How to add GPS trails to your topo

GPS trails are a valuable addition to your Verified Topo. They're part of the quality factor evaluation, help climbers find their way on the approach, and encourage everyone to use the same paths — reducing impact on nature and access issues.

Note: GPS trails can currently only be added via the 27 Crags website. App support is coming!

Step 1: Record the track using your phone or watch

You need an app that can export .gpx files. There are many options available — look for one that works on both Android and iOS and allows easy file export.

Step 2: Download your track to your computer

Once recorded, download the .gpx file to your computer.

Step 3: Clean the track

Recordings often contain detours, wrong turns, or back-and-forth paths. For 27 Crags you want a single clean line. To clean your track, upload it to GPSVisualizer:

1. Click Import a GPS file in the top right

2. Click Choose files, then Import

To match the look of the 27 Crags app, select OSM (TF landscape) as the background map.

In most cases, drawing a new trail from scratch gives the best result. Trace your trail carefully — if paths are already shown on the OSM map, they'll appear in 27 Crags too, so follow them closely to avoid messy double paths.

When done, delete the original recorded trail and download your new .gpx file. Make sure there is only one linear trail on the map before downloading.

Step 4: Upload the trail to your topo

1. Go to your topo

2. Click Settings (⚙️)

3. Click Trail

4. Upload the file, name the trail, and choose a colour

5. Tick "Visible by default on mobile apps"

6. Click Save

If the trail isn't visible immediately, refresh the page. In the app, you may need to refresh the topo overview by pulling down on the page.

Step 5: Add more trails if needed

Repeat the steps above to add additional trails — for example, approaches from different parking spots or to different spots. Avoid overlapping sections when adding multiple trails.