraded my subscription plan.

Base plan features

1. Use the search filters

I recommend using the app’s search filters to narrow your options first. Depending on my goals for the day, I usually use the length and elevation gain filters to sort the trails. I recently hiked Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous US. To help me train for this strenuous endeavor, I used the app’s search filters to locate sufficiently challenging trails in my area, as I needed to prepare my body for the high altitude of 14,505 feet.

I also regularly select the dog-friendly filter when looking for suitable trails to take my pup, Charlie, who is very particular about having access to water and shade. I’m serious — if a trail doesn’t have those two features, he will be mad at me for the rest of the day (he is a husky, after all). Additionally, I use the search filters for finding trails with other attractions I’m in the mood for, such as lakes, waterfalls or wildflowers. You can also search and discover trails that are stroller-friendly, kid-friendly and disability accessible.

2. Organize hikes into custom lists

The list feature allows you to save and organize hikes. I do so based on certain characteristics, such as short hikes nearby for a quick jaunt before or after work or longer, more strenuous day hikes. I create lists when planning trips, such as camping in new areas or finding flat, easily accessible paths for family members who are visiting and are not quite acclimated to the elevation. I also have a list of trails with water just for Charlie.

3. Always read the reviews

I recommend checking recent reviews from other hikers before venturing on a new trail. I have often found these reviews more helpful than the information provided by AllTrails, especially when it comes to changing conditions such as trail closures, inclement weather or other unusual scenarios. For instance, I recently went on a hike where someone mentioned in a review, “One thing that was a bit of a nuisance was that there were a ton of nymph grasshoppers covering sections of the trail.” I didn’t think much of it at first, but sure enough, thousands of tiny grasshoppers were uncomfortably pelting me on my legs, arms and face throughout the hike.

I also refer to the reviews during the springtime to gauge how much snow still covers the trail, especially for hikes at higher elevations. If no one has posted a review for several weeks or months, it usually indicates that the trail still has large snow-covered sections. The reviews were instrumental in helping me prepare for hiking Mount Whitney, as others often leave detailed reviews of their experience with trail and weather conditions, start and finish times and recommendations for what to bring.

AllTrails categorizes routes into three difficulty levels: easy, moderate and hard. It determines difficulty by considering length, elevation gain and characteristics such as scrambles, uneven terrain and orienteering demands. Because these ratings are meant for a broad audience, they’re not always the most reliable indicator of how easy or hard a trail might be for you. We all have different skills and fitness levels, which can lead to varying opinions regarding the difficulty of a trail. 

I typically refer to the reviews and factors such as the trail’s length and elevation gain to determine the intensity for myself. This approach aligns with AllTrails’ recommendations: “The user reviews will also provide insight into trail difficulty levels as well as conditions, which can change depending on season and can affect difficulty. We always recommend reading reviews when determining trail difficulty or using additional filters to fit your needs.” 

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4. Navigate your route

Utilizing your phone’s GPS, the navigation tool tracks your route while you hike, displaying information like your distance, pace, elevation and how much further you have left to go. You can also add notes about trail conditions and upload photos in real time. I use this feature on most hikes — not just to log the trails I’ve completed, but to help me stay on track.

I’ll admit it — I have a terrible sense of direction. Having this real-time navigation display my current location and show how far off the trail I might occasionally wander has been invaluable, especially in inclement weather, poor trail conditions or on a route that lacks notable landmarks.

Plus plan features

5. Get alerts for wrong turns

The Plus plan goes a step further by providing notifications if it detects you’ve strayed off the trail. I was especially grateful for this feature on a recent hike when I was so completely and utterly distracted by the view that I didn’t realize I had missed my turnoff for the summit until receiving the alert. If you intend to go off the designated route while navigating a trail, you can simply mute the first notification to let AllTrails know it’s on purpose.

