What is Open Routes?
OpenRoutes is a webapp where users can upload GPX files of any type for any major sport: mountain biking, trail running, hiking, gravel cycling, bikepacking, and more. You can view your routes on interactive maps, sort and search through collections, and download GPX files freely for use with any other sports tracking app or GPS device.
Think of OpenRoutes as a completely free, donation based, open-source alternative to the big platforms. Something where downloading a GPX file or syncing to your device isn't behind a paywall. Where sharing your favorite route with someone doesn't require them to have a premium account. You don't need ANY account in order to browse and download routes at all!
I have three core principles I am building against
- Open Source, Always Free OpenRoutes is open-source software, which means the code is available for anyone to see, use, and improve. There are no hidden agendas, no plans to eventually charge for "basic" features, and no venture capital investors pushing for monetization. It's free today, and it'll be free tomorrow.
The platform is built for community, not profit.
- You Own Your Data When you upload a route to OpenRoutes, it's still yours. You can download it anytime, share it anywhere, and use it however you want. There's no proprietary format, no export limitations, no platform lock-in. Your adventures belong to you, not to a corporation's database.
This is about respect—respect for the time you spent exploring, the effort you put into finding great routes, and your freedom to share your experiences on your own terms.
- The Spirit of Sharing Remember why we share routes in the first place? It's not about likes or followers or building a personal brand. It's about showing someone the trailhead to an incredible ride, helping a traveler find the best local routes, or giving a fellow adventurer the beta they need to have an amazing day outside.
OpenRoutes is designed around that simple, genuine impulse to share. Upload your routes, discover what others have shared, mark favorites you want to try, and track the ones you've completed. No algorithms deciding what you see, no social media dynamics—just a straightforward way to share and find great outdoor adventures.
Want to help? Have question? Just want to say hi? Find me on Discord: drkpxl_