Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps

Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps

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Gaia GPS: The Gold Standard for Backcountry Navigation

Turn your phone into a professional-grade GPS. Access NatGeo maps, track off-road routes with CarPlay, and navigate deeper with confidence—even when you are miles from cell service.

Publisher

Trailbehind, INC.

Category

Navigation

Downloads

4M+

User Rating

4.8/5

Total Ratings

37K+

Locales

17

Master Every Detail

Discover the interface used by 4M+ users.

A hiker overlooking mountains with a green topographic map overlay from the Gaia GPS app

A hiker overlooking mountains with a green topographic map overlay from the Gaia GPS app

Gaia GPS app interface for selecting and downloading map layers for offline navigation

Gaia GPS app interface for selecting and downloading map layers for offline navigation

Gaia GPS app interface showing trail maps photo sharing and hiking stats for elevation and time

Gaia GPS app interface showing trail maps photo sharing and hiking stats for elevation and time

Gaia GPS app interface showing route planning on a topographic map with distance and elevation metrics

Gaia GPS app interface showing route planning on a topographic map with distance and elevation metrics

Gaia GPS app interface for customizing map packs and terrain overlays like slope angle and avalanche forecast

Gaia GPS app interface for customizing map packs and terrain overlays like slope angle and avalanche forecast

Gaia GPS app interface showing various trail map layers for hiking and overlanding including NatGeo and public land data

Gaia GPS app interface showing various trail map layers for hiking and overlanding including NatGeo and public land data

Gaia GPS app screenshot showing detailed hiking track statistics with elevation and speed profile graphs

Gaia GPS app screenshot showing detailed hiking track statistics with elevation and speed profile graphs

Gaia GPS app screen showing cell coverage map overlays for various US carriers on a topographic map

Gaia GPS app screen showing cell coverage map overlays for various US carriers on a topographic map

Built for the Self-Reliant Explorer

The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 4M+ users.

🗺️

Unrivaled Offline Reliability

Navigate with confidence in cell-service dead zones using downloadable, professional-grade maps including NatGeo Trails Illustrated.

📈

Data-Driven Navigation

Track your elevation, distance, and pace in real-time with high-precision GPS coordinates and technical terrain metrics.

🚘

Overland & Trail Ready

Sync seamlessly with Apple CarPlay for off-road adventures or use breadcrumb tracking to find your way back to base camp.

Loved by users worldwide

Trusted by 4M+ people who love this app.

"

"As a frequent solo backpacker, Gaia GPS is my most trusted piece of gear. The offline reliability is unmatched; I've navigated through remote sections of the PCT without ever worrying about a signal. The sheer detail in the topo layers is essential for staying on track."

David Reynolds
"

"I use Gaia GPS for all my 4x4 expeditions across the Southwest. Having the maps on my truck's dashboard via CarPlay is incredible. It makes identifying public land boundaries and technical trails seamless, allowing us to find the best remote campsites."

Elena Martinez

Review Analysis

Insights from user reviews.

Sentiment Score

34%
Negative

Summary

Users express significant dissatisfaction with recent changes to the app, particularly regarding its pricing model and the increased use of paywalls for previously free features like route planning and saving. Many reviews highlight severe performance issues, including freezing, slowness, and crashes, along with critical problems concerning login difficulties and unreliable offline functionality in remote areas. Several users also report version-specific bugs, such as a broken dark mode and login failures after recent iOS updates, further impacting usability. While some appreciate map details and accuracy, others are frustrated by outdated satellite layers, the absence of 3D maps on iOS, and growing privacy concerns related to data sharing.

Common Themes

Map Features and Quality(4)
Customer Support(3)

About the app

Everything you need to know about Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps.

