Want to load a GPS file on your iPhone or Android device? Want to follow the excellent trail network that your friend just biked or hiked? The easiest way is to use an app where the file has already been added, like Hiking Project or Trailforks. However, often a trail is not anywhere to be found online. In this case, you can have your friend share a GPS exchange format file (GPX file). Two common ways to load GPX files are by emailing a file around or opening a file in Google Drive. We describe the two processes below. NOTE: following a GPS track can drain your battery fast, so check out our iPhone Battery Saving Tips for Backpacking. We also have a review of bike phone mounts for following the tracks easily while cycling (and loads of other cycling gear reviews. An armband can be very helpful when hiking as taking your phone in and out of your pocket, especially if you have to unlock your phone, takes a lot of time.

Loading a GPX File by Email

1) Get the right app
There are many great apps. Some favorites are:

• RunGo – Free on iOS and Android. Gives turn-by-turn voice directions

• ARA GPXViewer for iOS – Free. The paid version removes ads. The downside is you can’t view many GPX tracks at once.

• BikeGPX is free and alerts you when you’re off route.

• Gaia is not cheap but gives a more precise location and more map options.

• Strava – “favorite” a route. It’s now accessible on your phone. Press “Record, ” click on the dotted line route icon, and then “Use Route.”

• RidewithGPS – Free and paid versions. If you ride much, the paid version is worth it. You can easily record tracks and share them, see stats for your activity. The route planning tool is among our favorites. The turn-by-turn directions are highly customizable.

There are many great apps. Some favorites are:

2) Email a GPX file to yourself or have someone forward an email with a GPX file attached

3) Load tracks into your app
Click on a GPX file in your mail app

Click on the icon in the bottom left of the screen

Select the GPS viewing app you want to open the file.

The track should show up and look something like this.

Loading a GPX file by Google Drive (Or Dropbox)

Click on a GPX file in your mail appClick on the icon in the bottom left of the screenSelect the GPS viewing app you want to open the file.The track should show up and look something like this.

1) Get Google Drive for iTunes or Google Drive for Android and one of the GPX Viewing apps mentioned above like ARA GPX Viewer

2) Open a file in Google Drive
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.

On the next screen, click “Open in.”

Then choose the GPX viewing app:

You should see a track like this:

Other Tips

• Bring a map. If you lose power to your phone or your phone gets wet or is damaged.

• If possible, download data for offline use. You can’t do this with ARA GPX viewer, but you can with MotionX and many hiking apps.

• Bring an portable battery backup and charging cable in case your phone loses charge faster than you think

Also, check out our article on

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.On the next screen, click “Open in.”Then choose the GPX viewing app:You should see a track like this:Also, check out our article on how to mount a sturdy phone case to your bicycle or motorcycle.