How to Plot a Route on Strava: Web, Mobile, Optimization, and Exporting

How Do I Plot a Route on Strava?

Plotting a route on Strava allows athletes to pre-plan their cycling, running, or walking adventures, ensuring they follow a desired path, manage elevation changes, and discover new areas, accessible through both the web browser and the mobile application.

Understanding Strava's Route Builder

Strava's Route Builder is a powerful tool designed to help athletes create custom routes for their activities. Beyond simply drawing lines on a map, it leverages Strava's vast database of user-generated activity data to suggest optimal paths, understand popular segments, and provide critical metrics like distance, elevation gain, and estimated moving time. This foresight is invaluable for managing physiological demands, optimizing pacing, and enhancing safety.

Accessing the Route Builder

Strava offers route creation capabilities on both its web platform and, more recently, its mobile application. While the web interface typically provides a more expansive view and finer controls, the mobile app offers convenience for on-the-go planning.

• Via Web Browser:
  • Log in to your Strava account at Strava.com.
  • Navigate to the Dashboard in the top menu.
  • From the dropdown, select My Routes.
  • Click the "Create New Route" button (often located on the right side of the page).
• Via Mobile App:
  • Open the Strava app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the "You" icon (profile icon) in the bottom navigation bar.
  • Scroll down and select "Routes".
  • Tap the "+" icon (or "Create Route") to start a new route.

Step-by-Step: Plotting a Route on the Web

The web-based Route Builder offers the most comprehensive set of features for detailed planning.

• 1. Choose Activity Type and Preferences:
  • At the top left, select your Activity Type (e.g., Ride, Run). This influences routing preferences (e.g., bike paths vs. sidewalks).
  • Choose your Routing Preference: "Follow Popularity" will snap your route to frequently traveled roads/paths (often using Strava's Global Heatmap data), while "Manual Drawing" gives you full control to draw anywhere. For most users, "Follow Popularity" is highly recommended.
  • You can also toggle "Use Global Heatmap" and "Minimize Elevation" based on your training goals.
• 2. Define Your Starting Point:
  • You can zoom and pan the map to your desired starting location.
  • Click once on the map to place your initial waypoint. You can also use the "Search for location" bar to find a specific address or landmark.
• 3. Add Waypoints to Build Your Route:
  • Continue clicking on the map to add subsequent waypoints. Strava's intelligent routing will automatically connect these points, following roads or trails based on your preferences.
  • For specific turns or to ensure the route follows a particular path, add more frequent clicks.
  • Pro Tip: If the automatic routing isn't ideal, you can drag and drop existing waypoints to adjust the path, or switch to "Manual Drawing" for short sections.
• 4. Refine and Review:
  • As you add points, the Route Metrics (distance, elevation gain, estimated moving time) will update in real-time.
  • Review the Elevation Profile at the bottom to understand the route's topography.
  • Use the "Undo" button if you make a mistake.
  • You can add "Waypoints" for specific points of interest or turn cues, though these are primarily for organization within the builder.
• 5. Save Your Route:
  • Once satisfied, click the "Save" button.
  • Provide a Name for your route.
  • Add an optional Description to include details about terrain, points of interest, or challenges.
  • Set the Privacy to "Public" (visible to all Strava users) or "Private" (visible only to you).
  • Click "Save to My Routes".

Step-by-Step: Plotting a Route on the Mobile App

The Strava mobile app now includes a robust route builder, making it convenient to create paths on the go.

• 1. Access the Route Creation Interface:
  • From the "Routes" section (You > Routes), tap "Create Route."
• 2. Set Your Preferences:
  • Choose your Activity Type (Run, Ride).
  • The app often defaults to "Follow Popularity" which is generally the best starting point.
  • You can toggle options like "Minimize Elevation" or "Paved Surfaces" if available.
• 3. Build Your Route:
  • The map will center on your current location or a recent activity area.
  • Tap on the map to add your starting point. You can also search for a location using the search bar.
  • Continue tapping on the map to add waypoints. The app will automatically connect the dots, similar to the web version.
  • Drag and drop existing points to adjust the route.
• 4. Review and Save:
  • The app will display the Distance and Elevation Gain as you build.
  • When finished, tap "Save".
  • Give your route a Name and optionally add a Description.
  • Set the Privacy (Public or Private).
  • Tap "Save Route".

Optimizing Your Route for Performance and Safety

Creating a route is just the first step; optimizing it for your specific goals and safety is crucial.

• Consider Terrain and Elevation:
  • Physiological Demands: A route with significant elevation gain will impose greater cardiovascular and muscular demands. Plan routes that align with your current fitness level and training objectives (e.g., hill training, long endurance, speed work).
  • Surface Type: Be mindful of paved vs. unpaved sections. Gravel, dirt, or technical trails require different equipment and skill sets.
• Utilize Strava Heatmaps (Premium Feature):
  • The Global Heatmap, especially useful on the web, visually represents popular routes. Darker lines indicate more frequent activity. Use this to:
    • Discover well-trafficked and potentially safer routes.
    • Avoid dead ends or less-traveled, potentially unsafe, roads.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Traffic and Road Conditions: Prioritize routes with bike lanes, wide shoulders, or less vehicle traffic. Be aware of road quality (potholes, debris).
  • Time of Day: Consider lighting conditions, especially for early morning or late evening activities. Plan for visibility (lights, reflective gear).
  • Environmental Factors: Check weather forecasts. Plan for water stops, restrooms, or potential bail-out points in case of fatigue or unexpected issues.
• Practical Tips:
  • Loop vs. Out-and-Back: Decide which format suits your training. Loops offer variety, while out-and-backs simplify logistics.
  • Pre-Ride/Pre-Run Reconnaissance: If possible, drive or walk a new route beforehand to identify any unexpected challenges.

Exporting and Following Your Route

Once your route is saved, Strava makes it easy to use it for your activity.

• Syncing to GPS Devices:
  • Many modern GPS cycling computers (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead) and running watches can sync directly with Strava.
  • On your saved route page (web), look for an option to "Export" (often a GPX or TCX file) to manually upload to devices that don't auto-sync.
• Following on the Strava Mobile App:
  • On the "Record" screen in the Strava app, tap the "Routes" icon (often a map pin).
  • Select your desired route from "My Routes" or "Suggested Routes."
  • The route will overlay on the recording screen, providing visual cues and, for some devices/settings, turn-by-turn navigation.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Adventures

Plotting a route on Strava transforms an impromptu outing into a structured, goal-oriented adventure. By leveraging its intuitive interface and rich data, you gain control over your training environment, enhance safety, and unlock new possibilities for exploration. Whether you're aiming for a specific distance, tackling a challenging climb, or simply discovering new local gems, Strava's Route Builder is an indispensable tool for the modern athlete, empowering you to train smarter and explore further.