6. Pre-download your maps

The primary reason I upgraded to the Plus plan is to download maps, allowing me to navigate trails without cell service. It’s proved a worthy upgrade for me on multiple occasions, and I’m not the only one — many users in the app’s reviews and on Reddit have expressed the same sentiment. You can download specific trails, entire parks and custom sections of the map, ensuring access to all the trails in areas without a cell signal. Keep in mind that an internet connection is required to download the maps, so be sure to do this before entering a dead zone.

7. Preview the trail in 3D

Plus plan members can preview trails in 3D, which has proven surprisingly helpful in mentally preparing for unfamiliar trails. The fun virtual walkthroughs highlight the trail routes, terrain and elevation changes, so I know what I’m getting myself into before starting.

8. Prepare for points of interest

Points of Interest are notable landmarks or features you’ll encounter along your hike. These are represented as icons or photos on the map, which you can tap to learn more. POIs provide valuable information about what to expect on the trail, including scenic viewpoints, lakes, river crossings, historical markers and more. This feature is great when hiking with my dog, Charlie, as it helps me know when water will be accessible for him to swim and cool off in.

The data for these points is sourced from OpenStreetMap, which anyone can contribute to. Additionally, you can submit requests to add, edit or remove a POI through AllTrails.

9. Share your hike in real time

The Live Share feature allows you to share a link with friends or family so they can follow your progress. To access it, select the trail you’re hiking, tap “Map,” and then pull up the bottom of the screen. You will see options such as “Activity,” “Trail Conditions,” and “Live Share.” Tapping on “Live Share” will generate a custom URL to send to a friend or family member, who can sign up for text updates and view your route.

Live Share also displays your estimated end time (if you add it) and provides safety information, such as your coordinates and cell signal strength. Just keep in mind that this feature requires a data connection.

10. Sync AllTrails with Garmin or Apple

You can sync your recorded AllTrails activities and fitness data with Garmin Connect and Apple Health. Plus and Peak members can also send AllTrails routes to their Garmin devices from AllTrails’ website to navigate the map through their Garmin device. Additionally, the AllTrails app is available for download on Apple Watches, so you can stay on the trail using the navigational compass and track activity hands-free — just note that you can no longer view the actual trail map on an Apple Watch.

Get AllTrails Plus: $0 at AllTrails

Peak plan features

Peak is AllTrails’ new premium plan. It gives you access to all the aforementioned features of Base and Plus, as well as a few new ones, including AI-powered custom trail routes and weather prediction capabilities.

11. Create custom routes

The custom routes feature allows you to create your own trail by starting from scratch or customizing existing trails. You can also build your trail through smart routing, which uses AI to automatically create shorter, less steep or more scenic routes, depending on your preferences.

12. See community heatmaps

Whether you wish to avoid the crowds altogether or join them for safety reasons, community heatmaps provide traffic data on trails so you can see when they’re busy. It also allows you to discover quieter, lesser-known trails.

13. Access trail and weather conditions

By now, I have a pretty good grasp on which trails in my area will be busy and when, so I haven’t felt the need to upgrade my plan for the community heatmaps. I also don’t do a ton of off-grid bushwhacking, so I haven’t needed to create custom routes yet. However, the Peak plan offers another feature that I have been considering upgrading for: trail and weather conditions. I always refer to my iPhone’s weather app when scouting and planning my hike for the day, but it’s not always the most reliable resource.

AllTrails’ new trail conditions feature details the current and forecasted weather so you know what to expect. The condition overlays include precipitation, temperature and snow depth. It also provides alerts for air quality and mosquito activity. It analyzes 15 weather factors and over 10 million data points to provide as accurate information about the trail as possible, pulling from sources such as Meteomatics and Tomorrow.io. AllTrails states that a “future update will add terrain and ground conditions showing pavement, gravel, mud and more.”

This feature may have been helpful when I was recently caught in an unexpected snowstorm atop the mountain. I had checked the weather app beforehand, and though it predicted some clouds and cool temperatures, there was no precipitation in the forecast when I started the hike — a testament to how quickly mountain conditions can change.

