GPX trails on the Stark VARG

What is a GPX file?

A GPX file is basically a trail drawn on a map, saved as a file you can share. It records a series of GPS points that form a route — like a breadcrumb trail from point A to point B.

When you load a GPX file into a map app, it draws a line on the map showing exactly where to go. Your live position shows up as a dot, so you can see where you are relative to the trail at all times.

Think of it like this: instead of someone giving you written directions (“turn left at the big rock, go straight past the creek”), they hand you a map with the entire route drawn on it. That drawn line is what’s inside a GPX file.

GPX files are universal. You can create one in onX and open it in GAIA. You can plan on your computer and send it to your phone. They work in practically every GPS and mapping app.

Why off-road riders use GPX instead of turn-by-turn

On a road, turn-by-turn makes sense. There are street names, intersections, and a navigation app can tell you exactly when to turn.

Off-road, none of that exists:

• Trails don’t have names (or the names mean nothing).
• Forks in the trail aren’t marked. There’s no sign saying “Trail A: left, Trail B: right.”
• Voice prompts are useless when you’re wearing a helmet and can’t hear anything over engine noise and wind.
• Routes change. Fallen trees, washouts, or seasonal closures mean the “planned” route might need adjusting on the fly.

A GPX trail on a map gives you the big picture. You can see where the trail goes, where you are, and make decisions in real time. That’s how off-road navigation actually works.

Where to find GPX trails

There are a lot of places to get trail files. Here are the ones riders use the most:

onX Offroad

The most popular app among dirt bike riders in North America. Has a massive database of trails with difficulty ratings, surface type, land ownership, and user reviews. You can plan a route on the desktop app and export it as GPX. Requires a subscription (~$30 per year).

GAIA GPS

Another strong option, especially for riders who want lots of map layers (topo, satellite, USFS, MVUM). Good GPX export features and solid global coverage. Subscription model with a generous free tier.

Wikiloc

A huge community library of user-uploaded trails worldwide. Search by activity type (motorcycle, enduro, etc.), location, and difficulty. Free to browse and download GPX files.

Komoot

Popular in Europe. Great for planning routes with surface-type awareness (it knows if a path is paved, gravel, or single track). Free basic features, paid for full maps.

Local riding clubs and groups

Don’t overlook this one. Many riding clubs and local groups share GPX files for their favorite loops. Check Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or forums like Electric Dirt Riders.

Record your own

Most GPS apps can record your ride and save it as a GPX file. Ride a route once, record it, and share the file with friends. Next time they can follow your exact line.

How to create your own GPX route

If you want to plan a new ride from scratch, here’s the typical workflow:

1. Open a planning tool on your computer. onX, GAIA, and Komoot all have desktop/web versions that are much easier to use for planning than the phone app. A bigger screen makes all the difference.
2. Draw your route. Click along the trails and roads you want to ride. Most tools will snap to known trails automatically.
3. Mark key waypoints. Drop pins at important spots: where to park, water crossings, tricky intersections, bailout points where you can cut the ride short if you need to.
4. Export as GPX. Look for an “Export” or “Download” button. Choose the GPX format.
5. Get the file to your Stark phone. (See the next section.)

Getting the GPX file onto your Stark phone

Your Stark phone (the Arkenstone) is a regular Android phone, so getting files onto it works the same way as any Android device. Here are the easiest methods, in order of what most riders use:

Method 1: Download directly from a trail site

The simplest approach: open Wikiloc, AllTrails, Komoot, or another trail site in the Stark phone’s browser. Find the route you want, tap the download or export button, and save the GPX file directly to the phone. No computer, no cable, no email.

Method 2: Google Drive or cloud storage

1. Upload the GPX file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or any cloud storage (from your computer or another device).
2. Open the cloud storage app on the Stark phone (Google Drive is usually pre-installed).
3. Download the file. It saves to Downloads.

Method 3: Nearby Share from another Android device

If you have the GPX on another Android phone or tablet, use Android’s Nearby Share to send the file to the Stark phone. Open the file on the source device, tap Share, choose Nearby Share, and select the Stark phone when it appears.

Method 4: USB cable

1. Connect the Stark phone to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Copy the GPX file to the phone’s storage (the Downloads folder works fine).

Method 5: Direct sync from your planning app

If you use onX or GAIA and have the same account on both your computer and the Stark phone, routes you plan on the desktop often sync automatically to the app on the phone. Check your app’s sync settings.

You can also email the file to yourself and open the attachment on the Stark phone — it works, but downloading from a trail site or Google Drive is usually faster.

Following your GPX trail while riding

Once the file is on your Stark phone, you have a few options for actually viewing it while you ride:

Option A: Stark Trails (subscription required)

If you have the Stark Pro subscription (€12.90/month), you can upload GPX files directly in the Stark app. The trail shows on the built-in map. It works, but the map takes over the full screen — you lose the gauge display while viewing it.

Option B: onX / GAIA with a workaround

Load the GPX in your planning app and use split screen or another workaround to keep the map visible alongside the Stark gauge. This works but can be clunky.

Option C: Head North with a floating window

Load the GPX file in Head North. The map shrinks into a floating window that sits on top of the Stark dashboard. You see the trail, your position, and your heading — without losing the gauge display underneath.

Tips for riding with GPX

• Download offline maps before you leave. Cell service disappears fast once you’re on the trail. Open your map in the riding area while you still have signal so the map tiles get cached.
• Keep a backup. Screenshot the key turns and save them on your personal phone. If something goes wrong with the Stark phone, you’re not lost.
• Share the GPX with your riding group. If you’re riding with friends, send everyone the same file so the whole group knows the route. Makes regrouping much easier if you get separated.
• Don’t blindly follow the line. GPX files can be outdated. Trails get rerouted, washed out, or closed. Always ride what’s in front of you, not what the line on the screen says.
• Mark bailout points. When planning, add waypoints where you can cut the ride short if you’re running low on battery, energy, or daylight.