I like AllTrails a lot. It's Yelp for hiking. What it really needs is a forum where you can ask other hikers questions about trail conditions, snow, heat, wildlife, etc -- everything you want to know when contemplating a trail. I suspect they are thinking about the legal ramifications of doing that. I have noticed in the past few months that people have started using the "review" function for that purpose -- i.e., instead of posting a review, people post something saying "Is there still snow on the trail?", for instance.
Yea the reviews have become a QA for everything. When I was in Zion I was looking at trail reports for Angel's Landing and it was nothing but people asking for permits. It would be good to add a QA to break that stuff out from the reports. I love the reports though - it can be hit or miss but usually better than nothing.
Awesome overview, I loved how you had the close up of the app on the side while you were showing us how you were navigating. I just bought the pro version based off your vid. I’m notorious for getting lost, both when adventuring in cities and on trails, so the offline maps are going to be a massive help. Well, hopefully, maybe I’m beyond help… Happy hiking!
I was surprised that offline (no service) the downloaded map was still able to locate my position, this was very handy during a tough hike to let me know how much progress I was making and then estimate my arrival time (hopefully before dark 😂) impressed at the simplicity and functionality 😎🤙
I was looking at several of the GPS apps and decided on AllTrails mainly because the hikes I’m planning will be on established trails and they seem to be on the AllTrails app. No importing maps needed. It seemed easier for a weekend warrior than some of the other apps.
Nice review. I had the Pro Version and have since let the subscription lapse. One issue I had; when using the app during a hike and you left it on in the background while another app was opened the All Trails app would close and stop tracking. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the All Trails experience and learned about lots of trails I'd otherwise have missed.
Yea the app stablity and experience has gotten way better in the last year, which is why I decided to talk about it. For me it would crash all the time, reload in the Explore screen after looking at the map, etc. But the latest few versions have been great. Happy to see that they've invested in the software.
New to hiking so this is a helpful video. One thing that I am interested in is finding the waterfalls in my State. What I have noticed that there isn't a marked road to these and some of the waterfall sites will list coordinates that you have to plug into AllTrails. Not sure how to do that.
Yea AllTrails isn't really set up for off-trail hiking. Your best bet is to take a trail as close as possible and then see what navigation is possible to get to the falls. Many times a feature that is off-trail is tough to get to safely, so it's generally best explored after getting some experience with navigation and off-trail travel.
Yea it's okay, big gravel paths - it's nice in the late winter when its cooler and full of birds. I like this spot for GPS demos because it's close to home and full of turns. If you do go, look for the white pelicans, which I think are there all year at this point. They don't dive for fish, they scoop and strain with their beaks. Cool to watch them when they feed.
Thanks for the video, informative as usual. I tried AllTrails as a way of downloading a GPX to Garmin Explore and then send it to my 66i. Works fairly well and saves time. Unfortunately I can’t get it to be a route with turn by turn and approach signals. It was only a track to follow. Still, it’s a good backup. I still like to use map and compass which AllTrails allows for, by downloading PDF maps.
Yea following the track does the trick. After playing with all these units for years I've come to prefer the "am I on the line" instead of the turn by turn routing. I use paper too and the line is a good cross-check for a position. If you're going fast, like a trail run or bike ride, the turn routing becomes more useful. But at 2-3 mph, it's usually pretty obvious.
I just got the pro version and haven’t used it yet but this video speaks volumes. I also have a garmin mini 2 gps, but I think the navigation isn’t nearly as good. Question I have for the downloaded trails/ maps for Alltrails app; if you do an out and back trail that involve some areas that aren’t clearly marked , is there a feature to track back to your start point using a bread crumb trail?
Perfect explanation, thank you. Quick question - the phone is not switching off and screen is fallowing your location ony in the payed version, correct?
