If you’re determined to use the latest technology, use the GPS Coordinates for Death Valley National Park published on their website. You can drive into Death Valley on several paved roads, but no matter which one of them you choose, you’ll climb to several thousand feet before dropping into the park.

GPS will work splendidly in flat sandy deserts. That’s pretty much the kind of place it was designed for in the first place. GPS will work splendidly in flat sandy deserts. That’s pretty much the kind of place it was designed for in the first place.

Battery Life for Android Phones Not a show stopper, but Android phones appear to have less battery life on-trail than iPhones—more in the range of 3-5 days with moderate GPS use. Nonetheless, an Android smartphone is a valid & capable backpacking GPS.

Can I Use GPS Without an Internet Connection? Yes. On both iOS and Android phones, any mapping app has the ability to track your location without needing an internet connection. A-GPS doesn’t work without data service, but the GPS radio can still get a fix directly from the satellites if it needs to.

The Best Navigation Apps for Hikers & Backpackers

1. AllTrails. Perhaps the most well-known of the best navigation apps on the market, AllTrails offers its massive database to users so that they never get lost on the trail again.
2. Gaia GPS Hiking Maps.
3. Hiking Project.
4. PeakVisor.
5. Maps 3D Pro.
6. Spyglass.
7. ViewRanger.
8. MapMyHike.

Finding Hiking Trails on Google Maps Did you know you can also do this to find hiking trails? It’s true! To give it a try, just type “hiking trails” in the search bar at the upper left of the window. Press Enter and you’ll see the location of all of the hiking trails in the Google Maps window.

A handheld GPS device is very useful for hiking, trekking and mountaineering because it allows you to easily find your way even if the visibility is poor or the landscape has little or no distinct features.

You can use a downloaded map to navigate by following these steps:

1. Open the AllTrails app.
2. Tap on ‘Plan’ on the bottom navigation bar.
3. Select ‘Maps’ from the tabs at the top of the screen (you do not need to be within range of a data signal to access your downloaded Maps!)
4. Select a map from the list.

One of the great benefits of AllTrails Pro is that you can download maps to your phone for offline use. This allows you to view detailed map information and navigate using your phone’s built-in GPS while you’re out on the trail – even when you don’t have a data signal!

For backcountry use, AllTrails costs $29.99/year, and lacks many maps and features. The free versions of both apps include a trail search feature. If you do casual hikes in places where you have an internet connection, you can use either to search for trails, find route information, and stay on track as you hike.

Naismith’s Rule – Simply put, Naismith’s rule states that: “One should estimate one hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of hiking, plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet (600m) of elevation gain.”

How Long Does It Take To Hike A Few Miles?

Training for a Day Hike

1. Take yourself out for a walk two or three times during the week. Make sure to move briskly enough to get your heart rate up, and then keep it up for at least 30 minutes.
2. Be sure to wear the same shoes that you’ll be wearing on your hike.
3. Carry a lightly-weighted daypack on your weekday walks.

around 15 to 22 minutes