National Park Apps National Parks by Chimani vs REI National Park Guide & Maps vs Parks Canada - National App ... and 10 more

Edited by Jay, Maria Quinney

13 Methods:
National Parks by Chimani
REI National Park Guide & Maps
Parks Canada - National App
Passport: Your National Parks
ViewRanger Trails & Maps
Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder
AllTrails - Hiking & Biking
America's National Parks
...More
National-Park-apps-main-01.png

The National Parks of the United States and Canada are filled with breathtaking scenes and amazing wildlife. Getting the opportunity to explore them is a privilege and something that everyone should experience, at some points in their lives.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

When the time comes to plan your next trip, take some of the pressure off by utilizing some of the apps we talk about in this article. You'll no doubt save some time and possibly make the trip better by discovering things that would otherwise be passed over or missed.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 1: National Parks by Chimani

National-parks-apps-logo-011.png

National Parks by Chimani is a handy mobile app that has details on 400+ aspects of the National Park Service.

National-parks-apps-01.png

  1. 1
    Type
    .
    Travel & Local
    Advertisement
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Features
    .
    Advertisement
     
    1. Simple to use interface and layout.
    2. View locations on an interactive map.
    3. Make a list of parks you plan on seeing in the future.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Cost/Fees
     
    1. Free version.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. National Parks by Chimani can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 2: REI National Park Guide & Maps

National-parks-apps-logo-022.png

REI National Park Guide & Maps is an all-in-one guide to sightseeing and hiking in the US National Parks.

National-parks-apps-02.png

With detailed trail and hiking descriptions for many National Parks, REI's mobile app is a helpful tool to have while exploring the vast parks system.

  1. 1
    Type
    .
    Travel & Local
    Advertisement
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Features
    .
     
    1. Get comprehensive trail and hiking data on popular parks such as; Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton, Mount Rainier, Point Reyes, Rocky Mountain, Zion, and 23 more!
    2. See your live position on a satellite and terrain map (GPS enables).
    3. all trail and site seeing data is available offline.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Cost/Fees
    .
     
    1. Free version.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. REI National Park Guide & Maps can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 3: Parks Canada - National App

National-parks-apps-logo-033.png

The Official Parks Canada National App is a mobile optimized version of Parks Canada's main website.

National-parks-apps-03.png

This mobile app comes with all the necessary options to easily plan trips to any of Canada's National Parks.

  1. 1
    Type
    .
    Travel & Local
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • 2
    Features
    .
     
    1. Create customized packing lists.
    2. Share camping photos via Facebook and Twitter.
    3. Quick access to all important visitor help and resource links.
    4. Tag special events and receive notifications.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • 3
    Cost/Fees
    .
     
    1. Free version.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. Parks Canada National App can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    • Method 4: Passport: Your National Parks

    National-parks-apps-logo-044.png

    Passport: Your National Parks is a mobile app that gives users a wealth of detailed information on every aspect of the National Park Service.

    National-parks-apps-04.png

    Users can view a map and locations to over 1000 Passport to your National Park cancellation stations.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Detailed information on all units of the parks system.
      2. Add images, descriptions and notes to visited parks.
      3. Locate passport cancellation locations by list or map.
      4. Search for parks with GPS feature.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Passport: Your National Parks can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 5: ViewRanger Trails & Maps

    National-parks-apps-logo-055.png

    ViewRanger Trails & Maps was labeled as one of the best outdoor tech apps of 2017 by Backpacker magazine.

    National-parks-apps-05.png

    ViewRanger is a trusted source for anything trail, map or navigation related, and offers its users an impressive array of free features.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Health & Fitness
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Easily locate trails in national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountain, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Rainier, and more.
      2. Discover and explore 1000s of trail guides.
      3. GPS and navigation features.
      4. Works offline.
      5. Supports Android wearables.
      6. Free access to world maps.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $0.99 - $249.99 per item.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. ViewRanger Trails & Maps can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 6: Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder

    National-parks-apps-logo-066.png

    Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder is powerful mobile app that acts as virtual, personal park guide and information resource.

    National-parks-apps-06.png

    Simply enter your zip code and activity, and Oh, Ranger! will immediately start filtering out parks that don't meet your requirements.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Activities and full descriptions.
      2. Important phone numbers.
      3. Get information on events.
      4. Get directions, weather and logging advice, and suggestions.
      5. Massive database of anything and everything related to both State and National Parks.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 7: AllTrails - Hiking & Biking

    National-parks-apps-logo-077.png

    AllTrails - Hiking & Biking for Android and iOS, is an all-encompassing trail app and guide to the great outdoors.

