How to Use Your GPX Files to Navigate the Trails
A GPX file is the digital map of a route — the exact line of the trail. To follow it on your bike you load it into a navigation app that shows your live position against that line, even with no phone signal. Here’s how to do it with the two apps we recommend.
Why not Google Maps? Google Maps can’t follow a GPX trail — at best it shows a track you can’t navigate, and it won’t work without signal. Use a real trail-navigation app instead.
Gaia GPS
Best for serious backcountry navigation — detailed topo layers and rock-solid offline maps. Offline map downloads require a Gaia Premium membership.
Visit Gaia GPS websiteImport the GPX file
Install Gaia GPS and create a free account
Download Gaia GPS from the App Store or Google Play and sign in. A free account is enough to import and follow a track; downloading offline maps needs Premium (see below).
Open the GPX file with Gaia GPS
Find the GPX file you downloaded from this site (in Files / Downloads, or as an email attachment). Tap it and choose to open or share it into Gaia GPS. On Android wait for “Successfully Imported File”; on iOS wait for “All imports complete.”
Find the track under Saved
Tap the Saved icon in the bottom bar to see your imported track. If it isn’t on the map, tap the layers icon (top right) and make sure “Tracks and Routes” is turned on.
Download offline maps before you ride
Before you ride, center the map on the track and use Download / Save maps for offline use, picking at least one base layer. There is no mobile signal on most trails — if you skip this, the map goes blank when you lose service. Offline downloads require Gaia Premium.
Navigate the trail
Open the track and start guidance
Tap your imported track, then choose Guide Me (or Navigate). Gaia draws your live position against the track line so you can follow it.
Follow the track line
Keep the blue position dot on the colored track line. The map rotates with you when you enable the heading/compass lock, which makes junctions easier to read.
Check your progress at junctions
Gaia does not give voice turn-by-turn for an imported track — at each junction, glance at the screen and stay on the line. Zoom in when trails split close together.
Troubleshooting
The file opened in the wrong app (or won’t open)
Use your phone’s Files app, long-press the .gpx file, choose Share, and pick Gaia GPS. On iOS you can also email the file to yourself and share the attachment into Gaia.
I imported it but can’t see the track
Open Saved to confirm it imported, then tap the layers icon and enable “Tracks and Routes.” Use the Filter button in Saved to make sure tracks aren’t hidden.
The map is blank on the trail
You didn’t download offline maps for that area. Back on Wi-Fi, center the track and download the maps (Premium). Do this for the whole area you’ll ride.
My position keeps jumping (GPS drift)
Give the phone a minute with a clear view of the sky to get a fix, and avoid carrying it inside a metal tank bag. Drift of a few meters is normal — trust the track line.
Komoot
Best for easy, guided riding — voice turn-by-turn directions and a friendly planner. Offline maps need a region purchase or Komoot Premium.
Visit Komoot websiteImport the GPX file
Install Komoot and create a free account
Download Komoot from the App Store or Google Play and sign in. Importing routes works on the free tier.
Import the GPX file
In Komoot tap the import / plus button, choose “Import a file (GPX, FIT or TCX)” and select the GPX you downloaded.
Choose “Stick to original route”
When prompted, pick “Stick to original route” so Komoot keeps the exact trail coordinates. The default option can snap the line to known roads and change the path — not what you want off-road.
Download offline maps before you ride
Open the imported route, then tap Download / Save offline so the route and its map work without signal. Offline maps require buying that region or Komoot Premium. Mountain trails around Mae Cham have no coverage — download before you leave Wi-Fi.
Navigate the trail
Open the route and tap Navigate
Go to Profile → Saved (Planned) routes, open the imported route and tap Navigate / Start. Komoot begins following the line from your location.
Follow on-screen and voice directions
Komoot gives on-screen and audible cues as you ride and works in an offline, battery-saving mode. Mount your phone where you can glance at it safely.
Stay on the highlighted line
Keep your position on the highlighted route. If you go off-route, Komoot tells you — stop, turn around, and rejoin the line rather than guessing.
Troubleshooting
Komoot changed my route after import
You imported with the default snapping. Re-import and choose “Stick to original route” to keep the exact GPS coordinates of the trail.
No voice or map when I lose signal
Download the route for offline use first (region purchase or Premium). Without it, the map can’t load once you’re out of coverage.
I can’t find the imported route
Look under your Profile → Saved → Planned routes. Imported GPX files appear there as planned routes, not under Activities.
My position keeps jumping (GPS drift)
Wait for a solid GPS fix with a clear view of the sky before starting, and keep the phone out of a metal enclosure. A few meters of drift is normal.
Before you ride
- Download offline maps for your whole route while you still have Wi-Fi.
- Bring a power bank — GPS navigation drains a phone battery fast.
- Tell someone your planned route and rough return time.
- Mount your phone where you can glance at it without taking your hands off the bars.
- Ride within your limits and turn back if a trail is beyond you.