AllTrails
Outdoor recreation platform providing trail information, hiking maps, and outdoor activity guides for outdoor enthusiasts.
Company Type
private
Founded
2010
Headquarters
San Francisco, California, USA
About AllTrails
AllTrails operates on a freemium business model through its mobile app and web platform. Users can access basic trail information and reviews for free, while premium features require a subscription to AllTrails+.
The platform provides detailed trail information including difficulty ratings, distance, elevation gain, user reviews, photos, and trail conditions. Users can track their activities, record new trails, and share experiences with the community.
Key features include:
- Trail database with detailed information
- User reviews and ratings
- GPS tracking and navigation
- Offline maps for premium subscribers
- Community-driven content and updates
The company generates revenue through premium subscriptions and partnerships with outdoor brands and tourism organizations.
History of AllTrails
AllTrails was founded in 2010 by Russell Cook and was accepted into AngelPad's inaugural class, a startup accelerator program. The company officially launched in December 2010 following the incubation period.
In 2011, AllTrails gained $400k in seed funding from 500 Global and 2020 Ventures, providing early capital for development and growth. By January 2012, the platform had reached 200,000 users, demonstrating strong early traction.
A major partnership with National Geographic was announced in early 2012, significantly enhancing AllTrails' mapping data and user base. This partnership resulted in National Geographic's Topo.com being merged and redirected to AllTrails, expanding the company's trail database and credibility.
By Q4 2012, AllTrails had reached 1 million users, establishing it as a leading platform for outdoor trail information. The company continued its growth trajectory through strategic acquisitions and product development.
In August 2016, AllTrails acquired EveryTrail from TripAdvisor, which had previously acquired the company in 2011. This acquisition further expanded AllTrails' trail database and user community.
The transformative moment came in 2018 when Spectrum Equity provided $75 million in funding for a majority stake in the company. Despite being cash flow positive at the time, the investment enabled significant expansion and acquisitions.
In 2019, AllTrails continued its acquisition strategy, purchasing iFootpath in April and GPSies and Trails.com in July. The company also expanded internationally, launching the app in French, German, and Spanish languages.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drove significant growth as outdoor activities became more popular. AllTrails partnered with Apple to add hiking information to Apple Maps, and the app saw 8.7 million new users install it in 2020, representing an 89% increase from the previous year.
Brands Owned by AllTrails
AllTrails owns 0 brands in our database.
AllTrails Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Market leadership in outdoor recreation platform category
- +Large and engaged user community contributing content
- +Comprehensive trail database through strategic acquisitions
- +Strong brand recognition among outdoor enthusiasts
- +Multiple revenue streams from subscriptions and partnerships
Considerations
- -Dependence on user-generated content for data quality
- -Seasonal usage patterns tied to weather and outdoor conditions
- -Competition from specialized outdoor apps and GPS devices
- -Regulatory considerations for trail access and liability
- -Need for continuous data updates and maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions About AllTrails
Is AllTrails a publicly traded company?
No, AllTrails is a privately held company. The company is majority-owned by Spectrum Equity, which acquired a majority stake in 2018 for $75 million.
Who founded AllTrails?
AllTrails was founded in 2010 by Russell Cook. The company was part of AngelPad's inaugural startup accelerator class before officially launching in December 2010.
Who owns AllTrails?
Spectrum Equity is the majority owner of AllTrails, having acquired a majority stake in 2018. Founder Russell Cook and early investors retain ownership stakes, along with employee shareholders.
How many users does AllTrails have?
AllTrails has millions of users globally. The company saw 8.7 million new users install the app in 2020 alone, representing an 89% increase from the previous year.
What is AllTrails' business model?
AllTrails operates on a freemium model, offering basic trail information for free while premium features require an AllTrails+ subscription. The company also generates revenue through partnerships with outdoor brands and tourism organizations.
Jobs at AllTrails
Latest News About AllTrails
Related Articles About AllTrails
View more articles
News & Updates
Monthly M&A Roundup: February 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
From Keurig Dr Pepper's planned split to the Netflix-WBD saga, here is every major brand ownership change and deal in February 2026.
Who Brands StaffFeb 12, 2026
m-and-a-roundupacquisitionsnews
Industry Analysis
The Most Acquired Categories: Tech vs CPG vs Pharma
Which industries see the most brand acquisitions? We compared technology, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals to find out where the most M&A activity happens and why.
Who Brands StaffFeb 11, 2026
acquisitionsindustry-analysistechnology
Consumer Education
The Truth About 'Made in America' Brand Claims
Many brands market themselves as American-made. But what does that actually mean when the parent company is foreign, the parts come from overseas, and 'assembled in USA' is not the same as 'made in USA'?
Who Brands StaffFeb 11, 2026
made-in-americaconsumer-educationbrand-claims