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. As a wellness writer at CNET, I find this encouraging. Spending time outdoors, whether exercising, enjoying nature or simply soaking up the sun, can lower stress levels and even help combat depression.
Numerous apps make opting outside easy, with AllTrails at the forefront. Launched in 2010, it has played an influential role in the rise of outdoor recreation. Featuring over 450,000 trail guides around the globe, AllTrails has been my go-to resource for discovering and navigating trails in the US and internationally. It’s been a trusty companion in my pocket that has led me thousands of miles over the last ten years — and I’m certainly not alone. It’s one of the most popular hiking apps — if not the most popular — with over 80 million people worldwide relying on it for their adventures.
All hail AllTrails. There are plenty of reasons why so many people love this app. It is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. The free version provides enough information for many to successfully embark on outdoor excursions without paying for an upgraded plan. It’s best for finding and trekking known trails, so unless you’re going off the beaten path, it’s a valuable tool to have on your phone.
Currently, AllTrails offers three subscription options: Basic (free), Plus ($35.99 per year or $2.99 per month) and Peak ($79.99 per year or $6.67 per month). The Peak plan rolled out recently as part of the AllTrails 2025 summer update. For the first eight years as an avid AllTrails user, I relied solely on the Basic plan, upgrading to the Plus plan within the last year — and I’m so happy I did.
Let’s dive into my favorite AllTrails features and tips for making the most of your hikes with this app.
My AllTrails love story
Born and raised in Iowa, I enjoyed spending time outdoors, but there weren’t many traditional hiking opportunities in my area. It wasn’t until I moved to Lake Tahoe, California, nearly ten years ago, that I began hiking regularly. It felt like discovering a whole new world, an oasis of endless peaks, lakes, trees and breathtaking views to explore. I became addicted. Whenever I had an extra hour or two (or ten), I found myself on a trail.
AllTrails has guided me on hundreds of hikes over the years.
Navigating these unfamiliar mountainous landscapes would not have been possible without AllTrails guiding me. This app quickly became integral to my life, from mundane daily 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.
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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
Unless you have no preferences, I recommend using the app’s search filters to narrow your options first. Depending on my goals for the day, I primarily use the length and elevation gain filters to sort the trails. Recently, I’ve been hiking more intentionally in preparation for Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental United States. The search filters locate nearby trails appropriate for training, as I need to prepare my body for the high altitude of 14,505 feet.
The app’s search filters are extremely helpful, whether I’m looking for a trail with wildflowers, one with significant elevation gain or an easy stroll on my lunch break.
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.
You can save trails into custom lists to help keep your routes organized. I have a list of Charlie’s favorites for swimming in lakes and rivers.
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 I was soon being uncomfortably pelted by thousands of tiny grasshoppers on my legs, arms and face.
I also rely heavily on 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.
AllTrails categorizes its routes into three difficulty levels: easy, moderate and hard. It determines this 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 difficulty 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.”
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 occasionally wander has been invaluable, especially in inclement weather, poor trail conditions or on a route that lacks notable landmarks. It can be surprisingly easy to get turned around or stray off the path, especially if you’re someone like me who is directionally challenged or gets distracted by the views, wildlife, bugs or plants.
Plus plan features
5. Get alerts for wrong turns
The Plus plan goes a step further by providing phone 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.
The wrong turn alerts are great if you might be distracted by the views or wildlife. How can I be expected to pay attention to the trail when five wild horses are running down a mountain like this?
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 been a lifesaver for me on multiple occasions, and I’m not the only one — AllTrails 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.
The POIs include notable features such as ponds, river crossings, lakes, scenic views, waterfalls and even practical points like picnic tables or restrooms.
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.
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.
Please always respect the natural environment. Avoid ecologically sensitive areas and locations where trail crews perform essential maintenance work, especially after storms, wildfires or floods.
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.”
Within minutes, the weather transformed from blue skies to thunder and snowfall so heavy I could hardly see.
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 recent 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.
My best advice is to cross-reference weather apps and be as prepared as possible before hitting the trail. Always dress in layers and bring extra water and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a first-aid kit. It also doesn’t hurt to throw a flashlight, map, compass or GPS device in your bag.
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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. In my opinion, the $35.99 per year for the Plus plan has been totally 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, if you regularly venture into new or unfamiliar places (especially if they are remote and less frequented by other hikers), I’d say it’s worth upgrading to one of the premium plans for the added safety features and peace of mind.
AllTrails offers a 7-day free trial of the Plus and Peak plans to help you determine if the premium features suit your needs.
AllTrails plans compared
| Features | Base (free) | Plus ($36 per year) | Peak ($80 per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigate to stay on route | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Save trails and create lists | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ad-free | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Print maps for backup | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Find trails by distance from you | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Share live activities with friends | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preview trails and terrain in 3D | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Get alerts for wrong turns | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tour photos along the trail | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Download offline maps | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explore community heatmaps | x | x | ✓ |
| Customize AllTrails routes | x | x | ✓ |
| Build your own routes | x | x | ✓ |
| Plan for on-trail conditions | x | x | ✓ |
Other helpful outdoor apps
Many apps can help you successfully prepare for and execute your outdoor fun. Here are other apps I recommend exploring if you’re interested in these activities:
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 Fourth of July last year, I found a beautiful campsite just an hour away on the day of — completely unheard of for this area, where every known campsite fills months in advance.
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.
OnX Backcountry: This is the ultimate offline, real-time GPS tracking and navigational app for hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and rock climbing. It provides detailed information on off-grid backcountry terrain and public land boundaries that you can access without a cell signal.
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.
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