HOW TO
Take the Trail Less Traveled
Our national park era is in full swing—and the 325 million visitors to more than 400 parks, memorials, and historical sites across the nation last year might agree too. Whether you’re planning a weeklong excursion or a day trip to a national park near you, these apps can guide you on every step of your adventure.
Plan your excursion
Make the most of your trip to top destinations such as Old Faithful and Half Dome with the National Park Service app. For select locations, get self-guided tours (some audio based), a list of the best spots to watch a sunrise or sunset, a calendar of park events and seasonal closures, and more.
To gear up for your trip and sign up for classes aimed at beginners and enthusiasts alike, check out the REI app.
Pick a path
Apps like AllTrails and Strava can point you toward natural splendor on less-treaded paths, especially when hiking with throngs of tourists feels like a lot.
Take advantage of the national park guides in AllTrails, or search for a city, park, or trail name to see available routes. The app’s powerful filters can help you find the one that suits the length and difficulty you require. Traveling with dogs or children? Need wheelchair-accessible routes? You’ll find filters for those too.
Strava can help you tap into the hikes or trails that others are exploring. View the segments near the parks you want to visit, or join communities like Black Trail Runners to find your next adventure.
Elevate your experience
PeakVisor uses AR and the camera on your iPhone to display the names and elevation of nearby mountains.
Birda encourages you to stop and marvel at the hawks, eagles, and white-breasted nuthatches around you. Keep track of what you’ve spotted, and see what species other users have found.
Plotting a sunrise trek, or want to capture a peak just as golden hour hits? Lean on the comprehensive sun-tracking app Lumy to maximize your time outside.
Savor a moment of mindfulness
Time outdoors is a great way to practice mindfulness.
NatureDose helps you tally how much time you’ve spent in nature and reminds you how important this can be for your overall well-being.
If you can’t make it outdoors, listen to Headspace’s National Park sleepcasts to find a moment of calm inspired by the sounds of Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, and more.
Go beyond the trail
Make a positive impact even when you’re off the trail.
Treecard plants a tree for every 10,000 steps you take—or when you make climate-friendly purchases in its marketplace.
Sync your financial transactions with Commons to get a better understanding of your carbon footprint—and earn cash back when you shop sustainably.