onX Backcountry combines a navigation platform and comprehensive trail guidebook into one app — use it to find trails, plan routes, mark important locations, and orient yourself confidently in the field, with or without cell service.
This article explains how to use the onX Backcountry App, including where to find key features like Activity modes, Offline Maps, the Tracker, Map Layers, and the Discover tool. Use it as a reference for navigating the map screen and understanding what each button and toolbar item does.
Key features overview
Most of the tools you'll use live in the bottom toolbar. Additional controls are found along the top and right side of the screen.
Activity: Tap the Activity button in the upper-left corner to switch between Hike, Mountain Bike, Ski Tour, and Climb modes. Each mode tailors the trails, data, and filters shown on your map to match your selected activity. Learn more about Activity modes.
Search: Find trails, geographic features, latitude/longitude coordinates, national and state parks, cities, and more. Learn more about using Search.
Weather: View current wind and weather conditions wherever your map is centered. Learn more about viewing weather conditions.
Basemaps & Layers: Switch between topographic, terrain, and satellite Basemaps and available Map Layers. Learn more about Basemaps and Map Layers.
3D toggle: Switch between a two-dimensional and three-dimensional map view.
Location: Center the map on your current location, orient the map in the direction you're facing, and have the App follow you as you move. Learn more about navigating with the Backcountry App.
Discover: Tap the Discover button to see a list of trails, ski regions and routes, or climbing areas in your area. Learn more about discovering trails and routes.
Offline Maps: Download map areas before you head out so the App works without any cell signal. Learn more about using Offline Maps.
My Content: View and edit all of your saved Waypoints, Lines, Tracks, Shapes, and Routes. Export or share Markups with other users. Learn more about managing your content.
Tools: Measure distances, build routes, create Waypoints, mark your location, or draw Area Shapes. Learn more about using Map Tools.
Tracker: Trace your path as you move through the field, with live readouts showing your distance traveled, elapsed time, and current speed. Learn more about using the Tracker.