No you can log your track with free - just not with offline maps - support.alltrails.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022657592-What-is-included-in-a-free-AllTrails-membership-
Have tried Gaia and can't get the curser/me on my dirtbike, to move while i'm moving/riding same as Google/maps/GPS does.Have to stop every 10 minutes to re-centre.Can i do this on Alltrails.
Thanks for the great video on AllTrails! I found it while reviewing your video on hiking cactus to clouds. I’m considering doing it in late May and using the AllTrails app pro feature. When you’re using a downloaded map, and you are off-line in airplane mode, will it alert you if you go off route? My concern with the cactus to clouds route is following it and staying on the trail starting early in the morning in the dark.
I haven't tested out the feature yet ( support.alltrails.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028989752-What-are-wrong-turn-alerts- ) but I will - and otherwise for C2C I'd say just check in periodically on the screen. Usually you can tell if the trail peters out and looks sketchy, or if you don't see it continue - then just look.
I am looking for the best app or software for researching and planning a backpacking trip that connects multiple trails. AllTrails is great for published single trails. The best method so far is the tried and true paper map. Any suggestions?
This was a great intro, but it would be helpful now for you to compare AllTrails to Trailforks. I've used some of their stuff useful, but prefer Trailforks, which works well with/on Garmin, and Gaia. I'd be interested in your comparison.
Yea, I mean that would be a different video, not an AllTrails for Beginners. I use Trailforks for some of my MTB recon but not for hiking. Will take a look and maybe cover it on the channel.
HI GOOD MORNING ! THANK YOU 🙏 I'VE HAD MINE FOR A WHILE JUST HAVEN'T USING IT / THEM . OR GETTING OUT AS OFTEN AS BEFORE . I'M GOING TO START WATCHING 👀 YOUR VIDEOS 📹 MORE & GET MYSELF OUT MORE . I JUST PAYED FOR THE ALLTRAILS APP TO START DOING THE HIKER / BIKER TRAILS 👣 AROUND MY AREA MAINLY BIKING GETTING MY GRANDSON OUT OF THE HOUSE 🏠, ME TOO . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU FOR TEACHING / SHOWING ME / US HOW TO USE WHICH EVER ONE WE HAVE .
Thank you for your great videos. Just bought a Garmin 66sr after reviewing information on your webpage. I also bought AllTrails+ and would like to upload trails to my Garmin 66sr. When I save and upload a GPX file to the Garmin Connect app it ends up in "courses" in the "training and planning" menu. When I select "send to device" I receive the message "your device does not support courses". Any videos/recommendations how to best upload an AllTrails file/gpx to a Garmin 66sr via a Garmin phone app?
Does AllTrail Pro allow re-routing? I often get off the original trail path and take a different trail path. I haven't find a way to re-route my way back to trailhead or select or custom a path back to my destination from the app.
@@Hikingguy Thanks for the great tutorial. I had the same question as @roebucksadventure and I'm not sure you answered it. You mentioned turning off your phone in between checking whether you are on-route. Do you (1) completely switch your phone off (i.e., shut it down) and restart it? Or (2) close the app and turn off the screen but not the phone? Or (3) leave the app running and just turn off the screen? Thanks!
@@betwixt3193 I just turn the screen off like you would if walking around with it - the important thing is to keep it in Airplane mode and allow the app access to location services all the time
Hi Hiking guy, I’m a new subscriber, love your video. I left a similar comment in another video, would you say garmin Epix is as good as Alltrails for following a hiking trail? I like how Alltrails has reviews of trails, does garmin also have this?
The Garmin is mainly a tool for navigating, while AllTrails is a community site with lots of data. The best is to copy an AllTrails route onto your Garmin, but if the AllTrails app works well for you (not hiking in rain), then no need for a Garmin
@@Hikingguy thanks for the reply! Out of curiousity, why would you copy the AllTrails map to the garmin watch? Don’t hiking trails come pre-loaded on the Garmin?
@@Hikingguy I apologize for So many questions. Assuming someone doesn’t have alt trails, can you just show up to a NP as an example, turn on maps on garmin watch and see a listing of hiking trails? Then select the trail and be on your way? BTW, your videos are so helpful! Thank you again!
