Strava Routes: How to Find, Create, and Optimize Free Paths for Your Activities

How do I find free routes on Strava?

Discovering free routes on Strava is straightforward and accessible to all users, regardless of subscription status. You can leverage the Strava website and mobile app to explore community-contributed routes, utilize the basic route builder, and find inspiration from clubs and other athletes.

Understanding Strava's Route Features

Strava's route functionality allows athletes to plan, discover, and navigate specific paths for cycling, running, hiking, and other activities. While Strava Summit/Premium offers advanced features like personalized route suggestions based on popular segments and heatmaps, a robust set of tools for finding and creating routes remains freely available to all users. These free options primarily involve exploring public routes shared by the Strava community and using the basic route builder to map your own.

Method 1: Discovering Public Routes on the Web

The Strava website offers the most comprehensive interface for discovering and managing routes.

• Accessing the Strava Website:
  • Navigate to www.strava.com and log in to your account.
  • From the main navigation menu, hover over "Training" and select "My Routes" or "Routes." If you select "Routes," you'll be taken directly to the Route Explorer.
• Using the Route Explorer:
  • The Route Explorer is your primary tool. It displays a map interface where you can pan and zoom to any location worldwide.
  • Search by Location: Enter a city, town, or specific address in the search bar to center the map on your desired area.
  • Filter Options: Utilize the filters to narrow down your search:
    • Sport Type: Select "Ride" (cycling) or "Run" (running) to see relevant routes.
    • Distance: Specify a preferred distance range (e.g., 10-20 miles/km).
    • Elevation: Filter by the amount of climbing or descending.
    • Surface Type: Choose between paved, unpaved, or mixed.
  • Browse and Select: As you apply filters, routes created by other Strava users will appear on the map. Click on a route to view its details, including the elevation profile, distance, estimated time, and a description.
• Saving and Exporting:
  • Once you find a suitable route, click the "Save Route" button. This adds it to your "My Routes" list, making it easily accessible on the mobile app.
  • For use with GPS devices (like Garmin, Wahoo, etc.), you can export the route as a GPX or TCX file. Look for an "Export" or download icon, typically near the route details.

Method 2: Finding Routes via the Strava Mobile App

The Strava mobile app provides a convenient way to discover routes on the go, especially for exploring nearby options.

• Navigating to Routes:
  • Open the Strava app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the "Map" icon (often located in the bottom navigation bar).
  • Within the map view, look for a "Routes" or "Explore Routes" option. This might be a button or a tab.
• Exploring Nearby Routes:
  • The app will typically default to showing routes near your current location or a location you specify.
  • Scroll through the listed routes or pan the map to find options.
• Filtering and Selecting:
  • Similar to the website, you'll find filter options for sport type, distance, and elevation. Apply these to refine your search.
  • Tap on a route to view its full details, including a map, elevation profile, and other relevant information.
• Saving for Offline Use:
  • Once you've found a route you like, tap the "Save" button. This will add it to your saved routes and often allows you to download it for offline navigation within the Strava app, even without a data connection.

Method 3: Leveraging Community and Clubs

The social aspect of Strava can be a powerful tool for discovering new routes.

• Strava Clubs:
  • Join local running, cycling, or multi-sport clubs on Strava. Many clubs regularly post and share routes for group rides, runs, or events.
  • Check the "Routes" section within a club's page to see what they've shared.
• Following Other Athletes:
  • If you follow athletes who frequently explore new areas or share interesting activities, check their activity details. They might have created or followed a route that you can then save and use.
  • You can often see the route an athlete followed on their activity map, and if it's a saved route, you might be able to access it.
• Segment Exploration:
  • While not direct routes, exploring Strava Segments in your area can highlight popular or scenic sections of road or trail. You can then piece these segments together to create your own custom route.

Method 4: Creating Your Own Free Routes (Manual Planning)

Strava's web-based route builder provides basic, free functionality for planning your own routes from scratch.

• Using the Strava Route Builder (Web):
  • On the Strava website, navigate to "Training" > "My Routes" > "Create New Route" (or similar phrasing).
  • You'll be presented with a map interface. You can:
    • Click to Add Waypoints: Click on the map to drop points, and Strava will automatically snap the route to roads or trails between them.
    • Manual Drawing: For off-road or specific paths, you can often switch to a manual drawing mode.
    • Adjust and Refine: Drag and drop points to adjust the route, add new points, or delete existing ones.
    • View Details: As you build, the tool will update with distance and elevation gain.
  • Save Your Creation: Once satisfied, give your route a name, description, and mark it as public or private, then save it.
• Key Considerations for Route Planning:
  • Safety: Prioritize routes with safe road crossings, good visibility, and appropriate traffic levels. Consider time of day and lighting.
  • Enjoyment: Look for scenic views, quiet roads, or interesting landmarks.
  • Challenge: Plan for appropriate distance and elevation gain based on your fitness level and goals.
  • Practicality: Consider access to water, restrooms, or potential bail-out points if needed.

Optimizing Your Route Discovery Experience

To make the most of Strava's free route features:

• Refine Your Search: Don't be afraid to experiment with different filter combinations and zoom levels on the map to uncover hidden gems.
• Check Route Details Thoroughly: Always review the elevation profile, surface type, and any comments from the creator or other users before committing to a route. This prevents surprises.
• Pre-Ride/Run Reconnaissance: If possible, use Google Street View or even drive/walk a section of an unfamiliar route to get a feel for the terrain and safety.
• Contribute to the Community: Once you've explored and enjoyed a route, consider marking it as a favorite or leaving a helpful comment. If you create a great route, share it publicly to benefit others.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Strava's free route discovery tools are incredibly powerful for athletes seeking to explore new areas, add variety to their training, or plan specific workouts. By understanding how to effectively use the web and mobile app's search and creation features, you can unlock a world of adventure and keep your fitness journey engaging and progressive. Happy exploring!