Best Offline Map Apps for Hiking in 2025: Complete Guide

There's nothing quite like the sinking feeling of pulling out your phone mid-hike only to see "No Service" where your map should be. I've been there—standing at a trail junction in the backcountry, trying to remember if I was supposed to go left or right, with nothing but a useless loading spinner on my screen.

That experience is exactly why offline map apps have become essential gear for any serious hiker. After spending months testing various apps on trails from the Appalachian Mountains to the Pacific Crest, I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best offline map app for your adventures in 2025.

Why You Need Offline Maps (Even With Good Cell Coverage)

Before we dive into the app comparisons, let's talk about why offline maps matter so much:

• Cell coverage is unpredictable. Even trails near major cities can have dead zones. Mountains, canyons, and dense forests all block cell signals.
• Battery conservation. When your phone is searching for signal, it drains battery fast. Offline maps use significantly less power.
• Speed and reliability. Offline maps load instantly, no matter where you are. No waiting for tiles to download over spotty connections.
• Safety. In an emergency, you need maps that work. Period.

Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks

Pressed for time? Here are our recommendations based on different user needs:

• Best Overall: Gaia GPS — Most comprehensive feature set for serious hikers
• Best Free Option: Organic Maps — Excellent free alternative with privacy focus
• Best for Trail Discovery: AllTrails — Unmatched community reviews and trail database
• Best for Cyclists: Komoot — Specialized routing and turn-by-turn for biking
• Best Budget Premium: Avenza Maps — Great for georeferenced PDF maps

Detailed App Reviews

1. Gaia GPS — The Gold Standard

If you're looking for the most powerful and versatile offline mapping solution, Gaia GPS is hard to beat. Originally designed for backcountry enthusiasts, it has evolved into the most comprehensive navigation app available for hikers, hunters, and outdoor professionals.

What sets Gaia apart is its incredible map layer system. You can overlay multiple map sources—USGS topographic maps, satellite imagery, slope angle shading, and more—to create exactly the view you need. For backcountry navigation, the slope angle shading feature is invaluable for assessing avalanche terrain.

My experience: I've used Gaia GPS for multi-day backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada, and the ability to download detailed topo maps for entire wilderness areas is a game-changer. The app handles large offline map regions without issues, and the track recording is impressively accurate.

2. AllTrails — Best for Trail Discovery

AllTrails has become synonymous with hiking apps, and for good reason. With over 400,000 trails in its database and millions of user reviews, it's the best app for discovering new hikes and seeing what to expect before you hit the trail.

The community aspect of AllTrails is its biggest strength. Before any hike, I check recent reviews to see current trail conditions, parking situations, and whether there's water at creek crossings. This crowdsourced intel has saved me from many unpleasant surprises.

Best for: Day hikers who want to discover new trails and benefit from community insights. If you primarily hike popular, well-maintained trails, AllTrails offers the best experience for finding and planning your adventures.

3. Organic Maps — Best Free Option

Organic Maps is a hidden gem in the offline maps world. Built on OpenStreetMap data, it's completely free, open source, and works entirely offline with no account required. For privacy-conscious users who don't want their location data tracked, it's the ideal choice.

The app downloads map regions by country or state, so you'll need to plan ahead and download the areas you need before your trip. Once downloaded, the maps work flawlessly offline, including hiking trails, bike paths, and even ski slopes.

Best for: Budget-conscious hikers, international travelers, and anyone who values privacy. The lack of topo lines limits its usefulness for serious backcountry navigation, but for most trail hiking, it's excellent.

4. Komoot — Best for Cyclists and Bikepackers

While Komoot works well for hiking, it really shines for cycling and bikepacking adventures. The routing algorithm is specifically tuned to find the best paths for your chosen activity type—whether that's road biking, mountain biking, or gravel riding.

The turn-by-turn voice navigation is particularly useful when cycling, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while following your route. The app also calculates difficulty ratings based on terrain and elevation, helping you plan appropriate routes for your fitness level.

5. Avenza Maps — Best for PDF Maps

Avenza Maps takes a different approach—instead of using its own map tiles, it lets you import georeferenced PDF maps from various sources. This is particularly useful for parks and wilderness areas that publish official PDF maps, as you can use the exact same maps rangers use.

Many national forests, state parks, and land management agencies publish free geoPDF maps specifically designed for Avenza. You download the PDF, import it into the app, and your GPS position appears right on the official map.

How to Choose the Right App for You

With so many excellent options available, choosing the right app comes down to your specific needs:

• For backcountry navigation and serious hiking: Gaia GPS offers the most comprehensive feature set, including topo maps, slope analysis, and professional-grade navigation tools.
• For discovering new trails and planning day hikes: AllTrails' community features and trail database are unmatched for finding your next adventure.
• For budget-conscious hikers or international travel: Organic Maps provides excellent free offline maps with no strings attached.
• For cyclists and mixed-terrain adventures: Komoot's specialized routing makes it the best choice for two-wheeled adventures.

Tips for Using Offline Maps Effectively

Whichever app you choose, here are some tips to get the most out of offline navigation:

1. Download maps before you leave cell service. Seems obvious, but I've seen many hikers forget this crucial step.
2. Download a larger area than you think you need. If you take a wrong turn or need to bail out, you'll want coverage of surrounding areas.
3. Test your maps before your trip. Put your phone in airplane mode and verify everything works.
4. Carry a backup battery or solar charger. GPS tracking uses significant battery power.
5. Don't rely solely on your phone. Carry a paper backup map and compass for critical trips.