Thanks for the heads up - did you mean this link: bit.ly/alltrails-signup - should be going to the AllTrails signup page but maybe something is messed up
so i love the app its amazing, but i hate with a passion how annoying it is to get my hpone out my pcoket unlock, phone, put in pin n swipe to view the app each time, on new routes im doing this like every 5 mins. has anyone used a wrist/arm strap to get away from the annoying issue of getting your pone out and having to unlock? - i just realised my phone can do face unlock which helps the process. still annoying taking it ou pocket or holding in hand all the time. so just need a wrist wrap if anyone ever used them?
Is AllTrails only for existing hikes? On Catalina Island, I'd like to hike from Little Harbor to Ben Weston Beach. I've been told it's hard to find your way there without a map. It seems like Google Maps will help me do that, but I can't figure out a way to do this not currently listed hike through AllTrails. Many people seem to have cell service all over Catalina Island, but my T-Mobile service only works in Avalon or right in Two Harbors Village. So anything that needs service won't work from Little Harbor to Ben Weston Beach. Thank you as always for the useful info!
Hey Hiking Guy...... I have a question...... can you answer it ?......what happens when you do this on a Forerunner 255 ??? ...... will you get a background map ??? ....... also it is quite UNCLEAR if a GPX file actually contains the background map image or merely the course POINTS ?? .... fenix model comes with built-in USA topomaps and I suspect that course merely appears on top of that ...... for all Garmin models that come with NO maps, I suspect you will get the course but NO background map at all ..... can you comment on this ? ...... I have a vested interest in KNOWING for certain as (unfortunately) I believe the model I ordered (but have not yet received) does NOT support maps
I don't think you can use AllTrails on the Garmin, although you can export the GPX and import to Garmin Connect under "Training > Courses" - the GPX just has the route info, no embeded maps - and you are right, if the unit has not maps, you just get a line, but it's still helpful - you're on it or not - but the map def help give more info and context
Really enjoying your six pack challenge in San Diego. I’m primarily a cyclist, but would enjoy keeping with the long Saturday hikes. Do you have a top 20/30 list of San Diego hikes? I’m targeting 4+ hours/8 to 10 miles? Much appreciated
Think you're thinking of SoCal Hiker who does the 6 pack challenge. I have a list of hikes on my website HikingGuy.com for San Diego with options that fit your specs.
I like AllTrails a lot. It's Yelp for hiking. What it really needs is a forum where you can ask other hikers questions about trail conditions, snow, heat, wildlife, etc -- everything you want to know when contemplating a trail. I suspect they are thinking about the legal ramifications of doing that. I have noticed in the past few months that people have started using the "review" function for that purpose -- i.e., instead of posting a review, people post something saying "Is there still snow on the trail?", for instance.
Yea the reviews have become a QA for everything. When I was in Zion I was looking at trail reports for Angel's Landing and it was nothing but people asking for permits. It would be good to add a QA to break that stuff out from the reports. I love the reports though - it can be hit or miss but usually better than nothing.
Awesome overview, I loved how you had the close up of the app on the side while you were showing us how you were navigating. I just bought the pro version based off your vid. I’m notorious for getting lost, both when adventuring in cities and on trails, so the offline maps are going to be a massive help. Well, hopefully, maybe I’m beyond help…
Happy hiking!
Thank you for this education especially for beginner like me and gives me some security.
I was surprised that offline (no service) the downloaded map was still able to locate my position, this was very handy during a tough hike to let me know how much progress I was making and then estimate my arrival time (hopefully before dark 😂) impressed at the simplicity and functionality 😎🤙
I was looking at several of the GPS apps and decided on AllTrails mainly because the hikes I’m planning will be on established trails and they seem to be on the AllTrails app. No importing maps needed. It seemed easier for a weekend warrior than some of the other apps.
