📡 Top 5 Offline GPS Hiking Apps (2025 Edition): For When the Signal Fades but the Trail Doesn’t
There’s something weirdly thrilling about standing on a trail where your phone shows zero bars. No pings, no distractions—just the whisper of wind through trees and the crunch of boots on dirt. But let’s be real: even the most rugged adventurer doesn’t want to get actually lost.
That’s where offline GPS hiking apps step in like trusty companions. Over the years (and after a few too many wrong turns in national forests), I’ve tested a bunch of these apps—some brilliant, others... not so much.
So whether you're plotting a multi-day backcountry trek or just need peace of mind on a weekend trail, here are 5 of the best GPS hiking apps that work offline—across Android and iOS, free and paid.
And yep, I’ve added a few bonus tips and gear links I personally use and swear by.
🏞️ 1. Gaia GPS – For Trail Purists & Hardcore Trekkers
Platform: Android & iOS
Price: Free / Premium: $39.99/year
Offline Capable? ✅ Absolutely
I first discovered Gaia GPS in the Rockies after a buddy insisted it was better than my clunky handheld Garmin. He was right.
This one’s for serious hikers who want topo maps, satellite imagery, private land boundaries, and even weather overlays—all accessible offline. You just download what you need before heading off-grid.
Why I still use it:
- I love the layer control—it’s like building your own map.
- It even helped us navigate after a storm wiped out trail markers.
🛡️ Trail Tip: I pair Gaia with a waterproof phone case like this one—because no app works well on a soaked screen.
🧭 2. AllTrails – Best for Everyday Hikers & Review Readers
Platform: Android & iOS
Price: Free / Pro: $35.99/year
Offline Capable? ✅ But only with Pro
Let’s be honest—AllTrails is the Starbucks of trail apps. Everyone’s heard of it, and for good reason.
The app boasts 400,000+ trails worldwide, complete with user reviews, difficulty ratings, and dog-friendliness filters (important for hiking with my mutt, Diesel 🐾).
But offline functionality? You’ll need the Pro version to download trail maps. Worth it, though—especially when signal drops mid-hike.
Why I recommend it:
- Easy for beginners.
- You get photos and comments from other hikers—super helpful.
🌲 Bonus: Store this next to your main GPS device or hiking smartwatch from this gear list.
🗺️ 3. Locus Map – The Hidden Gem for Android Nerds
Platform: Android Only
Price: Free / Pro: One-time $10 or $9.49/year for v4
Offline Capable? ✅ Fully functional offline
Okay, Android users—you’re in luck. Locus Map is a beast. It’s not the prettiest interface, but it’s insanely powerful and ridiculously customizable.
I used this during a bikepacking trip in the Western Ghats and was blown away by:
- Offline vector maps
- Custom routing with elevation data
- Support for external GPS tools
If you’re the kind of person who tweaks their bike’s gear ratios just right, Locus will be your jam.
🔋 Tech Hack: I paired it with a solar battery pack I strapped to my pack—kept me powered for 4 straight days.
🧵 4. Avenza Maps – For Map Lovers & Official Trails
Platform: Android & iOS
Price: Free / Pro: $29.99/year
Offline Capable? ✅ 100%
If you love the feel of real maps but want GPS smarts, Avenza Maps is where paper and tech meet. It reads geoPDF and TIFF maps—basically the same format as official USGS or park trail maps.
I used it in Banff National Park with a downloaded Parks Canada map—it worked flawlessly.
What’s cool:
- Works completely offline.
- Lets you add notes, pins, and geotags.
🧭 Trail Hack: Print out your map too (you never know!). and tuck it in a waterproof pouch—this one is my go-to.
🔋 5. MapOut – For Minimalist iPhone Users
Platform: iOS Only
Price: $4.99 one-time
Offline Capable? ✅ You bet
I found MapOut by accident—scrolling through app store reviews while sipping campfire coffee. Turns out, this little app punches above its weight.
The interface is smooth, and you can literally draw your route with your finger. No bloated menus or gimmicks.
Best for:
- iPhone users who don’t want subscriptions.
- Clean, visual planners who appreciate smooth UX.
🌄 Small Hack: Clip your iPhone into a chest strap holder (like this one) and go hands-free.
⛺ Final Take: Your Trails, Your Tools
No one app fits every hiker. It really depends on where you're going, how often you hike, and what kind of features matter most.
Here’s a quick trail-style recap:
| App | Best For | Price | Offline Capable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaia GPS | Backcountry, topo lovers | Free / $39.99/year | ✅ Yes |
| AllTrails | Day hikers, dog walkers | Free / $35.99/year | ✅ Pro only |
| Locus Map | Android gearheads | Free / $10 or $9.49/yr | ✅ Yes |
| Avenza Maps | Park-specific trail seekers | Free / $29.99/year | ✅ Yes |
| MapOut | Minimalist iPhone users | $4.99 one-time | ✅ Yes |
No matter which trail you choose, don’t let signal bars decide your fate. Trust your offline GPS app, pack smart, and enjoy the freedom of the wilderness—without getting turned around.
🧭 Heading out soon? Don’t forget to check out this curated hiking gear list before your next trip. Your future self will thank you.
❓ FAQ: Offline GPS Apps for Hiking
Q1: Can I use GPS without cell service on a hike?
Yes! All the apps listed let you download maps ahead of time and track your location using your phone’s GPS chip—no cell tower needed.
Q2: What’s the best free offline GPS app for hiking?
Locus Map (Android) and Gaia’s free version are great starting points. Avenza Maps also works well with free public maps.
Q3: Is it worth paying for Pro versions?
If you hike often or go off-grid, absolutely. Offline downloads, real-time elevation, and route planning make a big difference.
Q4: Will offline maps drain my phone battery faster?
GPS use can drain your battery, so it’s smart to carry a portable charger or solar battery—especially on multi-day hikes.
Q5: Should I still carry a paper map?
Yes! Tech can fail. Always have a printed map and compass as a backup, especially in remote areas.
