[JeniorNV]

I use the Gaia GPS app on my iPhone. It's awesome. You just have to remember to pre-download the map if you'll be heading to an area with no cell service.

 

[JeniorNV]

I've only very rarely had my phone drop a GPS signal, and it's usually been in a deep canyon or something like that.

The app that I use doesn't quit working though. It just makes a straight line to the spot where it picks up the signal again. I have 74 tracks saved over a 3 year period so I can speak without a doubt to the reliability of the app.

 

[JeniorNV]

For me, the biggest drawback to using my phone as a GPS is that it sucks the battery life rather quickly. Gaia might suck up something like 75% battery life on a 4 hour hike. iPhones aren't really known for their battery life though. It's a non-issue when I'm wheeling because I just keep the phone plugged in.

Still not a bad deal for $20 though. And when I'm hiking, I only have to carry two electronic devices rather than three.

A few screenshots from Gaia just to give an idea. Red is an actual track I recorded. These maps can all be zoomed in more. There are other maps available too (topo, hiking, etc).

Google map:

Satellite:

US Forest Service:

Worth noting that my husband prefers Motion X for hiking. It seems to be a bit more accurate on the distance calculations. I don't find it to have as many useful features as Gaia for wheeling.