    National-parks-apps-07.png

    Whether you're exploring a National Park or the wooded areas behind your house, AllTrails can prove very handy for finding that perfect trail to follow.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. 50,000+ trails to explore.
      2. Record and track your travels with GPS feature.
      3. Hand curated, detailed trail maps with photos.
      4. Upload and share your adventures with family and friends via social media.
      5. Filter trails by; dog/child friendly, difficulty, length or rating.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $1.00 to $29.99 per item.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. AllTrails - Hiking & Biking can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 8: America's National Parks

    National-parks-apps-logo-088.png

    America's National Parks by LBS Solutions is a mobile-optimized app that provides detailed information on all 58 US National Parks.

    National-parks-apps-08.png

    Completely rewritten and designed; this app covers everything visitors need to know when both planning and executing trips to any National Parks.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Create a personalized tour with specific points of interest.
      2. Park and topographic maps for hiking.
      3. App functions offline with no data or WiFi.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $1.00 to $3.00 per item.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. America's National Parks can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 9: Weather - The Weather Channel

    National-parks-apps-logo-0099.png

    The Weather Channel mobile app is a handy tool to have installed when exploring the outdoors, including State or National Parks.

    National-parks-apps-09.png

    Plan your trips by seasonal and day-to-day weather data, right from your mobile phone or tablet.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Weather
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Plan trips and get season weather data.
      2. Get severe weather alerts and notifications.
      3. Daily rain alerts.
      4. Local, regional, and national weather forecasts.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. The Weather Channel app can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 10: Geo Tracker - GPS Tracker

    National-parks-apps-logo-10A.png

    Geo Tracker - GPS Tracker is a great addition to the outdoor enthusiast's digital toolset.

    National-parks-apps-10.png

    If you're into action sports or tracking your long distance adventures, Geo Tracker is a great option to record your paths and distances.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Share your trips and tracks with your friends.
      2. Follow reverse track to return without getting lost.
      3. The app calculates; max/avg track speeds, min/max altitude differences, time, vertical distance and more.
      4. App can record trip while off.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $2.19 to $9.95 per item.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Geo Tracker - GPS Tracker can be downloaded from Google Play.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 11: Flashlight

    National-parks-apps-logo-11B.png

    Having a decent and bright flashlight app installed on your phone while you're out exploring the great National Parks is well advised.

    National-parks-apps-11.png

    If something were to happen to your primary flashlight, your mobile device could save the day or night.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Tools
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Bright torchlight in for navigating in the dark.
      2. Morse code mode for emergency situations.
      3. Comes with compass and map.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Flashlight can be downloaded from Google Play.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 12: First Aid - American Red Cross

    National-parks-apps-logo-12CC.png

    The American Red Cross mobile app is yet another important app to have on hand when out exploring the wilderness.

    National-parks-apps-12.png

    The vast and deep trails found in many of the National Parks is no place to be without basic first aid supplies and information.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Health & Fitness
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Integrated with 9-1-1 to connect with emergency crews at any time.
      2. Easy to follow, step by step instructions on basic first aid procedures.
      3. Content is loaded upon installation of the app and does not require an internet connection.
      4. Easily switch between English and Spanish.
      5. Safety tips.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. First Aid - American Red Cross can be downloaded from [ Google Play.]
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Method 13: SAS Survival Guide - Lite

    National-parks-apps-logo-13D.png

    SAS Survival Guide - Lite is the basic version of the full survival guide, but still comes with valuable, life-saving information.

    National-parks-apps-13A.png

    If you're serious about outdoor exploration, and often find yourself in distanced from regularly trail traffic, the full guide might be worth considering.

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Lifestyle
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Features
      .
       
      1. Basic survival information such as; making fires, finding water, navigating by the stars and basic emergency codes and signals.
      2. Over 100 quiz questions to test your preparedness for wilderness survival.
      3. Survival and emergency preparation checklist.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. Upgrade to the Complete SAS Survival Guide for $5.99.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. SAS Survival Guide Lite can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    There is no better way to spend the summer than experiencing the vast wilderness that makes up our continents National Parks. The next time you're out exploring, fire up a few mobile apps and document the experience to share with others.

    Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

    Comments

    VisiHow welcomes all comments. If you do not want to be anonymous, register or log in. It is free.

    Article Info

    Categories : Software

    Recent edits by: Jay

    Share this Article:

    Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76 times.

    x

    Thank Our Volunteer Authors.

    Would you like to give back to the community by fixing a spelling mistake? Yes | No