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App 101: Tips and Tricks

Map

  • Each park has an interactive, zoomable map.
  • Share your location with the NPS app in your phone's settings to see your location on the map.
  • Change between the default map and the satellite map by clicking the layers button in the upper right corner of the map.
Part of the map of Death Valley on the NPS App, including the users location which is shown with a blue dot.

Download for Offline Use

  • Each park site can be downloaded for offline use.
  • Open a park site and look for the download button in the upper right corner.
  • If you are visiting a remote park, download the content before you leave home.
  • It's best to download parks while on a strong wifi connection.
Bryce Canyon's home screen on the NPS App with a red circle on the download button in the upper right corner.

Saved

  • Create lists, save park sites, places, and add notes!
  • Add to a current list or click +New List to create a custom list.
  • Use lists to plan your upcoming national park trips.
  • Be prepared! If you delete the app or redownload it to a new device your saved lists and downloaded parks will not transfer. We hope to provide this service in the future.
The Saved Lists on the NPS App showing a few lists including Visited and My Favorites.

Dark Mode

  • Go to settings in the upper right corner of the global home screen
  • Click Appearance
The Appearance screen on the NPS App with options that read, Follow System Settings, Always Light, Always Dark

CarPlay

  • The app is now compatible with CarPlay.
  • Plug your phone into CarPlay, open the NPS Mobile App and pick an audio driving tour or a podcast.
  • Android Auto is in development.
A CarPlay Screen with the title Podcasts and three podcast options are showing, the first is called What We Do.

Last updated: April 2, 2025