Looking for the best hiking apps to use in Alaska? No apps are created equal when you’re looking to discover new trails or navigate your way out of the backcountry.
In this post, I’m going to share the best hiking apps to download and use while you’re hiking in Alaska.
5 Best Hiking Apps For Alaska
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1. AllTrails
If you’re looking for a hiking trail in Alaska, it’s most likely going to show up on AllTrails. It really is the best for finding local hikes, and if this app doesn’t have it then chances are it won’t show up on any other app. When searching for your next hike, AllTrails makes it really easy to filter trails by length, difficulty, elevation gain, and popularity. You can also browse photos and read reviews left by other hikers, which is useful to see the latest trail conditions or any wildlife encounters.
- GPS Tracking
- Offline Maps
- Off-Route Notifications
- Social Sharing
- Follow Users
- Save Trails
AllTrails is a free hiking app but for an ad-free experience, AllTrails Pro is available as an annual subscription for $29.99/year.
2. Peakbagger
If you’re looking for a list of more difficult and remote peaks to climb in Alaska, then you’ll want to download Peakbagger. If a peak is registered in the app, you can click on it to find a GPS track from a previous hiker, which is useful for any hikes off the beaten path. One of my favorite features in the app is the many lists, which help you keep track of your peak bagging (all of the hikes you have summited). You’ll find 120 peaks in the Chugach State Park Peaks list!
Pro Tip: Use the weekly satellite overlay map to see the latest snow cover and conditions.
- GPS Tracking
- Import GPS Tracks
- Offline Maps
- Hiking Buddies
- Save Peaks
3. Hiking Project
Hiking Project covers 832 miles of trails around Alaska. In order to see the trails, you will be required to download the Alaska area. A lot of the local and popular hikes can be found in this app, and the app even gives you suggestions of the top rated hikes nearby. Hiking Project is incredibly interactive and I think it has one of the best user experiences. One of my favorite features within the hiking app is the elevation profile.
- GPS Tracking
- Offline Maps
- Trail Guides
- Save Trails
- Elevation Profiles
4. OuterSpatial
If you’re planning on hiking in the Mat-Su Valley, then OuterSpatial is the app for you. Although you can find hikes all around the state, you’ll find more than 100 miles of Mat-Su trails on the app. This is all thanks to Alaska State Parks and Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, which have partnered with OuterSpatial. Besides the community feel to the app, one of the best features is the convenient access to maps, park brochures, and other documents that these local organizations have uploaded.
- GPS Tracking
- Interactive Maps
- Engaging Community
- Events & Challenges
- Trail Guides
5. Gaia GPS
When you start to plan trips around routes rather than established trails, you’ll want to use Gaia GPS. Gaia GPS uses an extensive catalog of maps, including National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps, GAIA TOPO Maps, and USGS TOPO Maps. It’s a great hiking app to use to plot a new route or follow a previous track. One of the most useful features in the app is the ability to see private and government lands, which is incredibly necessary when hiking in Alaska.
- GPS Tracking
- Offline Maps
- Breadcrumb Trails
- Create Routes
- Drop Waypoints
For access to full map catalog and offline features, Gaia GPS Premium is available as an annual subscription for $39.99/year → Click here to use my discount!
Other Hiking Apps to Consider
There are so many other hiking apps available in the App Store! Here are some to consider downloading for your next adventure.
- Trailforks – It’s mostly used by bikers, but it’s great for finding winter trails around town.
- Earthmate – I use this paired to my satellite communication device.
- CalTopo – Useful for seeing slope angle shading, complements Gaia GPS.
- COROS – I use this paired to my COROS watch to track my activities.
Happy hiking!
Answering Your Questions
What’s the best app for hiking trails?
Some of the best apps for finding hiking trails in Alaska is AllTrails and Peakbagger.
Is there a better app than AllTrails?
AllTrails is a popular app but other hiking apps offer different features to plan hikes and discover new trails.
Does Alaska have good hiking?
Alaska has some of the best hiking in the world due to its variety in landscapes, stunning vistas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Read More
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9 Best Alaska Backpacking Trails To Thru-Hike
This Southcentral Alaska Hiking Challenge Will Get You Excited For Summer
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Do you have any questions about the best hiking apps to use in Alaska? Leave them in comments.
Have you checked out HiiKER? Lots of great trails in Alaska and local maps.
I’ve never heard of it! Thanks for the rec, I’ll take a look.