Downloading Offline Maps

Driving Maps: Google Maps

Navigating to some hikes on this site can be a challenge as there might not be any cell phone reception. The last thing you want to do is get lost before you even reach your destination. Luckily, Google has made a super convenient way for you to be able to use their Google Maps app even when there's no reception - downloading offline maps. These downloaded maps will work using the GPS built into your phone. The maps do expire 15 days after downloading them, so plan accordingly. Below is a step by step guide on how to download offline maps in the Google Maps app for your upcoming trip.

1) If you don't already have it, download the app called Google Maps to your phone.

2) Within the Google Maps app (and while you have good reception or wifi), search for the name of the park, trail name, or location you'll be visiting.

3) Once it shows up, click on the name.

4) You'll then see various options such as directions and save. Click on save. You may need to sign into your Google account to be able to do this.

5) Clicking on save will bring up various lists including: starred places, favorites, and want to go. Check off the box next to starred places and then click done.

6) After you've saved all of the sites you plan on visiting using the steps above, go back to one of the sites you saved (where you see optionssuch as directions and save).

7) Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. This will bring up a menu that includes downloading an offline map. Click on download an offline map.

8) This will show a map that includes the sites you saved. You'll see a yellow circle with a white star that represents the sites you saved. Using two fingers, zoom out until you see all of the saved sites you plan on visiting within the map. Click download. If all of the sites you plan on visiting don't fit into one map, download multiple maps until you've covered all sites you plan on visiting.

9) Don't forget to bring your cell phone charger on your trip! It's also not a bad idea to have some printed maps or an additional phone with downloaded offline maps with you as a backup just in case something goes wrong.

10) You're all set, you can now navigate with your offline maps through your Google Maps app without having cell phone reception. Remember though, the maps will expire after 15 days.

Hiking Maps: All Trails

Some hiking trails are easy to find/navigate along and others are significantly more difficult. While not the most precise device to use, your phone can be a huge help to make sure you stay on the right path, even when you don't have reception. Note that no matter what GPS device you have, none of them will work in canyons or areas where there's not a clear open view of the sky above. Below is a step by step guide on how to download offline hiking maps in the All Trails app for your upcoming trip.

1) Download the app called AllTrails.

2) To be able to download offline hiking maps, you will need to pay for the AllTrails Pro subscription. Ensure your pro subscription is active prior to following the steps below.

3) Within the app, click on the explore button in the bottom menu.

4) Type in the name of the trail in the search box. Click on the hiking trail you're looking for.

5) You'll see four options: directions, navigate, share, and download. Click on download.

6) There are various map layers you can download. Click on download under the AllTrails map layer.

7) To access the maps you've downloaded, click on the Plan button in the bottom menu of the app. Then click on maps in the upper menu to find and select the downloaded map you'd like to use.

8) Once the map is opened, click on the triangle shaped button to see where you are on the map.

9) Don't forget to bring your cell phone charger on your trip! It's also not a bad idea to have an additional phone with downloaded offline maps with you as a backup just in case something goes wrong.

10) You're all set, you can now navigate hiking trails with your offline maps through your All Trails app without having cell phone reception.