Using Trails Offroad™ to Plan Your Next Group Trip

Planning a longer off-road adventure can feel like an exciting challenge, but it can also be overwhelming without the right tools. Trails Offroad simplifies the process by offering everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you're mapping out a solo journey, traveling with your family, or organizing a group adventure, this platform equips you with the resources to make your plans seamless and stress-free.

From detailed trail guides and track recording to offline maps and collaboration tools, Trails Offroad ensures you’re fully prepared for whatever the road or trail throws your way. It’s an all-in-one resource for creating an itinerary, staying organized, and getting the most out of your time on the trails.

Getting Started: Setting Goals for Your Trip

Before diving into the details, start by downloading the Trails Offroad app. While the app is excellent for on-the-go use, it’s often easier to get started on the desktop version, where you can set up everything and sync it to the app. Begin by figuring out your goals for the trip. Are you hoping to explore historic sites, cover a vast area like Moab, or focus on something specific? Establishing a clear purpose will guide your planning process, especially when it comes to picking the trails to explore.

Consider the needs of everyone in your group as well. Will some members require easier trails? Do you need to camp at designated campgrounds? Identifying these priorities early on will help you create a trip plan that works for everyone.

Once you have established your goals and needs for the trip, it’s time to use Trails Offroad to begin mapping out your trip. We offer an extensive library of trail guides. These guides provide you with crucial details to help you choose the right routes. You’ll find information about trail difficulty, terrain, vehicle requirements, and points of interest, making it easy to pick trails that suit your group’s skills and preferences. You can also utilize our trail maps to explore routes visually and decide which paths to include in your adventure.

Now let’s get you started!

Step 1: Build Your Trail List with Trails Offroad

This year, we aren’t winging it! Instead, we’ll be using the lists feature to build out detailed itineraries for all of our trips. This is the easiest and most convenient way to get you started on planning any of your trips.

The lists feature is a great way to keep track of your chosen trails and ensure everyone in your group is on the same page. You can check out our detailed guide on how to set up your list.

Once created, you can begin adding trails by searching the database, browsing maps, and exploring guides. Don’t forget to keep your goals and needs in mind. Using our trail map, you can filter for the trails that you actually want to tackle. Once you find a trail you like, you can easily add it to your list for everyone else to review.

And a quick tip before you move on to the next step, download the state map for offline use right then and there so you don’t forget!

Step 2: Collaborate with Your Group for Seamless Planning

This can’t be a group trip without collaborating with everyone else! So how can you do this through Trails Offroad?

Once your list is ready, you can invite members by email, assigning them to be an editor or viewer depending on how much control you want them to have. Editors will be able to add trails versus, viewers will only be able to view what is added. Just remember, everyone in the group must have a paid membership to be able to get full access to all of our trail guides.

Within each list, you will find a comment section where you and other members can discuss the trip. I like to think of this built-in discussion as a group chat. This is where you can brainstorm ideas, share suggestions for stops, and finalize details. It keeps everything in one spot, ensuring no one misses anything.

This collaborative feature ensures everyone has a voice in the planning process, making the trip more enjoyable for all. Once your group agrees on the itinerary, you can bring everything into a navigation tool like Gaia to finalize the route. Then share the link in the discussion, and voila, your trip has been mapped out.

Step 3: Essential Gear for Your Off-Road Adventure

Now you will need to plan for everything else, including necessary supplies and gear to bring, who is in charge of what, and anything else you may need for a successful adventure. Make a detailed checklist of what everyone should bring for your off-grid trip. If you’re looking for a list to get started, check out our quick packing list below:

Step 4: Get Out and Explore

With your plans set and your gear ready, it’s time to hit the trails and dive into the adventure. Whether you’re tackling challenging trails, soaking in incredible views, or sharing laughs around the campfire, this is your moment to enjoy the journey without stressing over the details. Thanks to the tools and planning you’ve used with Trails Offroad, you can relax and focus on the excitement of exploring and the fun of being with your group.

Don’t forget to document your trip by taking photos and making notes about the trails you explore. Then, when you get home, we urge you to take a moment to submit a review of the trails you tackled. We make it incredibly easy to leave reviews, helping other adventurers in the community. Once you have reviewed a trail, it is then added to your “Completed” list to keep a record of your accomplishments. Sharing your experiences not only builds the community but also inspires others to embark on their own adventures.

------------

Trails Offroad is the perfect companion for planning long off-road adventures. Instead of taking the time to plan in a disorganized message thread or on a spreadsheet filled with links, you have everything organized in one place.

Start planning your next journey today and experience how Trails Offroad can transform the way you explore. Don’t forget to share your lists and tag us on social media, we’d love to see where your adventures take you!