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How to export a GPX file of your hike

A GPX file is the route your watch or phone recorded, saved as a small file you can download. You need one to make a Topo & Timber 3D trail map, and it’s handy for backing up your hikes anyway. Here is how to get it from the three apps people use most.

The short version: use the app’s website, not the phone app. Most apps keep the export option on the web.

Strava

  1. Open the activity on the website. Sign in at strava.com on a computer or a phone’s web browser and open the activity.
  2. Open the activity menu. Click the “…” (more) button beside the activity.
  3. Export GPX. Choose “Export GPX”. The file downloads to your computer.

Garmin Connect

  1. Open the activity on the website. Sign in at connect.garmin.com and open the hike from your activities.
  2. Open the settings menu. Click the gear icon near the top of the activity.
  3. Export to GPX. Choose “Export to GPX”. The file downloads to your computer.

AllTrails

  1. Open your recording on the website. Sign in at alltrails.com and open the hike from your saved recordings or activities.
  2. Find the download option. Use the “…” or share menu and choose to download the route.
  3. Pick GPX. Choose GPX Track as the format. AllTrails may require a paid membership for downloads.

Other apps and devices

Gaia GPS, CalTopo, Suunto, COROS and most other hiking apps can export GPX too. Look for “Export” or “Download” on the activity or track, often on the website. Apple Watch workouts don’t offer a GPX export from the Health app itself; a third-party export app, or syncing the workout to Strava first, is the usual route.

Menus change from time to time. If a step above doesn’t match what you see, search the app’s help pages for “export GPX”.

Now turn it into a map

Upload your GPX and you’ll see your route on 3D terrain right in your browser. Designing is free. Not sure what you’re making? Read how it works or see 3D trail maps.

Questions

What is a GPX file?

A small text file of the points your watch or phone recorded along a route: latitude, longitude and usually elevation. Almost every hiking and fitness app can export one.

Can I export a GPX from the phone app?

Often not. Most apps put the export on their website. Open the same account in a computer browser, or a phone browser, to find it.

My trek was recorded over several days. What do I upload?

If one recording covers the whole trek, upload that. If it’s split across days, choose “Build it for me” (+$50) and send the itinerary, or email hello@topoandtimber.com to ask.

Is my location data private?

When you upload a GPX file to Topo & Timber, names, times and health data are removed in your browser. Only coordinates and elevations are kept.

What if I can’t get a GPX at all?

Choose “Build it for me” (+$50) and tell us the trail name, a link to it, or your itinerary. Ryan traces the route and emails a preview to approve.

Topo & Timber isn’t affiliated with AllTrails, Strava or Garmin. Stuck? Email hello@topoandtimber.com.