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
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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.

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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.

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Method 1: National Parks by Chimani

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

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  1. 1
    Type
    .
    Travel & Local
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  2. 2
    Features
    .
     
    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.
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  3. 3
    Cost/Fees
     
    1. Free version.
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  4. 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. National Parks by Chimani can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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Method 2: REI National Park Guide & Maps

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

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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
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  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.
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  3. 3
    Cost/Fees
    .
     
    1. Free version.
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  4. 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. REI National Park Guide & Maps can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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Method 3: Parks Canada - National App

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

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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
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  • 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.
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  • 3
    Cost/Fees
    .
     
    1. Free version.
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  • 4
    Download/Install
    .
     
    1. Parks Canada National App can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    • Method 4: Passport: Your National Parks

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

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

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Travel & Local
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Passport: Your National Parks can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 5: ViewRanger Trails & Maps

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $0.99 - $249.99 per item.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. ViewRanger Trails & Maps can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 6: Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 7: AllTrails - Hiking & Biking

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $1.00 to $29.99 per item.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. AllTrails - Hiking & Biking can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 8: America's National Parks

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $1.00 to $3.00 per item.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. America's National Parks can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 9: Weather - The Weather Channel

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

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

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Weather
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. The Weather Channel app can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    Method 10: Geo Tracker - GPS Tracker

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. In-app purchases ranging from $2.19 to $9.95 per item.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Geo Tracker - GPS Tracker can be downloaded from Google Play.
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    Method 11: Flashlight

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

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

    1. 1
      Type
      .
      Tools
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. Flashlight can be downloaded from Google Play.
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    Method 12: First Aid - American Red Cross

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. First Aid - American Red Cross can be downloaded from [ Google Play.]
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    Method 13: SAS Survival Guide - Lite

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

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    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
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    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.
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    3. 3
      Cost/Fees
      .
       
      1. Free version.
      2. Upgrade to the Complete SAS Survival Guide for $5.99.
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    4. 4
      Download/Install
      .
       
      1. SAS Survival Guide Lite can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
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    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.

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    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.

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    Categories : Software

    Recent edits by: Jay

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