AllTrails waypoints are now visible to everyone
AllTrails has updated its platform to make user-created waypoints visible to all users by default. This change means that markers, notes, and custom points added by individuals are now publicly viewable, raising privacy and data-sharing considerations within the outdoor community.
Background
- AllTrails is the world's most popular hiking app (60M+ users). Its core feature: crowdsourced trail maps and GPS navigation. Users could previously create private waypoints (campsites, water sources, landmarks) visible only to themselves or shared selectively.
- The change: AllTrails now makes all user-created waypoints public by default — anyone can see every waypoint you've dropped on any trail, regardless of your original privacy intent.
- Why it matters: Backcountry travelers use waypoints to mark stealth campsites, water sources, or sensitive wildlife areas. Making these public risks overcrowding fragile sites, violating Leave No Trace ethics, and removing the "figure it out yourself" element of wilderness navigation. Safety concerns also arise.
- The backlash: Long-time users accuse AllTrails of prioritizing engagement metrics over outdoor ethics and privacy. Some are boycotting or switching to Gaia GPS, CalTopo, or paper maps.