Best 5 Offline Map & Hiking Apps Travelers Use to Navigate Remote Trails and Save Mobile Data on Road Trips

When you’re off the grid navigating forested trails, winding mountain paths, or simply want to save data while road-tripping, having access to reliable offline maps is not optional—it’s essential. Today’s offline map and hiking apps provide GPS navigation, topographical info, trail details, and even safety features without costing you a signal bar. But with so many apps available, which ones truly provide the best performance for offline use?

TLDR: If you frequently venture into remote areas or simply want to cut your mobile data usage while traveling, offline mapping apps come in incredibly handy. This article reviews the top 5 offline map and hiking apps travelers trust for their accuracy, features, and ease of use. These options work without an internet connection and help keep you on track whether you’re hiking backcountry trails or cruising down scenic highways. Expect options like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, Maps.me, OsmAnd, and Komoot to top the list.

1. AllTrails – Best for Trail Discovery and Navigation

AllTrails has long been a favorite among hikers and nature lovers, offering a comprehensive database of more than 400,000 hiking, biking, and running trails around the world. The platform shines in its community-driven approach, meaning you get photos, trail reviews, and user-uploaded tips for nearly every trail you consider.

• Offline mode: Available with AllTrails+ subscription, allowing you to download detailed trail maps in advance.
• Topo maps & GPX files: Includes topographic information and the ability to upload custom routes.
• User reviews & photos: Ideal for scoping out trails before heading out.

This app is especially handy in picking trails by difficulty, route type, and elevation gain, allowing for better planning when data signals are unavailable.

2. Gaia GPS – Perfect for Off-the-Grid Exploration

Gaia GPS is arguably the gold standard for advanced hikers, mountaineers, and even overland adventurers. With a clean interface and powerful tools, this app caters to serious outdoor enthusiasts who need precise navigation tools offline.

• Topo and satellite maps: Offers a wide range of map layers, including USGS topo maps, satellite imagery, and backcountry terrain.
• Route planning: Custom route drawing is intuitive and provides distance and elevation data.
• Offline access: Maps and layers can be downloaded for use without Wi-Fi or cell signal.

You can even overlay weather data or public land boundaries, making it useful for long-distance trekking, dispersed camping, or backcountry hunting. A premium subscription unlocks its full mapping capability.

3. Maps.me – Best Free Option with Broad Coverage

For digital nomads and world travelers, Maps.me is a favorite offline navigation tool—not just for hiking, but for exploring cities, driving routes, and even locating restaurants and ATMs. It pulls data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), so it remains incredibly detailed and globally accurate.

• Completely free: Offers offline access without forcing a premium upgrade.
• GPS navigation: Turn-by-turn directions work even when offline.
• Points of interest: Hotels, attractions, rest stops, and more are baked into maps.

Though not tailored exclusively to hikers, Maps.me includes popular trail networks, national park paths, and public footpaths that make it useful for light to moderate trekking.

4. OsmAnd – Powerful Open-Source Maps with Customization

OsmAnd (OpenStreetMap Automated Navigation Directions) is one of those open-source gems that often flies under the radar. What you lose in simplicity compared to other apps, you more than make up for in control and detail.

• Offline map downloads: Maps are saved per region or country for extensive use.
• Highly customizable: Choose layers, routes, map styles, and plugins.
• Detailed POIs: Includes hiking trails, cycling routes, ski paths, and more.

It’s great for international use and for those who prioritize privacy and open-data contributions. OsmAnd even supports Wikipedia integration and public transport lines offline.

5. Komoot – Best for Multi-Sport Planning and Voice Navigation

Komoot stands out with its clean UI and unique focus on adventure planning. Whether you’re hiking, road biking, or mountain biking, Komoot lets you customize your trip with surface type, fitness level, and highlights suggested by the Komoot community.

• Turn-by-turn voice navigation: Ideal for cyclists and hikers who don’t want to be glued to their screens.
• Downloadable maps: Offline capabilities come with route guidance.
• Route planner: Create detailed routes based on preferred terrain and endurance level.

Users get one region for free and can purchase additional regions or the entire world map as a one-time payment—which makes it stand apart in a world of monthly subscription models. Komoot is also integrated with smartwatches and bike computers for real-time syncing.

Comparing the Apps at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right travel companion based on your needs:

Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Your Style

Travelers looking to remain connected even when they’re not, will find these offline map and hiking apps indispensable. AllTrails and Gaia GPS are unbeatable for serious adventurers who demand refined trail tools, while Maps.me suits the casual globetrotter with broad offline needs. Meanwhile, OsmAnd offers maximum tweakability, and Komoot fills the niche for active multisport explorers.

No matter your destination or connectivity, these apps ensure you’re always one step ahead—even when there’s no mobile signal to help you.