Yes, this is the best option for beginners and weekend hikers, 100%
This is Freaking Awesome!!! Can't wait for my very large dog and I can get started!!! As soon as I can buy my truck!!! 🚛
They usually have a discount around Black Friday 👍🏻🌵
This was an EXCELLENT tutorial and demo! Thank you!
Great job explaining and capturing the real time application experience.
Nice review.
I had the Pro Version and have since let the subscription lapse. One issue I had; when using the app during a hike and you left it on in the background while another app was opened the All Trails app would close and stop tracking. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the All Trails experience and learned about lots of trails I'd otherwise have missed.
Yea the app stablity and experience has gotten way better in the last year, which is why I decided to talk about it. For me it would crash all the time, reload in the Explore screen after looking at the map, etc. But the latest few versions have been great. Happy to see that they've invested in the software.
New to hiking so this is a helpful video. One thing that I am interested in is finding the waterfalls in my State. What I have noticed that there isn't a marked road to these and some of the waterfall sites will list coordinates that you have to plug into AllTrails. Not sure how to do that.
Yea AllTrails isn't really set up for off-trail hiking. Your best bet is to take a trail as close as possible and then see what navigation is possible to get to the falls. Many times a feature that is off-trail is tough to get to safely, so it's generally best explored after getting some experience with navigation and off-trail travel.
Going to have to visit the wildlife sanctuary someday, looks like some well thought out trails.
Yea it's okay, big gravel paths - it's nice in the late winter when its cooler and full of birds. I like this spot for GPS demos because it's close to home and full of turns. If you do go, look for the white pelicans, which I think are there all year at this point. They don't dive for fish, they scoop and strain with their beaks. Cool to watch them when they feed.
Thanks. I'm thinking of giving Alltrails a try for my next ridiculously undocumented trail I go on. -just an extra level of helpfulness.
Just remember to turn off your recording before you get home, otherwise you'll let the world know where your bedroom is, lol.
You can choose to make workouts private
@@BryHikes ⁷⁷⁷7⁸7887778878887áá8⁸99989999999998a. A. ⁸888888888888888888888888a9
Thanks for the primer.
Thanks for the video, informative as usual. I tried AllTrails as a way of downloading a GPX to Garmin Explore and then send it to my 66i. Works fairly well and saves time. Unfortunately I can’t get it to be a route with turn by turn and approach signals. It was only a track to follow. Still, it’s a good backup. I still like to use map and compass which AllTrails allows for, by downloading PDF maps.
Yea following the track does the trick. After playing with all these units for years I've come to prefer the "am I on the line" instead of the turn by turn routing. I use paper too and the line is a good cross-check for a position. If you're going fast, like a trail run or bike ride, the turn routing becomes more useful. But at 2-3 mph, it's usually pretty obvious.
@@Hikingguy for sure! Keep those videos coming. Been watching for years!!
@@jplimages Thank you!
I just got the pro version and haven’t used it yet but this video speaks volumes. I also have a garmin mini 2 gps, but I think the navigation isn’t nearly as good. Question I have for the downloaded trails/ maps for Alltrails app; if you do an out and back trail that involve some areas that aren’t clearly marked , is there a feature to track back to your start point using a bread crumb trail?
Yes if you record it leaves a breadcrumb when you start navigation, so easy to track back
Thank you, great video
Perfect explanation, thank you. Quick question - the phone is not switching off and screen is fallowing your location ony in the payed version, correct?
No you can log your track with free - just not with offline maps - support.alltrails.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022657592-What-is-included-in-a-free-AllTrails-membership-
Have tried Gaia and can't get the curser/me on my dirtbike, to move while i'm moving/riding same as Google/maps/GPS does.Have to stop every 10 minutes to re-centre.Can i do this on Alltrails.
Thank you so much !!!!
Thanks for the great video on AllTrails! I found it while reviewing your video on hiking cactus to clouds. I’m considering doing it in late May and using the AllTrails app pro feature. When you’re using a downloaded map, and you are off-line in airplane mode, will it alert you if you go off route? My concern with the cactus to clouds route is following it and staying on the trail starting early in the morning in the dark.
