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How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to AllTrails: Complete Guide

Import your Google Maps saved trailheads and hiking spots into AllTrails. Step-by-step guide for GPX export and import.

January 29, 2026

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5 min read

AllTrails is the most popular hiking app, with millions of trail reviews, photos, and detailed route information. If you've been saving trailheads, scenic viewpoints, and hiking destinations in Google Maps, you can bring them into AllTrails to combine your personal waypoints with AllTrails' extensive trail database.

This guide covers how to export your Google Maps saved places and import them into AllTrails.

What AllTrails Offers

AllTrails has become the default app for casual and serious hikers alike:

  • Trail database: Thousands of trails with reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings
  • Offline maps: Download trails for use without cell service (AllTrails+ subscription)
  • Recording: Track your hikes and share them with the community
  • Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions on the trail
  • Custom maps: Create your own routes and save waypoints

The free version is useful for discovery; AllTrails+ adds offline maps and additional features.

Why Import Your Google Maps Places?

You might have years of saved trailheads, parking spots, and scenic locations in Google Maps. Importing them into AllTrails lets you:

  • See your personal waypoints alongside AllTrails' trail data
  • Navigate to your saved spots using AllTrails' interface
  • Keep all your hiking information in one app
  • Access your places offline (with AllTrails+)

The Export Process

Google Maps and AllTrails don't sync directly. You'll need to export your places, add coordinates, and convert to a format AllTrails can read.

1. Export from Google Takeout

  1. Go to Google Takeout
  2. Click "Deselect all"
  3. Scroll down and select only "Saved"
  4. Click "Next step" → "Create export"
  5. Wait for the email, download, and unzip

Your saved places are in CSV files within the "Saved" folder.

2. Add Coordinates and Convert to GPX

Google Takeout exports don't include coordinates. A service like Takeout Tools adds coordinates and converts to GPX format, which AllTrails can import.

3. Import into AllTrails

Via AllTrails Web (Recommended):

  1. Log into alltrails.com
  2. Go to your profile → Custom Maps
  3. Click "Create Map" or "Import"
  4. Upload your GPX file
  5. Waypoints appear on your custom map
  6. Sync to the mobile app

Via Mobile App:

  1. Get the GPX file onto your phone
  2. Open AllTrails → Profile → Custom Maps
  3. Look for import option or open the GPX file and share to AllTrails
  4. Waypoints import as map points

The web interface typically provides the smoothest import experience.

What You Can Do After Import

Once your waypoints are in AllTrails:

  • View on map: See your saved places overlaid on AllTrails' trail map
  • Get directions: Navigate to any waypoint
  • Find nearby trails: AllTrails will show trails near your imported points
  • Add to lists: Organize waypoints into collections
  • Share: Send your custom map to hiking partners

Limitations to Know

AllTrails' custom map features aren't as robust as dedicated GPX apps:

  • Waypoint editing: Limited compared to apps like Gaia GPS
  • Offline access: Requires AllTrails+ subscription
  • Custom icons: Not supported - all waypoints look the same
  • Bulk organization: Can be tedious with many waypoints

For serious backcountry navigation, consider Gaia GPS or OsmAnd. AllTrails excels at trail discovery and community features.

Pro Tips

  1. Filter before export. Only export hiking-relevant places. Your favorite restaurants don't need to be in AllTrails.

  2. Name waypoints clearly. "Cool viewpoint" isn't helpful months later. "Sunset viewpoint - West Ridge Trail" is better.

  3. Use the web for import. The AllTrails website handles GPX imports more reliably than the mobile app.

  4. Check waypoint placement. Verify that trailheads landed in the right parking lot, not across the road.

  5. Combine with AllTrails data. After importing your waypoints, search AllTrails for official trails nearby. You might find better route information than what you saved.

  6. Download for offline. If you have AllTrails+, download the map regions containing your waypoints before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AllTrails+ to import waypoints?

You can import waypoints with the free version. AllTrails+ is needed for offline access to your imported maps.

Can I import routes/tracks or just waypoints?

AllTrails supports importing GPX tracks (recorded hikes) as well as waypoints. Tracks appear as custom routes on your map.

Will my waypoints show up on AllTrails trail pages?

No. Your imported waypoints are private to your account. They won't appear on public trail pages or affect AllTrails' trail data.

How many waypoints can I import?

AllTrails handles reasonable imports (dozens to hundreds of waypoints). Very large imports may be slow or require splitting into multiple files.

Can I export waypoints back out of AllTrails?

Yes. AllTrails can export your custom maps as GPX files. Your data isn't locked in.

Do waypoints sync between AllTrails web and mobile?

Yes, if you're logged into the same account. Custom maps sync automatically.

Export for AllTrails

Convert saved trailheads to GPX for hiking

Try Takeout Tools →

Free Tools

Already have a GPX file? Use our free browser-based tools:

See Other Export Guides