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Gaia GPS

An app that gives you detailed topo maps for the backcountry.

Language & travelHiking and outdoor mapsOffline mapsFree plan+1 more
Get Gaia GPSBuild your own map appFree plan

What Gaia GPS does

Gaia GPS is a backcountry navigation app for hiking, backpacking, skiing and off-roading. It is known for detailed topographic maps, GPS tracking and lots of map layers. The free app covers basic maps and tracking, and Premium adds offline maps, 300+ maps and weather and terrain tools.

Detailed topographic maps and GPS tracking
Route planning, waypoints and campsites
Premium: offline maps and 300+ map layers
Ski reports, 4x4 routes and fishing layers
Weather, terrain and private land layers in Premium
Apple Watch recording and CarPlay maps

Gaia GPS is a popular pick for backpackers heading farther out. Reviews call its topo map one of the best around, and it records a lot of detail about each trip. You can plan routes, drop waypoints, find campsites and record tracks, and start a recording from your Apple Watch.

It goes beyond hiking: there are ski reports, 4x4 route recording, and streamflow and water temperature layers for fishing. Premium adds offline downloads and access to 300+ maps, plus weather, terrain and private land info. Premium with Outside+ bundles the Trailforks bike trail app and Outside content.

The free version is limited. Offline maps need Premium, so plan to pay if you go where there's no signal. It also takes a bit more learning than AllTrails, but it gives you much more control.

Alternatives to Gaia GPS

onX Backcountry3D offline trail maps for hiking, biking, climbing and skiing
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From $29.99/yr7-day free trial
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OsmAndDeep offline maps for hiking, cycling, boating and driving
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SpyglassA pocket compass, GPS and toolkit with an AR view
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Organic MapsFree, private offline maps with hiking trails and no ads
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Guru MapsOffline maps and route planning for road trips and trails
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Free, paid from $2.99/moFree plan
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Who it's for

Backpackers and off-trail hikers
Skiers and overlanders who want detailed layers

Skip it if: Casual hikers who just want to find a popular trail.

Pricing

Free plan
Free, with paid extras

The basic app is free. Gaia GPS Premium is listed at $59.90 in the US App Store, and Premium with Outside+ at $89.90. Premium comes with a free trial. The store does not show the billing period.

Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.

What people like

  • Excellent topo maps
  • Rich trip data and planning tools
  • Huge choice of map layers with Premium
  • Works on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and CarPlay

Watch out for

  • Offline maps need Premium
  • More to learn than simpler trail apps
  • Premium billing period not shown in the store listing

Want a trip planner made for how you backpack? Build your own.

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Try this idea: “an app where I plan a backpacking trip day by day, with campsites, water sources and miles between each”

Questions people ask

Is Gaia GPS free?

There is a free version with basic maps and tracking. Offline maps and most layers need Premium.

Can I use Gaia GPS offline?

Yes, with Premium. You download maps ahead of time and navigate with GPS when there is no signal.

Gaia GPS or AllTrails?

AllTrails is easier for finding popular trails. Gaia GPS has more detailed maps and planning tools for the backcountry.