OnX Offroad Makes Navigation Easy

OnX Offroad Brings Off-Road Trail Maps into the 21st Century

OnX is a Montana-based company best known for their extremely detailed and accurate hunting map app. Hunters have used the onX Hunt app, which has over 4 million active users, for the past 10 years to stay compliant with local laws, navigate to and from remote hunting grounds, and share the thrill of the hunt with friends.

The robust features and clean user interface of the hunting app lead developers to realize that it would be perfectly suited, with some tweaks, for the ever-growing off-road market. OnX Offroad was born as a full-featured off-road navigation app that goes head to head with established off-road nav/trip planning apps like Gaia, FunTreks, and Burns Offroad.

onX Offroad

With 350,000-plus miles of trails, 985-plus million acres of public land, 450,000-plus points of interest (POI), and 54,000-plus campgrounds and cabins, onX Offroad is an extremely powerful app for your adventure planning and navigation needs. With trail and road information being updated daily through linked databases and crowd-sourced information, it’s easy to stay on top of the latest travel information. In fact, onX’s dedicated in-house GIS team, who are all passionate off-road adventurers, is averaging the addition of 1,000-plus miles of trail per week.

The key with any truly useful off-road trip planning and navigation software is the ability to use the maps even when you’re out of range of cell towers. Saved maps within the onX Offroad app, which can be created within the app or through the new website interface, allow your GPS-enabled mobile device to keep you on course even when off-grid.

You can also enable tracking when in and out of your vehicle. You are able to track distance, elapsed time, as well as location. These user-created data points are super useful in a wide range of scenarios. A few examples are if you need to find your way back to camp when you decide to wander off to the river to catch dinner, or if you need to figure out your fuel supplies and range and get back to civilization.

This app is not just designed for the street-legal 4×4 vehicle community but for the overland, side-by-side, and dirt bike communities as well. One of the first steps you should take when using the app is filtering by your vehicle type. You can currently choose between a dirt bike, ATV/SxS 50-inch, SxS/high-clearance 4×4, or overland vehicle within the app. This allows you to quickly and easily ensure that the roads and trails ahead are appropriate for your adventure vehicle choice of the day.

Along with the tracking info you can also create custom waypoints within the app. This allows you to easily find your way back to your favorite camp spots, fishing holes, and the like. These custom waypoints can be built out with photos and other reference data, which you can then keep to yourself or share with your friends.

More Off-Road Trail Data

One of the key features of the onX Offroad app is that it is specifically dedicated to off-road trail discovery. Where other apps make you browse a list of trails or add them one-by-one as overlays on the base map, the onX app allows you to instantly and easily see all the trails in the area of the map you’re viewing.

The robust base map is color-coded for super-easy planning. Green trails are open trails and red trails are closed trails. The latest addition to the app, and a key feature that separates onX Offroad from the competition, is the new Featured Trails, which are marked in blue on the maps.

The blue lines on the map offer the most in-depth and easily digestible information available for each specific trail. You’ll see geo-located photos, detailed difficulty ratings, current weather, trail closure information, time to travel information, and more. Currently these Featured Trails are located in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Utah. Featured Trails are being regularly updated with the latest information and onX’s goal is to offer more in every state.

The onX Offroad team is working hard to integrate all facets of off-road adventure into their product. Their first big foray into the off-road racing world was at this year’s Mint 400. The official course map was released on the app. While most racers used the GPX course file within dedicated GPS systems, many spectators and race teams were able to use the onX Offroad app to access dedicated viewing locations, broken vehicles on the course, and more.

More Than Just Trails

Sure just cruising down remote off-road trails is fun, but I’d argue that accessing remote outdoor adventure locations is at least just as fun. The onX Offroad app offers easily searchable outdoor adventures, displayed as great icons right on the map; think hiking trails, fishing spots, mountain biking trails, and more.

Even more critically important, the app shows many fuel, provision, and campground locations. Fuel for your vehicle, fuel for you and your crew, and a place to settle in for a good night’s sleep in the wilderness are all vitally important on any adventure. These key points of interest are super easy to spot and plan for within the app, or on your computer before you ever leave home.

OnX Offroad is also great for organizing adventures for yourself, your close-knit friends group, or even your entire off-road club. The group organization features in the onX  Offroad eco-system allow you to create pre-planned events and routes online and then share those routes with others. Syncing the event with the app then lets you take your group plans out into the field.

