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Can I plan a route in SK Maps with no signal?

By Chad, founder · Verified for 1.3.1 on October 21, 2026

Yes. Inside a downloaded state, planning works the same with no signal as it does at home. Spot a trail from camp you want to ride tomorrow, and you can plan it right there.

Steps

  1. Have the state on the phone. Every state download carries its routing, so planning works offline from the moment it lands. Not sure the area you want is covered? Turn on Trip-ready coverage in Layers: the shading is where the map, search and routing are all on the phone (see preparing the phone).
  2. Start a route and pick how you’re riding. Open Tools → Plan a route and pick a mode: Overland, Moto/OHV, Hike or Direct. In a motorized mode, planning only uses what the agency lists open to your vehicle.
  3. Drop your points. Tap where you want to go. The line snaps to the roads and trails between your points, and the elevation profile shows the climb as you build it.
  4. Check your fuel. Pick your bike or truck from My Garage. The route colors green to amber to red as the tank runs down, and the last fuel before reserve is flagged.
  5. Add the other way round, if there is one. Save the route, then add the technical line round a hard section, or an out-and-back to a lookout, with Add a Fork or Out-and-Back on its OPTIONS card. Flip between them on the day (see route options).
  6. Ride it. On the ride, the screen shows the miles to go and the climb ahead. If you leave the route, the phone buzzes, even when it’s locked.

What about outside my download?

Snapping uses the routing that comes with each state download. Outside your downloads, the app points you to Offline Maps for that state. Download it when you have signal, and plan as normal.

What planning needs

Planning and editing routes, snapping, options and fuel range are part of the paid features: the annual plan, which starts with a 14-day free trial, or the One-Time Unlock. Following a route you already have is free. See pricing.

Get SK Maps

SK Maps: Offroad GPS is on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, free to try for two weeks on the annual plan. More in the guides and support.