Colorado Trail Explorer 4+

Been Waiting for This!

Finally a trail navigating app that is run by the people that control the trails! I only just downloaded the app, I will update this review when I take it out and use it around the Taylor Park area. Huge props for actually having the trail names on here, instead of just the trail numbers. That one feature makes it better than the other apps that I have been using for trail navigation. One suggestion to the developers: take the community aspect of this app to the next level. Make it to where you can add friends and leave comments on each trail that can either be seen by friends only, or the public. This would enable people to warn trail goers of dangers (rockslide, fallen trees, etc.). Also make it to where you can form a group. Say you are riding with 4 other people that each have their own OHV/ATV. You could share a pin/waypoint with the whole group so that if anyone gets separated, they would know where to go. Add the ability to send a distress call, that can be seen be sent to all nearby app users as a push notification. (For example: “Ran out of gas”, or “rollover, broken leg, need help”). This app is already amazing, but also has so much more potential! Thanks devs!

Developer Response ,

Thanks for the suggestions – we’re always evaluating ways to improve the experience! One thing you can do today is post Trip Reports, associated to either existing trails or a Trip you’ve recorded, and tag specific users for notification. You can also tag specific users on your own Trips, Field Notes, and Custom Routes. Finally, each of those can also have visibility set to Public, Private, Unlisted, or Tagged Users. Trip Reports will always be publicly visible, however. Don’t hesitate to email us anytime at COTREX@state.co.us if you have other questions or suggestions.

Best hiking app for Colorado

I have used almost every hiking app. This is the best for CO. By tapping the trailhead icon you can get directions, see miles and elevation, see exact weather conditions after scrolling down, (Temp, dew point, wind, windchill, direction of wind, surface wind and gusts, rain, snow, lightening, thunder…). Many other apps limit your trails to THIER configuration. With this app you can connect trails and make your own, see elevation gain, see dispersed camping areas, easily see water sources, etc. It takes a little bit to see all that this app can do, just keep clicking and exploring. I rarely use the filter to look for specific types of trails. I just use the map and look for established trails and trails I can connect together on my own. Links take you directly to the trail manager or park service. Some trails are managed by different counties or are in multiple forests/state parks; knowing what jurisdictions you are in comes in handy for emergency communications and/or rules, closures, etc. I have made over 60 trails and keep making more, love this app!

I used to love this app…

Okay, so after I wrote the scathing review, I found the red button - which does not show up on opening page, you must press the directional arrow in lower menu bar to find it - & recorded my walks. Two days in a row the same 5.6 mile trail I’ve walked for two years is now 7.1 & 7.2 miles respectively. I am comparing this to another mapping app which has always read within 0.2 miles of COTREX, so I know the original mileage was correct. Much as I’d like to brag about walking 7 miles daily before breakfast, that’s just not accurate. I always carry my phone in side pants pocket so there is no chance of extra movement being the sudden difference. Please fix this!!!
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…until the recent update that removed the Record A Trip feature. I hike daily with my dog near our home & thus am familiar with the official trails. We often go off trail through the woods, sometimes using COTREX to stay oriented & always to keep track of our route. Now all that’s available is the Create Route feature which makes assumptions about where I want to go based on input of only 2 location points, completely useless. After I transfer my 190 recorded trips to my computer, I’ll be deleting this app. So disappointed!

Developer Response ,

Hello, and thank you for your feedback. Trip recording is still available but it has been moved to the new navigation tab (the center tab). This tab is totally devoted to the best experience for being on the trails. Press the big red record button while on this tab to start recording a trip.