Could AllTrails have been better able to predict this sudden storm? It’s hard to say, especially given the Trump administration’s budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA’s National Weather Service plays a crucial role in providing weather and climate forecasts by collecting data via satellite and radar. Though Tomorrow.io and Meteomatics (AllTrails’ primary weather sources) utilize their own proprietary data collection methods, they also source from and collaborate with meteorological agencies such as NOAA.

Read more: Best Safety Gear for Your Outdoor Activities

Get AllTrails Peak : $0 at AllTrails

Don’t solely rely on AllTrails

If you’re exploring a new or unfamiliar area, I recommend cross-referencing AllTrails’ maps with another hiking app. Through my own trial and error over the years, I’ve learned it’s best not to rely solely on one app for navigating unknown terrain. No hiking app is flawless. For various reasons, they will all have lapses in information and data, and will not always be perfectly up to date or accurate.

The good news is that most hiking apps offer free versions or trial periods. If you’re heading out into uncharted territory, I recommend downloading one of the other top-rated hiking apps, such as onX Backcountry, Gaia GPS, CalTopo, Avenza Maps or Hiking Project. Download the maps ahead of time for offline access on two or more apps so you have multiple sources to reference when you’re trekking without cell service.

I recommend cross-referencing weather apps and being extra prepared before hitting the trail. Always dress in layers and bring sufficient water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a first-aid kit. Consider adding a flashlight, physical map, compass, handheld GPS device or satellite communicator in your bag — you never know what you’ll encounter on your hike, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Should you upgrade your subscription plan?

Whether or not you should upgrade your AllTrails plans depends on your hiking preferences and needs. I decided to upgrade to the Plus plan because I frequently found myself hiking in areas with little cell service and needed to navigate the trail maps without a signal. There’s nothing worse than that panicky feeling of realizing you’re not sure which direction you should be heading, and I’ll do anything to avoid that. I think the $36 per year for the Plus plan has been worth it.

If you’re a beginner or casual hiker who sticks to the same trails or treks in areas with solid cell service, you can get by with the free Base plan. However, suppose you regularly venture into new or unfamiliar places (especially if they are remote and less frequented by other hikers). In that case, it’s absolutely worth upgrading to one of the premium plans for the added safety features and peace of mind. 

AllTrails offers a seven-day free trial of the Plus and Peak plans to help you determine if the premium features suit your needs.

Other helpful outdoor apps

Many apps can help you prepare for and execute your outdoor fun. Here are others worth exploring:

Gaia GPS: Gaia GPS is designed for those who like to venture off the beaten path. It allows you to download entire topographic maps to use in remote areas without cell service. It’s another great navigation tool for backcountry exploration.

onX Backcountry: This is another excellent backcountry app with offline GPS tracking and navigation for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and rock climbing. It provides detailed information on off-grid terrain and public land boundaries that you can access without a cell signal. 

Hipcamp: Known as the “Airbnb of camping,” private landowners can become hosts and list their properties on this app. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique or lesser-known places to camp, glamp or park their RV can search and connect with these hosts. There are over 120,000 campsites listed on this app that you won’t find elsewhere. On the morning of the Fourth of July last year, I found a beautiful campsite less than an hour away through Hipcamp — an impressive feat given every known designated and dispersed camping area is always filled on that day. 

The Dyrt: The Dyrt primarily showcases public land camping opportunities, such as campgrounds and campsites. You can read detailed reviews and view photos by other campers. 

Strava: Strava is a great training tool for runners, bikers and hikers. It tracks activities and records workouts using GPS. Like a social media platform for outdoor enthusiasts, Strava allows users to share their workouts with family and friends and “like” and “comment” on one another’s activities.

PictureThis: PictureThis is a great plant-identifier app that allows you to quickly and accurately identify plants with a photo. I have used it on multiple hikes to determine which plants are toxic. It’s extremely helpful for gardening as it also diagnoses plants and provides care tips and tricks. 

Merlin Bird ID: If you’ve suddenly developed an intense interest in birdwatching, you’re not alone. Developed by Cornell Lab, Merlin Bird ID is a great free resource for identifying birds in real time on the trail using sound or photos, providing detailed information about the species.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.