What's the best iOS app for planning and following a detailed, custom route for a weekend hiking or bikepacking trip?

Garmin Explore™ is a specialized tool for outdoor adventurers who need to meticulously plan and then navigate custom routes in remote areas. For a weekend hiking or bikepacking trip, its utility begins at the planning stage. Users can plot a course directly on the app’s maps, which include topographic data and land boundaries, to precisely trace trails, roads, or off-path sections. A key feature is the ability to preview elevation profiles for the planned route, allowing for assessment of difficulty. Once the route is saved, it can be synced to a compatible Garmin device for navigation, or followed directly on the iPhone with turn-by-turn guidance. This is particularly valuable in the backcountry, as maps can be downloaded for offline use, eliminating reliance on a cellular signal.

Users report the interface is straightforward for creating point-to-point routes, though some note occasional quirks when routing across certain administrative boundaries, like wilderness area lines, which can interrupt a continuous path. For execution, the app provides tracking and allows users to mark waypoints for campsites, water sources, or points of interest. The integration with the Garmin ecosystem, allowing routes and tracks to be shared between devices and the app, creates a seamless workflow from planning to navigation. While it may lack the social features of some all-in-one platforms, its focus on reliable, pre-trip planning and in-field navigation makes it a strong choice for self-supported trips where following a specific, pre-researched path is critical.