Description

Welcome the warm weather with the ultimate collection of hiking trails and camping sites around you – Gaia GPS. Find amazing adventures with topographic maps while spending less time looking at your phone. Explore with map layers, weather condition updates, GPS navigation, hill-shading and hiking maps. Discover local routes or map your own trail and share online. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, off-roading routes, backpacking, or public land, discover with Gaia GPS. Find backpacker trails or offroad routes with the help of Gaia GPS. Make the wilderness your backyard with the best hiking, backpacking, and backcountry navigator – all in one. Navigate routes with offline navigation, weather reports, GPS coordinates, camping sites and distance tracking features to help you explore. Cruise through a popular backpacking route, hiking trail, or walking map with GPS navigation tools to guide you. Download the premier outdoor activity app featured in publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and GearJunkie. BACKPACK OR HIKE • Hike the largest collection of trails and routes available on Gaia Topo, the ultimate backcountry navigator. • National parks or scenic hiking trails – Discover new outdoor routes waiting to be explored • Backpacking from base camp all along offroad hiking trails and back again is easy with breadcrumbs • Distance tracker with altitude and elevation monitoring for every activity • Travel easily to trailheads with connections to directions CAMPING COMPANION • Explore different camping sites and navigate to them conveniently using GPS coordinates • Discover campgrounds across national parks, forests, and scenic landscapes ROAD TRIP PLANNER MADE FOR YOU • Offline maps: RV travel is easy with offline maps that track your location, even when far from cell service • Discover camping sites, parks and route conditions seamlessly to help you prepare OFFROAD ACTIVITY PLANNING • 4x4 & overlanding adventures are easy to record on Gaia GPS • Activity tracker and route planner make trekking, hiking, and backpacking offroad trails simple • Maps, routes, and waypoints displayed on Apple CarPlay SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING • Discover ski slopes and cross country skiing trails around you with best-in-class topographic maps • Know weather conditions with ski resort information and Nordic trails from OnTheSnow EXPLORE THE WORLD LIKE A PROFESSIONAL • GPS coordinates help explore while creating routes and tracking progress • Share your data with clients to improve Gaia GPS • Access the full NatGeo map collection ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH GAIA GPS PREMIUM WITH OUTSIDE+ • Access 300+ maps including NatGeo Trails Illustrated, Private Lands, weather forecasts, and more • Offline maps to download anytime • Weather, terrain, and safety features • Access the Trailforks GPS biking app • Expert-led online courses on Outside Learn • Premium access to award-winning films, shows, and live TV on Outside Watch • Unlimited digital access to Outside Network's 15 iconic brands including Outside, Backpacker and National Park Trips Explore the world with Gaia GPS to guide all of your adventures. Enjoy GPS navigation, countless hike trails, and more with Gaia GPS – your perfect outdoor companion. SIGNUP • Gaia GPS is part of the Outside Network. Create an Outside account to access the app. TO MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION: • TURN OFF auto-renewal: https://support.apple.com/kb/ht4098 • Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours of the end of the current period. • Your Apple App Store Account will be charged at confirmation of purchase. • Privacy Policy: https://www.gaiagps.com/company/privacy • Terms of use: https://www.gaiagps.com/company/terms_of_use

Latest Version

2025.12

Size

119.8 MB

First Released

May 22, 2017

Adventure Further, Explore Safer

Turn your phone into a professional backcountry navigator. Download Gaia GPS today and find your way where cell service can’t.

Download on App Store
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps

What is Gaia GPS?

Gaia GPS is a mobile application providing a comprehensive collection of hiking trails and camping sites. It offers GPS navigation, topographic maps, weather updates, and route planning for various outdoor activities like backpacking, off-roading, and skiing.

Does Gaia GPS offer offline map capabilities?

Yes, Gaia GPS offers offline maps. Users can download maps for offline use to navigate without cell service. The premium version allows downloading over 300 maps anytime.

Can users create and record their own routes with Gaia GPS?

Yes, users can create routes using snap-to-trail mode and custom waypoints with Gaia GPS. The app also records tracks, providing detailed statistics on speed, distance, elevation, and duration.

What types of outdoor activities does Gaia GPS support?

Gaia GPS supports diverse outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, RV travel, 4x4 off-roading, overlanding, skiing, and snowboarding. It provides specialized maps and features for each.

Does Gaia GPS integrate with Apple CarPlay?

Yes, Gaia GPS displays maps, routes, and waypoints directly on Apple CarPlay. This feature enhances navigation for offroad trails and other adventures.

What premium features are included with Gaia GPS Premium with Outside+?

Gaia GPS Premium with Outside+ includes access to over 300 maps, offline map downloads, weather and safety features, the Trailforks GPS biking app, expert-led courses, premium films, and unlimited digital access to Outside Network brands.

How can users manage their Gaia GPS subscription?

Users manage their Gaia GPS subscription by turning off auto-renewal through their Apple App Store account settings. Subscriptions automatically renew unless disabled at least 24 hours before the current period ends.

Does Gaia GPS provide cell coverage maps?

Yes, Gaia GPS offers cell coverage maps as premium layers for various carriers. These maps help users identify areas with or without cell service.

Can Gaia GPS show air quality or weather forecasts?

Yes, Gaia GPS displays air quality and weather forecasts. Map overlays include Air Quality (Current), Smoke Forecast (Today), Snow Forecast (24-Hour), and Precip Forecast (48-Hour).

What map layers are available in Gaia GPS?

Gaia GPS offers various map layers and packs including Gaia Topo, Overlanding, Satellite, Fresh Sat, NatGeo Trails, Public Land (US), Slope Angle, Avalanche Forecast, and Cell Coverage maps.