What is a GPX file?

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is a standard file format for GPS routes. It contains a series of coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) that form a track. It's the universal format used by every navigation and hiking app.

Where to find GPX files

→Calimoto: App specialized in twisty roads, built-in GPX export
→Kurviger: Online route planner, optimized for cars and motorcycles
→MyRoute-app: Route creation with stops and POIs
→Google Maps: Export from "Saved places" (limited)
→Drive organizers: Shared by the organizer of your event

Method 1: With Drive Crew (recommended)

The easiest method for group drives. The organizer imports the GPX and every participant gets the route automatically.

Import the GPX

The organizer opens Drive Crew → Creates an event → Imports the GPX file from their files or a shared link.

Share with the group

The route is instantly visible to every participant in the event. No need to share the file individually.

Follow it on the road

On the day, each driver sees the route on their map along with points of interest, the next stop, and the group's positions.

Drive Crew advantage: On top of the GPX route, you get real-time group tracking, an onboard radio, and safety alerts — all in one app.

Method 2: Apple Maps

Apple Maps doesn't natively support the GPX format. You'll need to convert the file or use a third-party tool.

Workaround

1.Open the GPX in an app like "GPX Viewer" or "Open GPX Tracker"
2.Extract the waypoints
3.Create a multi-stop route in Apple Maps with those waypoints

⚠️ Limitations: Apple Maps doesn't reproduce the exact GPX track — it recalculates the route. You may lose the quiet back roads the organizer chose.

Method 3: Third-party apps

Several iOS apps let you import and follow a GPX file directly:

Calimoto

Native GPX import, turn-by-turn navigation, optimized for twisty roads.

Free (premium optional)

OsmAnd

GPX import, offline maps, free and open-source.

Free

Scenic

Motorcycle/car navigation, GPX support, CarPlay interface.

$9.99

GPX Viewer

Pure visualization, track stats, multi-format export.

Free

Method comparison

MethodEaseTrack fidelityGroupAlerts

Drive Crew★★★★★★★★★★✓ Real-time✓ Built-in

Calimoto★★★★☆★★★★☆✗✗

Apple Maps★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆✗✗

OsmAnd★★★☆☆★★★★★✗✗

Practical tips

📱 Phone mount

Get a solid mount (magnetic or suction-cup) so the route stays visible without taking your hands off the wheel. Skip clip-on mounts — they vibrate.

🔋 Battery

GPS drains battery fast. Plug your iPhone into the car's USB/12V port or bring a quality power bank (20,000 mAh+).

📶 Offline mode

In the mountains, signal can be weak. Download offline maps if your app supports it. The GPX track works without a network.

🔊 Audio

Turn on voice directions to keep your eyes on the road. Connect your iPhone to the car audio via Bluetooth or CarPlay.