More Coming Soon

The onX Offroad team knows that there is lots of work still to be done to make their product as robust as it can be. A prime example is the current lack of ability to share updated route files with other app users while on the go. Right now there is no import/export function on mobile, as those functions are just available when syncing your computer to mobile. This doesn’t do you any good when you’re on a trip and your friends who are ahead of you want to send you an updated route or epic campground that they’ve found. The onX team has assured us that this and other similar features are coming very soon.

Get the App

The onX app is available for iOS and Android. You can first sign up for a no-strings-attached seven-day free trial, which doesn’t require any payment info to initiate. After the seven-day trial you can purchase a subscription to the app, which unlocks key usability features, for $29.99 per year. Sure, we all want free, but this level of development, continually updated content, and detail might just be worth a few dollars a year.

Get all the details about onX Offroad for yourself at onxmaps.com.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the July/August 2020 print issue of Tread Magazine. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the OnX Offroad app perform compared to other GPS apps?

Having experienced various GPS apps over the years, OnX Offroad stands out as an exceptional choice for off-road enthusiasts. Here’s why it surpasses other options:

1. User-Friendly Interface: OnX Offroad’s intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and access critical information quickly. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you’ll find it straightforward to use.
2. Offline Accessibility: Unlike many competitors, OnX Offroad offers extensive offline capabilities. By downloading maps beforehand, users can access essential data even in areas without cellular service.
3. Detailed Information: This app provides an abundance of useful information tailored specifically for off-roading. From terrain types to potential obstacles, the details it offers help users plan their routes effectively.
4. Real-World Application: OnX Offroad proved its reliability during the 2020 Ultimate Adventure. When faced with unexpected obstacles like wildfires, the app’s robust features allowed for quick rerouting, demonstrating its practical value in challenging situations.

In summary, OnX Offroad excels where other GPS apps often fall short. Its ease of use, offline functionality, detailed information, and reliability in real-world conditions make it a top choice for off-road adventurers.

What are the benefits of using hybrid maps on the OnX Offroad app?

Benefits of Using Hybrid Maps on the OnX Offroad App

When navigating unfamiliar terrain, hybrid maps on the OnX Offroad app offer a range of advantages that can enhance your experience.

1. Comprehensive Visual Information

Hybrid maps combine topographic data with satellite imagery, providing the best of both worlds. You get detailed elevation lines that help you understand the landscape’s terrain and actual photographic visuals for a real-world view of the area.

2. Boundary Awareness

Knowing the boundaries is crucial for safely exploring public lands. Hybrid maps clearly delineate the borders of BLM areas, national forests, private lands, and more. This ensures you stay within legal riding zones and avoid trespassing.

3. Detailed Trail Information

The app highlights various roads and trails, distinguishing them by color coding or specific dash marks. Footpaths, forest roads, and two-tracks are easily identifiable, making route planning simpler and more efficient.

4. Enhanced Navigation

Whether you’re following well-known roads or venturing onto new tracks, the hybrid maps provide all the information you need at a glance. This is invaluable for both casual explorers and serious off-road enthusiasts who need reliable data to navigate safely and effectively.

5. User-Preferred Settings

Many users find hybrid maps particularly useful as they merge critical navigational details into one view. This amalgamation of topo lines and satellite imagery offers a comprehensive, user-friendly experience, streamlining the process of outdoor exploration.

In summary, hybrid maps on the OnX Offroad app deliver detailed, accurate, and convenient information, making your off-road adventures both safe and enjoyable.

How can you use latitude and longitude coordinates to find locations on the OnX Offroad app?

How to Use Latitude and Longitude Coordinates on the OnX Offroad App

Finding specific locations on the OnX Offroad app using latitude and longitude coordinates is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the App: Start by launching the OnX Offroad app on your device.
2. Access the Search Function: Tap the search icon, located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Input Coordinates: Enter the latitude and longitude coordinates in the search bar. Ensure the format is correct for accurate results.
4. Zoom to Location: Once you’ve entered the coordinates, tap on them. The app will automatically zoom into the exact location.
5. Gather Information: At this point, the app will display details about the location. You’ll see information such as the governing body (e.g., Bureau of Land Management or National Forest Service) and weather conditions from the nearest station.
6. Create a Waypoint (Optional): If you want to mark this location for future reference:
   • Tap to create a waypoint.
   • Customize the waypoint by manipulating the available icons and labeling it as needed.

By following these steps, you can efficiently locate and utilize specific spots using latitude and longitude within the OnX Offroad app.

How can you share waypoints and routes with other OnX Offroad users?