I haven't tested out the feature yet ( support.alltrails.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028989752-What-are-wrong-turn-alerts- ) but I will - and otherwise for C2C I'd say just check in periodically on the screen. Usually you can tell if the trail peters out and looks sketchy, or if you don't see it continue - then just look.
@@Hikingguy Thx for your response! I just contributed on your support page and really appreciate all the information you are putting out there.
@@andydunn9729 WHOA - big thanks for the very generous support - I just send an email through via Venmo if you have any other questions.
I am looking for the best app or software for researching and planning a backpacking trip that connects multiple trails. AllTrails is great for published single trails.
The best method so far is the tried and true paper map. Any suggestions?
Caltopo or. GaiaGPS
Do yo uknow if AllTrails app has direction to The Wave and in particular to the San Cove, Melody Arch and Top Rock Arch?
This was a great intro, but it would be helpful now for you to compare AllTrails to Trailforks. I've used some of their stuff useful, but prefer Trailforks, which works well with/on Garmin, and Gaia. I'd be interested in your comparison.
Yea, I mean that would be a different video, not an AllTrails for Beginners. I use Trailforks for some of my MTB recon but not for hiking. Will take a look and maybe cover it on the channel.
HI GOOD MORNING !
THANK YOU 🙏 I'VE HAD MINE FOR A WHILE JUST HAVEN'T USING IT / THEM . OR GETTING OUT AS OFTEN AS BEFORE . I'M GOING TO START WATCHING 👀 YOUR VIDEOS 📹 MORE & GET MYSELF OUT MORE . I JUST PAYED FOR THE ALLTRAILS APP TO START DOING THE HIKER / BIKER TRAILS 👣 AROUND MY AREA MAINLY BIKING GETTING MY GRANDSON OUT OF THE HOUSE 🏠, ME TOO . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU FOR TEACHING / SHOWING ME / US HOW TO USE WHICH EVER ONE WE HAVE .
Thank you 👍👍👍
Thank you for your great videos. Just bought a Garmin 66sr after reviewing information on your webpage. I also bought AllTrails+ and would like to upload trails to my Garmin 66sr. When I save and upload a GPX file to the Garmin Connect app it ends up in "courses" in the "training and planning" menu. When I select "send to device" I receive the message "your device does not support courses". Any videos/recommendations how to best upload an AllTrails file/gpx to a Garmin 66sr via a Garmin phone app?
The 66sr supports courses with the newer firmware, so use Garmin Express and make sure the firmware is updated
Great tutorial. I am a beginner and this is really helpful. Thank you.
when the map is downloaded for offline use the the arrow showing where you are still work?
Does AllTrail Pro allow re-routing? I often get off the original trail path and take a different trail path. I haven't find a way to re-route my way back to trailhead or select or custom a path back to my destination from the app.
I don't think so, you're on the line or off of it.
Is there a wrong turn alert please
So when you say turn off the phone. Do you mean to power it off or just close out the phone app and put the phone in standby
Not standby… lock mode.
Airplane mode (cellular off)
@@Hikingguy Thanks for the great tutorial. I had the same question as @roebucksadventure and I'm not sure you answered it. You mentioned turning off your phone in between checking whether you are on-route. Do you (1) completely switch your phone off (i.e., shut it down) and restart it? Or (2) close the app and turn off the screen but not the phone? Or (3) leave the app running and just turn off the screen? Thanks!
@@betwixt3193 I just turn the screen off like you would if walking around with it - the important thing is to keep it in Airplane mode and allow the app access to location services all the time
What watch works best with AllTrails free app?
Hi Hiking guy, I’m a new subscriber, love your video. I left a similar comment in another video, would you say garmin Epix is as good as Alltrails for following a hiking trail? I like how Alltrails has reviews of trails, does garmin also have this?
