onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS icon
onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS: Comprehensive Review for Outdoor Navigation

by onXmaps

4.4
ANDROIDSports
Professional-grade navigation app for backcountry enthusiasts offering detailed topographic maps, GPS tracking, and hazard layers. Ideal for hikers, climbers, and backcountry skiers navigating remote terrain.

Detailed Review

onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS establishes itself as a specialized navigation solution for outdoor enthusiasts venturing beyond maintained trails. The application combines detailed topographic mapping with advanced GPS functionality, positioning itself as a premium alternative to general-purpose hiking apps. Its focus on backcountry navigation distinguishes it in the crowded outdoor recreation market. The application's core functionality centers around high-resolution topographic maps with slope angle shading, particularly valuable for mountaineering and avalanche terrain assessment. Users can toggle multiple map layers displaying real-time wildfire information, land ownership boundaries, and avalanche forecasts. The offline mapping capability allows complete functionality without cellular service, with users reporting successful downloads of custom waypoint collections for remote expeditions. The premium tier adds parcel-level private land ownership data, a feature particularly appreciated by landowners and those navigating areas with complex property boundaries. User experience reflects a professional-grade interface designed for field use rather than casual navigation. The waypoint plotting system receives positive feedback for its precision, though some users note a learning curve compared to simpler applications. Real-world usage patterns show strongest adoption among peak baggers, backcountry skiers, and multi-day backpackers who require reliable navigation in areas without trail networks. The tracking functionality maintains accuracy even in deep canyons and dense forest cover, according to user reports. User feedback trends indicate generally high satisfaction with specific functional praises and criticisms. Keith Harris (2025-04-20) notes the accuracy and land ownership features justify the premium subscription, while Brian Doolittle (2025-05-09) praises the slope shading functionality but mentions interface annoyances with map loading. Several users, including Justin Sayler (2025-01-27), suggest integration with the developer's off-road vehicle app for combined navigation needs. Technical support responsiveness receives positive mention from Izzy Trinidad (2025-01-24) after initial upgrade issues. The application demonstrates particular strength in specialized backcountry navigation scenarios where standard trail apps prove inadequate. Limitations include the premium subscription requirement for full functionality and occasional interface quirks noted by experienced users. It serves as an ideal solution for serious outdoor recreationalists requiring professional-grade navigation tools rather than casual hikers seeking basic trail guidance.

Key Features

  • Offline topographic maps with slope angle shading for avalanche terrain assessment and route planning in steep environments
  • Land ownership boundary layers showing private/public land distinctions crucial for legal access and navigation
  • Custom waypoint plotting with cross-device synchronization between mobile and desktop platforms for trip planning
  • Real-time hazard layers including active wildfire perimeters and avalanche forecasts for safety considerations
  • High-precision GPS tracking maintaining accuracy in remote areas without cellular service coverage
  • Multiple base map options including satellite imagery and specialized topographic renderings for different activities

Why Users Love It

Professional-grade topographic data
Comprehensive offline functionality

Perfect for: Serious backcountry hikers, climbers, and off-trail navigators requiring precision mapping

Screenshots

onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 1onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 2onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 3onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 4onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 5onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS screenshot 6

User Reviews

Izzy Trinidad
Jan 24, 2025

Edited: I was contacted directly & offered technical support which fixed my issue. The response was quick & effective. Original: Really love the app's maps & Features I used the 7 day trial without any issues. started to prefer it over my "AllTrails". So I upgraded to the premium but the app now stops tracking 30 seconds in the screen turning off. Kinda really upset about it. I've been using AllTrails for 3 years and was about to fully switch over to this app. Not so sure now

Becky Foreman
May 27, 2025

Have just upgraded from the free version and am quite happy so far. Seems much easier to plot waypoints (used my laptop) than some other apps I've tried. I've now saved my map of waypoints to the app and downloaded it to my phone for offline use. Will go camping with it later this week and see how it works. I'm going to an area where I've gotten lost and wandered in the past so we'll see if I stay "found" this time, yet can "get lost" by choice.

Keith Harris
Apr 20, 2025

I've used OnX backcountry for a year now and found it accurate and highly informative. And the Premium membership is worth the extra cost, at least for me. It shows private land ownership too, and it's pleasant to see the boundaries of my own 40 acres of forested land, and that of neighboring parcels with the owners' names provided (in case I want to add to my own land some day).

R PT
Feb 21, 2025

First time user of the app but it worked very well getting to trails in Zion National park...it also showed trails that I never knew about and I've been hiking there for years hitting all the popular well known trails but it found us some short hikes not many know about that where great hikes...also they gave me a discount the first year that was an offer I couldn't refuse...

Michael Parks
Jun 4, 2025

I called to ask about the veteran discount. customer service was excellent. I cannot rate the trail system as yet.

App Details

Developer

onXmaps

Platform

android

Rating

4.4

Last Updated

9/7/2025