5 Apps to Download Before Your Trip to Utah
- Sean Good
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
Are you in the process of planning your ultimate Utah motorcycle adventure? One piece of gear we sometimes forget to "pack" are mobile apps that can help us while visiting somewhere new.
As fellow motorcycle adventurers who've logged countless miles across Utah, we've gathered a list of five apps we frequently use before and during our big trips that make navigating the state easier and more enjoyable. App store links are included for both Android and iOS devices.
In the interest of full transparency - we are not being paid to recommend these apps. These suggestions are genuine and based on our own experiences with them. These apps will help with everything from snagging coveted campsites, finding nearby hikes, and being aware of rapidly changing weather conditions.
Read on for our recommendations!
1) National Park Service app
"National Parks are the best idea we ever had."
-Wallace Stegner, author & environmentalist
Did you know that there are 19 sites operated by the National Park Service in Utah? Before you arrive, download detailed interactive maps for the NPS sites you'll visit and never miss a highlight even if you lose internet access in remote areas.
The app provides crucial information about park logistics, historical details, seasonal closures, and relevant recreation fees.
If you expect to visit three or more National Parks, Forests, or Monuments during your trip to Utah, we recommend saving money by purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass at park entry gates, visitor centers, or in select retailers.
2) Recreation.gov
If you plan on camping during your Utah adventure, the Recreation.gov app is clutch for finding and reserving available campsites, especially on short notice. I used this app frequently on last year's Pacific Coast tour to great success. Between spring and autumn, don't expect to roll up in the evening to a campground and find an available site. It's best to make a reservation in advance!
The app puts thousands of federal campgrounds right at your fingertips, allowing you to easily search, filter, and book campsites based on proximity, availability, and amenities. You can explore detailed photos and maps of campgrounds and in some locations, even individual campsites.
Manage all your reservations and access digital tickets from the app. As a bonus, you can carry fewer dollar bills to pay for campsites. As a note, not all campgrounds are staffed or accept credit card payments, and foreign personal checks are not accepted.
The Recreation.gov website has the same features, if you have access to a computer while planning.
3) UDOT Traffic
For any traveler navigating Utah's roadways, the UDOT Traffic app is an indispensable tool for a smooth and safe journey. It recently went through a major redesign, so while it is sometimes buggy, it is still a very useful tool.
View real-time traffic conditions on freeways and major roads. View accidents, construction zones, and other potential hazards that impact your route.
It also provides up-to-the-minute road weather information (including the live location of snowplows), seasonal road closure status, and live feeds from hundreds of traffic cameras and electronic roadway signs.
With how quickly Utah weather and road conditions can change during a single day, we always suggest that our riders review their route using this app (or website) before each day's ride. As an added bonus, UDOT's official Instagram is funny and informative.
4) AllTrails
While we know you're primarily coming to Utah to ride motorcycles, the state offers incredible opportunities to explore the outdoors on foot or by bicycle! Take a break from the saddle, stretch your legs, and discover Utah's stunning landscapes with AllTrails as your guide.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely hike to a scenic overlook, or a challenging downhill mountain bike trail, the app lets you search by location, difficulty, and user reviews.
You'll also find detailed trail information, including conditions and GPS directions. If you plan on venturing into areas with limited cell service, the AllTrails+ paid subscription offers offline maps and wrong-turn alerts. However, we've found the free plan to be sufficient for casual day hikes.
If you want to mountain bike while you're here, contact us for recommendations of quality bike rental shops throughout the state!
5) Star Maps
After a long day riding, one benefit of camping in the Utah backcountry is an incredibly vast sky filled with stars. Did you know that Utah has the highest concentration of locations certified as International Dark Sky Parks & Communities in the world?
Enhance your evening with a star finder app. These apps turn your screen into a virtual planetarium. Simply point your phone at the sky, and they can identify stars, planets, constellations, and other deep-sky objects in real-time. Trust us - there is nothing better than sitting by your tent and watching stars, asteroids, and satellites drift overhead.
Some apps offer augmented reality features, overlaying the constellations onto your actual view of the night sky. Most also have light settings that preserve your night vision. I've linked two separate apps below, but there are many more you may prefer.
Is there an app you've used on your motorcycle adventures that you've found particularly useful and would recommend to others?
Share it by dropping a note in the comments!
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