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CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping

CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping

Route Planning & Navigation

7.5K ratings
131 reviews
#123 in free Navigation
🗺️ Navigation
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 24, 2019
  • September 26, 2026

Features

Background Location Access

Developer

CalTopo LLC
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CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping screenshot #1 for iPhone
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CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping screenshot #5 for iPhone
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CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping screenshot #7 for iPhone
CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping screenshot #8 for iPhone
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About

Plan and navigate off-grid adventures with detailed offline maps and real-time weather forecasts. Trusted by professionals, this app offers seamless syncing and collaborative planning for backcountry pursuits.

✓Offline map downloads
✓Satellite imagery
✓Route planning
✓GPS tracking
✓Weather forecasting
✓Collaborative map sharing
✓Slope angle shading
Show original description

What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of CalTopo. Based on 7.5K reviews and a 4.8/5 average, it highlights the 5 positives and 5 negatives reviewers mention most about this Navigation app.

Positive things

  • 🚀Powerful mapping features
  • 💡Extensive data layers
  • 👍Detailed trail and terrain information
  • 👍Useful for SAR operations
  • 👍Great for planning outdoor adventures

Negative things

  • 🐛Buggy and unstable mobile app
  • 🐛Maps not always loading properly
  • 🐛Slow map rendering
  • 🔋High battery consumption
  • 👎Difficult to use for casual users
See all reviews

What's New in CalTopo

1.30.1

September 26, 2026

NEW LiDAR Coverage Overlay

Charts

Top Free

📉 123-8

Navigation

This app dropped -8 positions in Navigation chart.

Last updated on October 14, 2026.

Events

Read more about Plan Your Hike With Snap To
Event EndedMajor Update

Plan Your Hike With Snap To

New! Tap to snap your route to trails & more

Aug 8, 2025 — Sep 1, 2025

Read More

Read more about 3D is live on CalTopo
Event EndedMajor Update

3D is live on CalTopo

Change your perspective with 3D mapping.

Oct 10, 2024 — Nov 10, 2024

Read More

See All

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Amazing

From the SAR perspective… we count on & trust CatTopo for every operation we do. I greatly appreciate the staff and all the people behind this software for all they do, continuously looking for ways to improve and always finding the time to answer any questions I might have!!
Bravo 👏👏👏
ShootenuoShootenuo

Using in GSAR

CalTopo is changing the way we plan our searches. The ease of use in creating assignments, ability to organize the information when maps get busy and the ability to export data to GPS makes the mapping process much more efficient. Searchers in the field can get instant access to their assignments. The entire command team has access to the information regardless of where they are. We love this software.
Show more
CGSARACGSARA

Rescue

This app has helped us tremendously in coordination with rescue incidents and managing multiple agencies.
Truck i.e.Truck i.e.

Requires Account Creation

I hate this timeline.

Edit:
I got a reply from the developer explaining that they will soon offer caltopo account creation in addition to signing in with Google, Facebook, or other gross corporations. I feel misunderstood here. I hate having to sign in at all. They made a good stab at PR, but everyone knows signing into hundreds of different services sucks. My one star review stands.

Edit 2:
I received a response pointing out that signing in is necessary to save data. If saving data locally were an option without signing in, I would provide a better review.
Show more
OoRyan42oOOoRyan42oO

You get a lot for nothing!!

This map is great. So many options for tools, views, importing, topography, etc.

I can’t believe that there is a free version with this many tools. I love that companies still exist that don’t want to just gouge your money.
FramingbFramingb
See 126 more reviews

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

4 issues

Trails and tracks disappearing

Bug

Coordinate display issues

Bug

Frequent app crashes and freezes

Bug

Incompatibility with older devices

Bug
✨

Requested Features

5 requests

Add 3D map view

Feature

Implement route snapping to trails

Feature

Improve offline map download capabilities

Feature

Add photo geotagging functionality

Feature

Implement course-up map orientation

Feature

FAQ

What does the CalTopo app do?

The CalTopo app is a comprehensive tool for planning and navigating backcountry adventures. It allows users to download detailed maps and layers for offline use, view real-time location via GPS, and access weather forecasts. It's designed for off-grid pursuits and is trusted by professionals in outdoor fields.

What are the key features of CalTopo?

Key features include offline map downloads with satellite data, route planning and navigation, GPS tracking even when offline, and access to various map layers such as slope angle shading, public lands, and weather forecasts. It also supports collaborative map sharing and live tracking for group outings.

Is CalTopo free to use?

Based on the provided information, the CalTopo app is offered for free. There are no mentions of subscription fees, in-app purchases, or advertisements within the application's description.

What kind of maps can I access with CalTopo?

The app provides access to a wide array of map layers including MapBuilder Topo, Hybrid and Overlay, Forest Service Maps, Scanned Topos, Global Imagery, Shaded Relief, Slope Angle Shading, Parcel data, Public Lands, Weekly and NAIP Satellite Imagery, Sun Exposure, Marine Charts, Weather Forecasting, and Fire History/Activity, among others.

Who is the target audience for CalTopo?

This app is designed for individuals who engage in off-grid activities and require robust mapping and navigation capabilities. This includes professional mountain guides, avalanche educators, search and rescue teams, hikers, climbers, skiers, and anyone planning backcountry expeditions.