The out of doors business has exploded in reputation inside the previous decade, contributing over $1.2 trillion to the US financial system in 2023. Extra individuals than ever are participating in out of doors leisure actions like biking, climbing, tenting and mountain climbing. As a wellness author at CNET, I discover this encouraging. Spending time outside, whether or not exercising, having fun with nature or just absorbing the solar, can decrease stress ranges and even assist fight melancholy.
Quite a few apps make opting outdoors straightforward, 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 path 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 during the last ten years — and I am definitely not alone. It is some of the well-liked mountain climbing 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 crushed path, it is a useful instrument to have in your cellphone.
At present, AllTrails gives three subscription choices: Primary (free), Plus ($35.99 per yr or $2.99 per thirty days) and Peak ($79.99 per yr or $6.67 per thirty days). The Peak plan rolled out just lately as a part of the AllTrails 2025 summer time replace. For the primary eight years as an avid AllTrails person, I relied solely on the Primary plan, upgrading to the Plus plan inside the final yr — and I am so glad I did.
Let’s dive into my favourite AllTrails options and ideas for profiting from your hikes with this app.
My AllTrails love story
Born and raised in Iowa, I loved spending time outside, however there weren’t many conventional mountain climbing alternatives in my space. It wasn’t till I moved to Lake Tahoe, California, practically ten years in the past, that I started mountain climbing frequently. It felt like discovering an entire new world, an oasis of limitless peaks, lakes, timber and breathtaking views to discover. I grew to become addicted. Each time I had an additional hour or two (or ten), I discovered myself on a path.
AllTrails has guided me on a whole lot of hikes over time.
Navigating these unfamiliar mountainous landscapes wouldn’t have been doable with out AllTrails guiding me. This app shortly grew to become 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 properties 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 Climbing Devices I’m Taking for Spring and Summer season Treks
Suggestions for utilizing the AllTrails app
I used the free model of AllTrails up till final yr once 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
Except you don’t have any preferences, I like to recommend utilizing the app’s search filters to slender your choices first. Relying on my targets for the day, I primarily use the size and elevation achieve filters to kind the paths. Just lately, I’ve been mountain climbing 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 ft.
The app’s search filters are extraordinarily useful, whether or not I am searching for a path with wildflowers, one with important elevation achieve or a simple stroll on my lunch break.
I additionally frequently choose the dog-friendly filter when searching for appropriate trails to take my pup, Charlie, who could be very specific about getting access to water and shade. I’m critical — if a path doesn’t have these two options, he can be mad at me for the remainder of the day (he’s a husky, in spite of everything). Moreover, I exploit the search filters for locating trails with different points of interest I’m within the temper for, equivalent to lakes, waterfalls or wildflowers. It’s also possible to search and uncover trails which can be stroller-friendly, kid-friendly and incapacity accessible.
2. Manage hikes into customized lists
The checklist function means that you can save and arrange hikes. I accomplish that primarily based on sure traits, equivalent 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 journeys, equivalent to tenting in new areas or discovering flat, simply accessible paths for relations who’re visiting and aren’t fairly acclimated to the elevation. I even have a listing of trails with water only for Charlie.
It can save you trails into customized lists to assist preserve your routes organized. I’ve a listing of Charlie’s favorites for swimming in lakes and rivers.
3. All the time learn the opinions
I like to recommend checking latest opinions from different hikers earlier than venturing on a brand new path. I’ve typically discovered these opinions extra useful than the data offered by AllTrails, particularly in terms of altering situations equivalent to path closures, inclement climate or different uncommon eventualities. As an illustration, I just lately 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 opinions through the springtime to gauge how a lot snow nonetheless covers the path, particularly for hikes at increased elevations. If nobody has posted a evaluate for a number of weeks or months, it normally signifies that the path nonetheless has giant snow-covered sections.
AllTrails categorizes its routes into three problem ranges: straightforward, reasonable and arduous. It determines this by contemplating size, elevation achieve and traits equivalent 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 probably the most dependable indicator of how straightforward or arduous a path is perhaps for you. All of us have completely different expertise and health ranges, which might result in various opinions concerning the issue of a path.
