Wikiloc

Wikiloc is a simple way to upload your and download others' GPS tracks. When you sign in you are greeted with a Google Earth map showcasing a random location and trail, as they are referred to in Wikiloc. Many of them are hiking trails, but I see horse trails, bike trails, and other trails listed when I search - there are 36 options, including skiing, mountain climbing, boating, jeeping, and many others. I'm sure there are hundreds of uses. A day out Geocaching or Waymarking? Track it! The right side of the screen offers a search cell - enter the name of a park, trail, city or user and the database renders an appropriate list from which you can select where you want to go. At the same time, the Google Earth topo map updates to reflect what you're looking for.

So, you've gotten this far. You entered, for example, "Yosemite National Park" and the search resulted in two options - two different tracks entered by other users. The map updated to show the area and location of the two trails. Click on either in the map or in the listing and you get : trail distance, elevation change min and max, accumulated height uphill and downhill, difficulty level, time, whether it's a loop or not, and coordinates. Don't forget, that's a Google Earth map - you can zoom in or out, drag it to see more, it has all the great features you're already used to!

Want nearby trails? Easy. That's a selection, as is nearby trails by the same user. Want to download this to your GPS, go ahead! Click download! Share it with a friend? Just send by email. And if you want to show off one of your own tracks on your personal website, that's a simple option - merely 'embed in your website'. You can easily get driving directions to this trail by clicking on that option on the same page!

Wow! Currently there are over 8100 trails in Wikiloc. I'm sure there will be lots more to come.

You have a choice of one of eight languages when you first access Wikiloc, and the forum is translated into three languages.

A few minutes to find your way around and you're off and running (or biking or jogging or…), Be sure and save those tracks and download them to Wikiloc, add your personal comments and share your pleasure with others! What a kewl website!!