Plan & Download Hiking Routes with Apple Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Enhancing Your Hiking Experience with Apple’s iOS 18

Planning a safe and enjoyable hiking trip, be it through a vast national park or a local trail, calls for a robust plan. Technology has made this easier with Apple’s latest operating system update, iOS 18. Apple has revamped the Apple Maps in this update, allowing hikers to download hiking routes for offline use and even create their customized routes. This ensures hikers stay on track, even in areas with little to no cell signal.

This guide will help you leverage iOS 18’s new features to enhance your hiking adventures, whether you’re a novice or an experienced trailblazer.

Identifying a Hiking Route

To find a hiking route, begin by opening the Apple Maps app and tapping the icon in the top-right corner. For hiking maps, go ahead and select the Explore map. If you’re aware of the name of your desired hiking trail, search for it in the search bar. Alternatively, you can browse by searching for “hikes” or look for a park to see the surrounding hiking options. The app identifies hikes on the map with a green icon, featuring a trail icon and the trail’s name.

Downloading a Hiking Trail for Offline Use

Once you’ve identified a desired trail, select it to view its details, including its length, highest and lowest points of elevation, and the current distance to the trail. Tap the plus (+) icon to add the trail to your library for easy access later. You can also add personal notes about the trail that only you can see. This tool can be helpful for noting certain characteristics of the trail like its tendency to get muddy or its seasonal availability.

To use the trail offline, tap the Download button. You’ll be asked to select a portion of the map to download, which should include your hiking trail and likely, much of the surrounding area. Once you’ve marked the area, hit Download. Your downloaded maps are accessible under Places, Guides, and Routes in the Library section. If you own an Apple Watch, the map will automatically download when connected to Wi-Fi and a charger.

Creating a Custom Walking Trail in Apple Maps

Apple Maps also gives you the freedom to create your own hiking trail, handy if you’re hiking in a park with numerous overlapping trails or wish to map out your routine neighborhood walks.

To create a custom route, select a point on the map and press your finger down on the spot to drop a pin. Then, choose Create a Custom Route from the menu. Next, tap other points along the desired route to map out your course.

Once you’re satisfied with your planned course, decide between Out & Back (for a return trip) or Close Loop (for a circular route). Apple Maps then provides key details about your custom route such as distance, elevation, and estimated time. There are also options to save the route or get directions to the starting point.

To start your hike, tap Directions for instructions on how to reach the starting point, or Go for navigation if you’re ready to begin. To save the route for future use, tap Save, name it, add optional notes, and confirm with Done. Custom routes, like any other route, can be downloaded for offline use.