I’m obsessed with hiking — 3 Apple Watch apps I use to keep from getting lost

In 2026, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has become a favored companion for outdoor enthusiasts, prompting a detailed review of the leading hiking applications compatible with the device. After testing dozens of options, three apps emerged as the most capable for navigation, data tracking, and ease of use.

AllTrails – Best Overall

AllTrails stands out with one of the largest global trail databases, offering essential details such as length, elevation gain, average completion time, and difficulty ratings. Each trail page also provides user reviews, up‑to‑date conditions, weather forecasts, 3D previews, and recent photos.

The platform operates on a freemium model, with two paid tiers—Plus at $35.99 per year and Peak at $79.99 per year—while the core hike‑planning tools remain free. A notable feature is the ability to pre‑download maps from a phone to the Apple Watch for offline navigation, delivering turn‑by‑turn directions, deviation alerts, and real‑time statistics.

WorkOutDoors – Best for Navigation

WorkOutDoors is a one‑time purchase app priced at $8.99, focusing on detailed navigation rather than a built‑in trail database. It supplies topographic maps with labeled points of interest and supports multiple navigation modes, including waypoint trekking, pre‑saved routes, and revisiting previous paths.

The app’s interface is fully customizable, allowing users to tailor home‑screen and mid‑trek data fields. Post‑hike analytics cover distance, elevation, pace, cadence, heart rate, speed, and total steps, and the app can track a wide range of outdoor activities beyond hiking.

Apple Workout + Maps – Best No‑Effort Solution

Apple’s native Workout app, paired with the Maps application, offers a low‑friction solution: select “Hiking” in Workout and chart the route in Maps. The Workout app supplies data on cardiovascular health, speed, distance, and pace, though it lacks a dedicated step count for the specific activity.

The primary drawback is the need to switch between Workout and Maps to view navigation and real‑time stats, a workflow that many users hope will be streamlined in the upcoming watchOS 27 release later this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is considered the best overall for hiking on the Apple Watch?

AllTrails is identified as the best overall hiking app, offering a vast trail database, essential trail statistics, and offline map capabilities.

Which app provides the most advanced navigation features?

WorkOutDoors is highlighted as the best for navigation, delivering detailed topographic maps, customizable data fields, and multiple routing options.

What limitation does Apple’s native Workout app have for hikers?

The Workout app does not provide a total step count for the specific hiking activity, offering only daily step totals.

Which Apple Watch hiking app do you rely on for your next adventure?