The onX Offroad team knows that there is lots of work still to be done to make their product as robust as it can be. A prime example is the current lack of ability to share updated route files with other app users while on the go. Right now, there is no import/export function on mobile, as those functions are just available when syncing your computer to mobile. This doesn’t do you any good when you’re on a trip and your friends who are ahead of you want to send you an updated route or epic campground that they’ve found. The onX team has assured us that this and other similar features are coming very soon.

However, you can still share your adventures with other OnX users. The app allows you to track a route you plan to take, which makes it easy to find your way back and share your trip with fellow users. Additionally, you can add waypoints for obstacles, camp spots, trailer parking, and more. This information is shareable with other OnX users, offering a collaborative experience even with the current limitations.

In essence, while the ability to share updated route files on the go is not yet available, the existing features provide a solid foundation for adventure sharing and collaborative planning. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates that will further enhance these capabilities.

What information is provided about waypoints on the OnX Offroad app?

Along with the tracking info, you can also create custom waypoints within the app. This allows you to easily find your way back to your favorite camp spots, fishing holes, and the like. These custom waypoints can be built out with photos and other reference data, which you can then keep to yourself or share with your friends.

To add a waypoint, simply tap the map tools icon at the bottom of the screen. From there, you can add a photo, mark your location, or create a new waypoint. Customize the icon to label specific locations like camping spots or areas to air up/down, and even change the icon’s color for better organization.

Once saved, each waypoint includes lat/long information, ensuring precise navigation. If you prefer starting with lat/long coordinates, click the search icon in the upper right-hand corner. Enter the coordinates, tap on them, and the app will zoom to the location.

The app also provides contextual information for each waypoint, such as the governing body (e.g., BLM, National Forest Service) and weather updates based on the nearest weather station. Save these waypoints in “My Content” for easy access and share them with other users for collaborative adventures.

We’ve used these waypoints to mark mountain peaks we’d like to reach by 4×4 or on foot, as well as interesting areas like geological formations and historic mines. This feature enriches your outdoor experience, making exploration more organized and accessible.

How do you download offline maps on the OnX Offroad app?

The key with any truly useful off-road trip planning and navigation software is the ability to use the maps even when you’re out of range of cell towers. Saved maps within the onX Offroad app, which can be created within the app or through the new website interface, allow your GPS-enabled mobile device to keep you on course even when off-grid.

To ensure you’re always prepared, the first thing to do is download an offline map of the area where you will be. Here’s how:

1. Open the onX Offroad app: Navigate to the area you plan to explore.
2. Select the Download Option: Choose to save the map for offline use.
3. Choose the Resolution: You can download maps at:
   • High resolution (5 miles wide)
   • Medium resolution (10 miles wide, our recommended option)
   • Low resolution (150 miles wide)

By downloading these maps, you ensure that even if you lose cell service, your maps remain accessible. This can be a game-changer when you’re deep in the wilderness, far from any signal.

Whether created on the app or through the website, these saved maps provide peace of mind and reliable navigation, ensuring you stay on track no matter how remote your adventure becomes.

What types of maps are available on the OnX Offroad app?

onX Offroad

“With 350,000-plus miles of trails, 985-plus million acres of public land, 450,000-plus points of interest (POI), and 54,000-plus campgrounds and cabins, onX Offroad is an extremely powerful app for your adventure planning and navigation needs. With trail and road information being updated daily through linked databases and crowd-sourced information, it’s easy to stay on top of the latest travel information. In fact, onX’s dedicated in-house GIS team, who are all passionate off-road adventurers, is averaging the addition of 1,000-plus miles of trail per week.

Map Types and Features

The app offers three primary types of maps:

1. Topo Maps – Show topographic elevation lines, making them ideal for understanding the terrain.
2. Satellite Imagery – Provides actual imagery of the area, useful for visualizing the landscape.
3. Hybrid Maps – Combines topo and satellite features, presenting both elevation and real-world imagery.

These maps are invaluable for various activities, whether you’re following a road or exploring new tracks. They also clearly delineate boundaries such as BLM land, national forests, and private property, ensuring you know exactly where you’re heading.

Visual Indicators

The app enhances usability with visual indicators:

• Roads and Trails: Displayed in different colors for easy identification.
• Foot Trails: Marked with dash lines.
• Forest Roads: Shown as dashed two-tracks.

We particularly recommend the hybrid maps as they provide the most comprehensive information, combining the best features of both topo and satellite maps.

With these features, onX Offroad not only helps you plan your adventures but also ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips to navigate them successfully.”