I've hiked hundreds of miles - and these are the 3 Apple Watch apps I use to keep from getting lost
I'm a hiking enthusiast, and I'm equally passionate about testing the best smartwatch models. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of my go-to smartwatches for logging my outdoor adventures. But the question remains: what's the best Apple Watch hiking app? I've tested numerous options, and while there are many to choose from, three stand out as the top Apple Watch apps for hikers in 2026.
1. Best Overall: AllTrails App
AllTrails is more than just a hiking companion; it's a comprehensive tool for navigating and exploring trails. It boasts an extensive global trail database, offering detailed information such as trail length, elevation gain, average completion time, and difficulty ratings. Additionally, it provides user reviews, up-to-date trail conditions, and weather reports, along with 3D route previews and recent photos from other users.
While some features are exclusive to paid subscribers (with two paid tiers, Plus and Peak), the most useful hike-planning tools remain free. One of my favorite features is the ability to pre-download hiking maps to your Apple Watch, allowing for offline navigation with turn-by-turn directions, path deviation alerts, and real-time stats.
2. Best for Navigation: WorkOutDoors App
If you're a stats enthusiast, the WorkOutDoors app is a treasure trove of post-trek data. While it lacks a hike database like AllTrails, it offers a wide range of navigational tools to ensure you stay on course. The app provides customizable home screens and mid-trek data fields, detailed topographic maps with labeled points of interest, and various navigation options, including trekking to a waypoint or following pre-saved routes.
Post-hike stats include insights into distance, elevation, pace, cadence, heart rate, speed, and total steps.
3. Best No-Effort Needed: Apple's Workout + Maps Apps
For a seamless hiking experience, Apple's default Workout and Maps apps are a great choice. With minimal effort, you can track and navigate your hike. The Workout app provides valuable insights into your performance, including cardiovascular health, speed, distance, and pace. The only missing metric is a total step count, which is only provided on a daily basis.
However, switching between navigation and real-time workout data requires toggling between apps, which can be cumbersome. Apple Watch users have been advocating for a more seamless integration, and we might see improvements with the upcoming watchOS 27.
What's your favorite Apple Watch app for documenting and navigating your outdoor adventures? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a discussion on the best hiking apps!