I sometimes consult with the opinions and components such because the path’s size and elevation achieve to find out the issue for myself. This method aligns with AllTrails’ suggestions: “The person opinions may also present perception into path problem ranges in addition to situations, which might change relying on season and may have an effect on problem. We all the time advocate studying opinions when figuring out path problem or utilizing extra filters to suit your wants.”
4. Navigate your route
Using your cellphone’s GPS, the navigation instrument tracks your route whilst you hike, displaying data like your distance, tempo, elevation and the way a lot additional you have got left to go. It’s also possible to add notes about path situations and add images in actual time. I exploit 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 often wander has been invaluable, particularly in inclement climate, poor path situations or on a route that lacks notable landmarks. It may be surprisingly straightforward to get circled or stray off the trail, particularly should you’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 improper turns
The Plus plan goes a step additional by offering cellphone notifications if it detects you have strayed off the path. I used to be particularly grateful for this function on a latest hike once I was so utterly and completely distracted by the view that I did not understand I had missed my turnoff for the summit till receiving the alert.
The improper flip alerts are nice should you is perhaps distracted by the views or wildlife. How can I be anticipated to concentrate to the path when 5 wild horses are working down a mountain like this?
6. Pre-download your maps
The first motive 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 opinions and on Reddit have expressed the identical sentiment. You’ll be able to obtain particular trails, total parks and customized sections of the map, guaranteeing entry to all the paths in areas with no cell sign. Needless to say 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
Factors of Curiosity are notable landmarks or options you will encounter alongside your hike. These are represented as icons or images on the map, which you’ll faucet to be taught extra. POIs present useful details about what to anticipate on the path, together with scenic viewpoints, lakes, river crossings, historic markers and extra. This function is nice when mountain climbing with my canine, Charlie, because it helps me know when water can be accessible for him to swim and funky off in.
The info for these factors is sourced from OpenStreetMap, which anybody can contribute to. Moreover, you may submit requests so as to add, edit or take away a POI by way of AllTrails.
The POIs embody notable options equivalent to ponds, river crossings, lakes, scenic views, waterfalls and even sensible factors like picnic tables or restrooms.
9. Share your hike in actual time
The Dwell Share function means that you can share a hyperlink with associates or household to allow them to comply with your progress. To entry it, choose the path you are mountain climbing, faucet “Map,” after which pull up the underside of the display. You will note choices equivalent to “Exercise,” “Path Circumstances,” and “Dwell Share.” Tapping on “Dwell Share” will generate a customized URL to ship to a buddy or member of the family, who can join textual content updates and examine your route.
Dwell Share additionally shows your estimated finish time (should you add it) and offers security data, equivalent to your coordinates and cell sign power. Simply understand that this function requires an information connection.
10. Sync AllTrails with Garmin or Apple
You’ll be able to sync your recorded AllTrails actions and health knowledge with Garmin Join and Apple Well being. Plus and Peak members may ship AllTrails routes to their Garmin gadgets from AllTrails’ web site to navigate the map by way of their Garmin machine. Moreover, the AllTrails app is on the market for obtain on Apple Watches, so you may keep on the path utilizing the navigational compass and monitor exercise hands-free — simply notice that you would be able to now not view the precise path map on an Apple Watch.
Peak plan options
Peak is AllTrails’ new premium plan. It offers 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 means that you can create your individual path by ranging from scratch or customizing present trails. It’s also possible to construct your path by way of good routing, which makes use of AI to mechanically create shorter, much less steep or extra scenic routes, relying in your preferences.
12. See group heatmaps
Whether or not you want to keep away from the crowds altogether or be a part of them for security causes, group heatmaps present site visitors knowledge on trails so you may see once they’re busy. It additionally means that you can uncover quieter, lesser-known trails.
13. Entry path and climate situations
By now, I’ve a fairly good grasp on which trails in my space can be busy and when, so I haven’t felt the necessity to improve my plan for the group 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 climate app when scouting and planning my hike for the day, but it surely’s not all the time probably the most dependable useful resource.
