Are you planning a trip to one of the many national parks in the US? While being out in nature can be a rewarding experience, these trips come with their own set of challenges — like finding the right attractions nearby or zeroing down on the best trails.

To help you have an unforgettable outdoor getaway, Google Maps is adding a few handy features. These updates will make planning your vacation easier, as all the information for all National Parks will be on the map itself. Hopefully, you will get to explore a lot more when on the trail.

Zoom into the map and spot popular places near a park you're visiting, like campgrounds and attractions. You'll see photo highlights of key attractions near national parks. To get more accurate information, make sure you've set up Maps to detect your Precise Location.

2. Discover Trails Easily

Woman exploring a trail

It's essential to get an idea of the trail and the terrain it will take you through. With Google Maps, you can plan your route across a trail. When you look up a trail, you can view the entire route on your map from the start to the end instead of just a pin marker.

3. Get More Detailed Directions

National Parks cover a vast area. To start your exploration, entrances to parks and other places will be highlighted on the map. Moreover, you'll also be able to access cycling and walking directions to different trails and their trailheads. Familiarize yourself with what all the colors on Google Maps mean, so you have an easier time navigating across the park.

4. Download Offline Maps

Man using Maps when driving his car

Cell service isn't the most dependable when you're in the wilderness. The good news is that with the new Maps update, you'll be able to download an offline map for the park you want to visit. This will help you access detailed directions even if you don't have access to cellular data.

Using Google Maps to Plan Your Trips

Google Maps, armed with the latest slew of updates, can make planning your getaway a lot easier. Remember that the latest updates are slated to become available by the end of April 2023. The company is also planning Maps updates for parks worldwide in the upcoming months.

While these updates should come in handy the next time you visit a national park, make sure you also familiarize yourself with other Maps-related tips and tricks so you're prepared when on the road or in the wild.