Strava Navigation: How to Create, Follow, and Optimize Routes

Does Strava give directions?

Yes, Strava does offer navigation capabilities primarily through its "Routes" feature, allowing users to create, discover, and follow pre-planned courses for various activities. While not a full voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS like dedicated navigation apps, it provides essential guidance for athletes navigating known or new territories.

Understanding Strava's Core Function

Strava has established itself as the world's leading social network for athletes, primarily known for its robust activity tracking, performance analysis, and competitive segments. Its core utility lies in recording runs, rides, swims, and other outdoor pursuits, then allowing users to analyze their data, connect with friends, and compete on leaderboards. While its initial design focused more on post-activity analysis and social sharing, the platform has evolved to incorporate features that support the activity itself, including route planning and navigation, recognizing the practical needs of its athletic user base.

Strava Routes: Your Navigation Tool

The answer to whether Strava gives directions lies squarely in its "Routes" feature. Strava Routes allows athletes to:

• Create Custom Routes: Design a path from scratch using the Route Builder on the web or mobile app, selecting preferred surfaces (road, trail), avoiding busy areas, and adjusting for desired distance and elevation.
• Discover Existing Routes: Explore routes created by other athletes in your area, or discover popular routes based on Strava's vast dataset of recorded activities (often highlighted by the "Heatmap" data).
• Convert Activities to Routes: Any of your past activities can be saved as a route, making it easy to re-run or re-ride a favorite course.

Once a route is created or selected, it can be "starred" (saved) and then followed directly within the Strava mobile app or exported to a compatible GPS device.

How to Create and Follow a Route on Strava

Navigating with Strava involves two primary steps: preparing your route and then actively following it.

Creating a Route

1. Via Strava Website (Recommended for Detailed Planning):
   • Log in to Strava.com.
   • Hover over the "Dashboard" menu and select "My Routes."
   • Click "Create New Route."
   • Use the interactive map to draw your route, clicking points to define your path. Strava will intelligently snap to roads/trails.
   • Adjust settings like "Use Popularity" (to favor frequently used paths) and "Minimize Elevation" if desired.
   • Review the route's distance, elevation gain, and estimated time.
   • Save your route, giving it a descriptive name.
2. Via Strava Mobile App:
   • Open the Strava app.
   • Go to "Maps" (bottom navigation bar).
   • Tap "Routes" at the top, then "Create Route."
   • You can choose to "Draw" a route manually on the map or select "Generate Route" for Strava to suggest loops based on your starting point and desired distance.
   • Save the route once satisfied.

Following a Route

1. Using the Strava Mobile App:
   • From the record screen, tap the "Route" icon (often a small map or route line icon).
   • Select the route you wish to follow from your saved routes.
   • The route will appear overlaid on the map, and as you move, your current position will be displayed.
   • The app provides visual cues and audible "off-course" alerts if you stray from the planned path. It does not provide turn-by-turn voice navigation in the same way a car GPS would.
2. Exporting to a GPS Device (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch):
   • On the Strava website, go to "My Routes."
   • Select the desired route and click "Export" (usually a GPX or TCX file).
   • Follow your device manufacturer's instructions to upload this file to your GPS watch or cycling computer.
   • Many modern GPS devices, once loaded with a Strava route, will provide robust turn-by-turn instructions (including visual prompts and sometimes voice cues), making this the preferred method for complex routes. Strava's integration with these devices significantly enhances the navigation experience.

Key Features and Limitations of Strava Navigation

While a powerful tool for athletes, it's crucial to understand the nuances of Strava's navigation capabilities.

Key Features

• Offline Access: Routes can be downloaded for offline use, essential for areas with poor cellular service.
• Off-Course Alerts: The app notifies you if you deviate from the planned route.
• Elevation Profiles: Visual representation of the route's elevation changes helps with pacing and preparation.
• Surface Type Information: The Route Builder can indicate predominant surface types (e.g., paved, dirt), aiding in gear choice.
• Popularity Heatmap Integration: Helps in discovering well-trafficked and potentially safer or more scenic routes.

Limitations

• No Dynamic Re-routing: Unlike a car GPS, Strava's app won't automatically recalculate a new route if you miss a turn or decide to change course mid-activity. You'll simply be notified you're off-route.
• Limited Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation (App): The Strava mobile app itself provides primarily visual guidance and off-course alerts, not spoken, turn-by-turn directions. For voice prompts, integration with a compatible GPS device is often necessary.
• Battery Consumption: Running the Strava app with GPS and screen on for navigation can significantly drain smartphone battery.
• Dependence on GPS Signal: Accuracy and reliability are subject to GPS signal strength, which can be an issue in dense urban areas, deep canyons, or heavy tree cover.

Optimizing Your Strava Navigation Experience

To make the most of Strava's navigation features, consider these best practices:

• Pre-Load Routes: Always "star" and ideally download routes to your device before heading out, especially if you anticipate areas with poor cell service.
• Charge Your Devices: Ensure your smartphone or GPS device is fully charged. For longer activities, carry a portable power bank.
• Utilize a Dedicated GPS Device: For serious training, racing, or long adventures, exporting routes to a bike computer or GPS watch generally provides a superior navigation experience with better battery life and more robust turn-by-turn cues.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Route: Before starting, take a moment to review the route map, key intersections, and elevation profile.
• Have a Backup Plan: While reliable, technology can fail. For critical journeys, consider having a paper map or a secondary navigation app as a backup.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Fitness Journey

Strava unequivocally provides navigation capabilities through its "Routes" feature, empowering athletes to explore new areas, stick to training plans, and safely complete pre-planned courses. While the mobile app's direct guidance is primarily visual with off-course alerts, its seamless integration with dedicated GPS devices unlocks a more comprehensive turn-by-turn navigation experience. By understanding its strengths and limitations, athletes can effectively leverage Strava to enhance their training, exploration, and overall fitness journey.