Your iPhone Now Lets You Plot the Perfect Hike Before You Leave Home

Spring is here, and the trails are calling. If you’re reaching for your boots, your iPhone has a quietly powerful tool to make your next hike smoother and safer. With the latest iOS updates, Apple Maps lets you design and save a detailed walking route from your couch, ensuring you have a reliable guide even when cell service drops off.

Here’s how it works. Open Maps and either tap your location dot or hold your finger on the map to set a starting point. Tap the three dots at the bottom and select ‘Create a Custom Route.’ Then, simply tap along your intended path—crossroads, trailheads, a distant peak—and the app connects the dots. You’re not limited to nearby points; you can chart a course miles away, and Maps will find a logical, walkable path.

As you plot, you’ll see options to reverse your route, create an out-and-back trail, or form a closed loop. Once satisfied, tap ‘Save Route,’ give it a name, and hit the blue checkmark. The map downloads directly to your device.

To retrieve it later, open Maps, tap your profile icon next to the search bar, go to Places, then Routes. Your saved hike will be there. Tap it to view, and if you’re at the trailhead, hit ‘Go’ for turn-by-turn guidance. If you need to drive to the start, ‘Directions’ will get you there.

It’s a straightforward feature that turns your phone into a dedicated trail planner, letting you focus on the scenery, not the navigation.