We hit the road a lot to visit our National Parks, and we are always looking for tools that make life on the road easier. We don’t always have time to plan, or to download maps in advance, and we need a little extra help. Each year we research the best apps (because who doesn’t have their phones on them at all times?) that assist us on the road, and actually make a difference in helping us plan before we get there, as well get us all the information we need once we have arrived. We are planners, and we still benefit from these! Here are what we believe to be the 5 best National Park apps:
REI Co-Op Guide to National Parks
A comprehensive guide to hiking trails in our National Parks, this free app offers everything you need for the perfect hike. With descriptions, “gems” on the trail, family tips, photos, current weather and the ability to see your live location on the trail map, and all of this while you are offline, you won’t need anything else while you are off the grid.
It also offers quick access to Local Tips and Visiting Tips, so it makes it easy to know when the park is open, how much fees and passes will cost you, and find camping and lodging information with just one click. It’s a one-stop shop for all the information you could spend hours scouring the internet for.
Chimani - National Park Guides
One of our definite go-tos when we are on the road. This free app offers everything you need before and during your trip. It helps you plan by offering stops in your desired region based on your interests, and helps you navigate the park once you are there via offline maps and downloadable park guides.
You can also track places you visit and events you attend, and share with others.
Coupons, or perks, are also available, whether it’s 10% off the local pizza joint, or 50% off skydiving in the Grand Canyon.
Keep in mind, although the app is free, the park guides require an annual subscription ($29.99/year).
Just Ahead
One that our clients often talk about is Just Ahead. This app offers audio tour guides for your road trip while you drive. Using GPS to know exactly where you are and what to say, the tour guide will fill you in on what you are seeing as you drive by it. It is designed to work wherever you are, even if that means no WiFi or cell signal, with downloadable guides.
It can also provide directions and maps offline, and recommends the best direction to take.
Although the app is free to download, the guides themselves must be purchased. You can download each for around $15, or purchase an annual season pass to access as many guides as you would like for about $30.
Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder
A simple way to find parks nearby, with activities you want to do. With this free app, search with categories like camping, bird watching, or hiking. Each location contains information on the available activities and directions to get there.
The list includes thousands of national parks, state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, BLM sites and many more public lands. Much easier than keeping your eyes on the landscape outside as you pass by park signs, missing your exit. Now you can feel like a local in a completely new place!
National Parks Pocket Maps
Download maps, brochures and guides before you depart into the WiFi free wilderness. No more messy, poorly folded national park maps - keep them neatly organized in your phone!
You can also view alerts, such as closures in the park, the weather, and step-by-step directions on how to get there.
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