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How to navigate trails with turn-by-turn guidance

Before You Begin

Ensure you have:

  • A trail selected or downloaded
  • GPS enabled on your device
  • Battery sufficiently charged
  • Offline maps downloaded (for remote areas)

Starting Navigation

From a Trail

  1. Open any trail
  2. Tap the Navigate button
  3. Choose navigation options
  4. Tap Start Navigation

From the Trailhead

  1. Use Get Directions to reach the trailhead
  2. Once there, tap Start Trail Navigation

Navigation Modes

Follow Trail

Standard navigation along the trail path:

  • Turn-by-turn guidance
  • Distance to destination
  • Estimated time remaining

Point-to-Point

Navigate to a specific waypoint:

  • Direct bearing to destination
  • Crow-fly distance
  • Useful for off-trail navigation

During Navigation

The navigation screen shows:

  • Map - Your position on the trail
  • Direction arrow - Which way to go
  • Next instruction - Upcoming turn or landmark
  • Progress - How far you've come

Controls

  • Recenter - Return map to your position
  • Voice - Toggle voice guidance on/off
  • Layers - Change map type
  • End - Stop navigation

Voice Guidance

Enable audio instructions:

  1. Tap the Speaker icon
  2. Voice will announce:
    • Upcoming turns
    • Distance milestones
    • Off-trail warnings

Tip: Use headphones for better audio while moving, especially on windy days.


Off-Trail Alerts

ALTLAS warns you when you stray from the path:

  • Visual alert on screen
  • Audio warning (if enabled)
  • Guidance to return to trail

Pausing Navigation

Need a break?

  1. Tap Pause
  2. Navigation state is preserved
  3. Resume when ready

Ending Navigation

  1. Tap End Navigation
  2. Confirm if prompted
  3. Activity recording continues if started

Tips for Better Navigation

  • Preview the trail before starting
  • Download offline maps for areas without signal
  • Calibrate compass for accurate direction
  • Keep screen on during critical sections

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