Please all the time respect the pure setting. Keep away from ecologically delicate areas and areas the place path crews carry out important upkeep work, particularly after storms, wildfires or floods.
AllTrails’ new path situations function 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 doable, pulling from sources equivalent to Meteomatics and Tomorrow.io. AllTrails states {that a} “future replace will add terrain and floor situations displaying pavement, gravel, mud and extra.”
Inside minutes, the climate reworked from blue skies to thunder and snowfall so heavy I might hardly see.
This function might have been useful once I was just lately caught in an surprising 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 once I began the hike — a testomony to how shortly mountain situations can change.
May AllTrails have been higher capable of predict this sudden storm? It is arduous to say, particularly given the Trump administration’s latest finances cuts to the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA’s Nationwide Climate Service performs an important position in offering climate and local weather forecasts by amassing knowledge by way of 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 companies equivalent to NOAA.
My greatest recommendation is to cross-reference climate apps and be as ready as doable earlier than hitting the path. All the time gown in layers and produce additional water and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a first-aid equipment. It additionally would not harm to throw a flashlight, map, compass or GPS machine in your bag.
Learn extra: Greatest Security Gear for Your Outside Actions
Must you improve your subscription plan?
Whether or not or not you need to improve your AllTrails plans is determined by your mountain climbing preferences and desires. I made a decision to improve to the Plus plan as a result of I incessantly discovered myself mountain climbing in areas with little cell service and wanted to navigate the path maps with no sign. There’s nothing worse than that panicky feeling of realizing you’re unsure which course you have to be heading, and I’ll do something to keep away from that. In my view, the $35.99 per yr for the Plus plan has been completely price it.
In case you’re a newbie or informal hiker who sticks to the identical trails or treks in areas with strong cell service, you will get by with the free Base plan. Nonetheless, should you frequently enterprise into new or unfamiliar locations (particularly if they’re distant and fewer frequented by different hikers), I’d say it’s price 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.
AllTrails plans in contrast
| Options | Base (free) | Plus ($36 per yr) | Peak ($80 per yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigate to remain on route | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Save trails and create lists | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advert-free | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Print maps for backup | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Discover trails by distance from you | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Share reside actions with associates | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preview trails and terrain in 3D | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Get alerts for improper turns | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tour images alongside the path | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Obtain offline maps | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Discover group heatmaps | x | x | ✓ |
| Customise AllTrails routes | x | x | ✓ |
| Construct your individual routes | x | x | ✓ |
| Plan for on-trail situations | x | x | ✓ |
Different useful out of doors apps
Many apps might help you efficiently put together for and execute your out of doors enjoyable. Listed below are different apps I like to recommend exploring should you’re fascinated by these actions:
Hipcamp: Often called the “Airbnb of tenting,” non-public landowners can grow to be hosts and checklist their properties on this app. Outside lovers searching for 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 simply gained’t discover elsewhere. On the Fourth of July final yr, I discovered a phenomenal campsite simply an hour away on the day of — utterly extraordinary for this space, the place each identified campsite fills months prematurely.
The Dyrt: The Dyrt primarily showcases public land tenting alternatives, equivalent to campgrounds and campsites. You’ll be able to learn detailed opinions and examine images by different campers.
OnX Backcountry: That is the final word offline, real-time GPS monitoring and navigational app for mountain climbing, mountain biking, backcountry snowboarding and mountaineering. It offers detailed data on off-grid backcountry terrain and public land boundaries that you would be able to entry with no cell sign.
Strava: Strava is a superb coaching instrument for runners, bikers and hikers. It tracks actions and data exercises utilizing GPS. Like a social media platform for out of doors lovers, Strava permits customers to share their exercises with household and associates and “like” and “remark” on each other’s actions.
PictureThis: PictureThis is a superb plant-identifier app that means that you can shortly and precisely determine 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 ideas and tips.
Merlin Hen ID: In case you’ve immediately developed an intense curiosity in birdwatching, you’re not alone. Developed by Cornell Lab, Merlin Hen ID is a superb free useful resource for figuring out birds in actual time on the path utilizing sound or images, offering detailed details about the species.