Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS suits hikers who want to assemble their own map rather than select only a catalog route. The web and mobile tools create routes, tracks and waypoints, and the layer system can place topography beside satellite, public-land or specialty information. Recent Android and iOS versions include offline snap-to-trail data with a downloaded map area, allowing supported routing to continue without service. Saved material can be organized for a longer journey with many camps, alternates and access points.

A collection of attractive layers does not mean that every layer is equally current or authoritative. Property boundaries may be approximate, satellite imagery may predate a fire or road change, and automatic routing can prefer a mapped path that is closed or unsuitable. Download both the intended corridor and enough surrounding area to handle a detour, then test airplane mode before departure. For permits, closures and access rights, follow the agency that manages the land. In the field, compare the screen with terrain and turn back when the physical route contradicts the plan.