High-Tech Hiking: The Best Apps to Guide Every Step.
As hiking continues to grow in popularity around the world, both seasoned adventurers and weekend warriors alike are turning to technology to enhance their outdoor experiences. Whether you’re trekking through the rugged mountains of the Swiss Alps, exploring the dense forests of Canada, or scaling the peaks in the Andes, having the right navigation app is essential. For international hikers, these apps are more than just tools, they’re trusted companions, providing detailed maps, real-time updates, and critical safety features.
Table of Contents
AllTrails
Komoot
Gaia GPS
Organic Maps
Maps.me
ViewRanger
Tips for Using Hiking Apps Abroad
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated hiking navigation apps, designed to keep you on track wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re hiking in your backyard or crossing international borders, these apps provide a seamless, reliable experience.
Here are the top-rated hiking apps that global hikers trust.
1. AllTrails
Best for: Discovering popular trails with reviews around the world
Available on: iOS, Android
Languages: Multiple (including Spanish, French, German, Japanese)
Price: Free, with AllTrails+ (Pro) upgrade
AllTrails is one of the most popular and trusted apps in the hiking community, making it perfect for hikers of all levels. With over 100,000 trails worldwide, AllTrails provides detailed maps, user reviews, and trail difficulty ratings. For international hikers, this app is a goldmine,whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Asia. AllTrails helps you find trails suited to your experience level and fitness goals.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: AllTrails has a vast database of trails worldwide, with downloadable maps that can be used offline, making it ideal for hiking in areas with limited signal.
Key Features for Global Use:
- Trail maps and info in multiple languages
- Filter by location, difficulty, length
- GPS navigation + offline access (Pro)
- Crowdsourced reviews and photos
2. Komoot
Best for: Route planning by terrain and fitness level, with global offline support
Available on: iOS, Android
Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian
Price: Free; offline regions purchased individually or via Premium
Komoot is a highly-rated app for outdoor enthusiasts, offering detailed maps for hiking, biking, and mountain trekking. The app specializes in planning routes based on your fitness level and the type of terrain you’re tackling. Whether you’re in the rugged highlands of Scotland or the remote trails of New Zealand, Komoot is equipped to guide you through your journey with detailed route descriptions, elevation profiles, and expert insights.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: Komoot’s ability to suggest tailored routes and download maps for offline use makes it a valuable tool for navigating unfamiliar and international trails.
Key Features for Global Use:
- Turn-by-turn voice navigation
- Offline maps for any downloaded region
- Terrain info (surface type, incline, road quality)
- Local “highlights” from fellow travelers
3. Gaia GPS
Best for: Remote, off-grid international adventures
Available on: iOS, Android
Languages: English (map labels depend on source)
Price: Free with Premium upgrade for full features
For serious adventurers who need more than just a trail guide, Gaia GPS offers topographic maps, satellite images, and GPS navigation features that are indispensable when hiking in remote or international locations. It’s especially popular among backcountry hikers, mountaineers, and multi-day trekkers, providing tools for route planning and detailed navigation.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: Gaia GPS supports global mapping data, making it ideal for those tackling off-the-beaten-path hikes across borders. With its offline maps and route planning tools, it’s an essential app for adventurous international hikers.
Key Features for Global Use:
- Access topographic, satellite, and outdoor maps worldwide
- Map overlays for weather, land type, and trails
- Save maps offline
- Import/export custom GPX routes
4. Organic Maps
Best for: Budget-conscious, privacy-minded travelers
Available on: iOS, Android
Languages: 20+ languages
Price: Completely free and open-source
Organic Maps is ideal for those traveling without mobile data or concerned about privacy. It’s fast, lightweight, and uses OpenStreetMap data. While it lacks hiking-specific trail planning, it’s perfect for general orientation in remote areas, especially in developing regions.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: Organic Maps provides an ideal combination of accessibility, accuracy, and offline functionality. It enables you to plan, navigate, and explore trails around the world without the concerns of data plans, advertisements, or unreliable maps. It’s just you and the great outdoors.
Key Features for Global Use:
- Worldwide offline maps
- No ads, tracking, or account needed
- Trail and footpath visibility (via OSM)
- Multilingual support
5. MAPS.ME
Best for: Casual international hikers and city-to-trail explorers
Available on: iOS, Android
Languages: 30+
Price: Free (ad-supported)
For those who prefer a more general map tool with detailed hiking capabilities, Maps.me offers offline maps for countries around the globe. While it’s not as specialized as some of the other apps on this list, its free-to-use, downloadable maps, combined with hiking trail details, make it an excellent choice for international travelers looking for simplicity and reliability.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: Maps.me is free, accessible, and easy to use, making it a perfect companion for hikers who need a straightforward tool while exploring foreign landscapes.
Key Features for Global Use:
- Turn-by-turn navigation (even offline)
- Hiking trails, walking paths, and POIs
- Multilingual and fast interface
- Integrates hotel, restaurant, and tourist info
6. ViewRanger (now part of Outdooractive)
ViewRanger, recently integrated into Outdooractive, has been a top choice for hikers who seek detailed mapping and navigation tools. With coverage for over 20 countries, including remote hiking spots in Europe and North America, ViewRanger provides easy-to-read topographic maps, route tracking, and the ability to download maps for offline use.
Why It’s Great for International Hikers: ViewRanger offers offline maps and a global database, making it easy for hikers to find trails and track their progress anywhere in the world.
Key Features:
- Interactive trail maps with 3D terrain views
- Offline map access and trail tracking
- Built-in social features to share hikes and routes
- Access to a global community of hikers
Tips for Using Hiking Apps Abroad
- Download maps in advance – cell coverage can be spotty, especially in rural or mountainous areas.
- Carry a paper backup map for remote regions.
- Bring a power bank – GPS and offline apps can drain battery quickly.
- Choose apps with multilingual support to navigate local signage or trail guides more easily.
- Check local trail regulations – some parks or protected areas have restricted digital access.
With the right navigation app for your international hiking adventures can significantly enhance your experience.
No matter where your next hike takes you, the right app can enhance your journey, ensure your safety, and make navigating the world’s most beautiful trails a seamless experience.
Remember to always check local regulations and trail conditions before embarking on any hike, especially when traveling abroad.
And as always, happy hiking!