Android hiking GPS app

Whichever app you choose make sure you can preselect and store maps on your phone so they will be available when cell service gets weak or nonexistent as it is in much of the backcountry.

Gps uses satellites, the map data comes down over cell service. No cell service, no new map data.

Gaia GPS works using offline maps (downloaded ahead of time). Put your phone in Airplane mode and then just turn on the GPS. It will last quite long on a charged phone (model dependant obviously). I have been using my phone GPS (with Gaia) as my primary GPS for quite a few years now and all I do is off-trail hike.

Backcountry Navigator is what I use. You can download the maps beforehand. The app costs about $10, but you can try it for free.

I have the Gaia app, and used it once so far. The web site works very well for downloading the exact topo map coverage you need. My Samsung S2 was inadequate (the app needs a 4 or better operating system) so I used a Samsung tab 4, which is a bit large but welcome for my 58 year old eyes. My overnight hike was in Missouri's Hercules Glades Wilderness, which is mostly forested. A couple times I lost the satellites and upon reaquisition my track jumped straight across the terrain to my position. This was likely due to a shortcoming in my device, not the app (a dedicated backpacking GPS is no doubt better at satellite capture).

My next trip in a couple of weeks is to Grand Gulch Utah, a long canyon hike. I'm a little concerned about satellite signal there.

The advancement that made the Garmin 60csx so great was its handling of reflected satellite time signals. So in tight canyons, wilderness or urban, under heavy tree or right alongside a cliff wall, the confusion of getting somewhat scrambled time signals can be reliably sorted out.

I don't know how cellphone gps chips are in relation to that so it might be worth trying in town. You'll need to shut off your cell service and wifi (smartphones cheat using both those to fine tune location, my iPad that doesn't Have a gps chip can do a decent job of mapping my location anyway...) but then get into a narrow street with tall buildings etc. and see. Better to know the limitations before heading out. Though in any case stash that compass alongside your paper map per the usual backup.

Good luck! Fun out there.

Oh and another vote for Gaia.

Thanks, I will definitely take a map & compass. I've also printed the topo maps from this this web site, which has points of interest that will help identify my position.

The plan is 3 days 2 nights, starting at the Kane Ranger Station and exiting up Bullet Canyon (if we can get a car shuttle). Otherwise, we'll probably enter & exit at Bullet.