Google is taking steps to make navigating national parks in the US easier and safer with the latest update to Google Maps. The new update features detailed information about national parks to help visitors plan their trip and avoid getting lost in the vast wilderness. Users can now see photos and videos of popular attractions within a park, including Yellowstone’s Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, taken by previous visitors.
In addition, Maps will now highlight entire trails from start to finish, along with information on difficulty level and whether it’s suitable for walking, running, or cycling. Users can also find reviews of parks and trails, as well as details on nearby facilities, such as restrooms. To make things even more convenient, Google will also start highlighting park entrances on Maps, directing users to the trailhead.
Furthermore, Google is adding offline maps for national parks so that visitors can navigate the trails without worrying about losing internet access. This feature will be available for download later this month. Although the initial rollout is for national parks in the US, Google plans to expand this feature to include more detailed information for national parks in other countries as well.
Google Street View also offers a virtual exploration of dozens of national parks for those who prefer to preview a park before visiting. The latest updates to Google Maps aim to help hikers and outdoor enthusiasts around the world plan and navigate their outdoor adventures with ease.