The Garmin is mainly a tool for navigating, while AllTrails is a community site with lots of data. The best is to copy an AllTrails route onto your Garmin, but if the AllTrails app works well for you (not hiking in rain), then no need for a Garmin
@@Hikingguy thanks for the reply! Out of curiousity, why would you copy the AllTrails map to the garmin watch? Don’t hiking trails come pre-loaded on the Garmin?
@@stevenm2949 it's just the route (GPX file) - the watch has maps on it and you can't export maps from AllTrails
@@Hikingguy I apologize for
So many questions. Assuming someone doesn’t have alt trails, can you just show up to a NP as an example, turn on maps on garmin watch and see a listing of hiking trails? Then select the trail and be on your way? BTW, your videos are so helpful! Thank you again!
@@stevenm2949 No Garmin is not a community site, just a device to track and navigate hikes.
is the a voice navigation option?
Just FYI, your free alltrails account link seems to be pointing back to this vid, at least for me.
Thanks for the heads up - did you mean this link: bit.ly/alltrails-signup - should be going to the AllTrails signup page but maybe something is messed up
so i love the app its amazing, but i hate with a passion how annoying it is to get my hpone out my pcoket unlock, phone, put in pin n swipe to view the app each time, on new routes im doing this like every 5 mins. has anyone used a wrist/arm strap to get away from the annoying issue of getting your pone out and having to unlock? - i just realised my phone can do face unlock which helps the process. still annoying taking it ou pocket or holding in hand all the time. so just need a wrist wrap if anyone ever used them?
Can you down load as a gpx file ?
yes
Does this offer bike trails?
Is AllTrails only for existing hikes? On Catalina Island, I'd like to hike from Little Harbor to Ben Weston Beach. I've been told it's hard to find your way there without a map. It seems like Google Maps will help me do that, but I can't figure out a way to do this not currently listed hike through AllTrails. Many people seem to have cell service all over Catalina Island, but my T-Mobile service only works in Avalon or right in Two Harbors Village. So anything that needs service won't work from Little Harbor to Ben Weston Beach. Thank you as always for the useful info!
Give the Hikker app a try which has free offline maps. I'd go with that and paper.
All the trail apps lost me at subscription for out of date maps.
Hey Hiking Guy...... I have a question...... can you answer it ?......what happens when you do this on a Forerunner 255 ??? ...... will you get a background map ??? ....... also it is quite UNCLEAR if a GPX file actually contains the background map image or merely the course POINTS ?? .... fenix model comes with built-in USA topomaps and I suspect that course merely appears on top of that ...... for all Garmin models that come with NO maps, I suspect you will get the course but NO background map at all ..... can you comment on this ? ...... I have a vested interest in KNOWING for certain as (unfortunately) I believe the model I ordered (but have not yet received) does NOT support maps
I don't think you can use AllTrails on the Garmin, although you can export the GPX and import to Garmin Connect under "Training > Courses" - the GPX just has the route info, no embeded maps - and you are right, if the unit has not maps, you just get a line, but it's still helpful - you're on it or not - but the map def help give more info and context
Yes, Fenix more of an outodoors and Forerunner better for running
what did you press to open it up in apple maps? (3:06 on your video)
"directions"
Really enjoying your six pack challenge in San Diego. I’m primarily a cyclist, but would enjoy keeping with the long Saturday hikes. Do you have a top 20/30 list of San Diego hikes? I’m targeting 4+ hours/8 to 10 miles?
Much appreciated
Think you're thinking of SoCal Hiker who does the 6 pack challenge. I have a list of hikes on my website HikingGuy.com for San Diego with options that fit your specs.
Does it show you how to get back to your starting point?
Sharing
About a month ago AllTrails added some sort of colour scheme to the elevation part of the map. What do these colours mean?
"It's not a lot of money, it's just like a subscription..." xD
I prefer & contribute to HikeArizona where I can download a track of almost any hike in the 48 states.