Want to add your favorite off-road route or hiking trail to your Magellan GPS? You can easily create or download GPX trail files and upload them to your Magellan TRX7 or TRX7 CS Pro for offline use—even without internet access.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll show you how to:
- Create a GPX file
- Download GPX routes from the web
- Upload and view them on your Magellan device
- Sync them using USB or SmartGPS Eco
📂 What is a GPX File?
A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file contains GPS data like:
- Route paths (polylines)
- Waypoints (markers)
- Elevation points
- Speed and time stamps (optional)
It’s compatible with most GPS units and software tools.
🌍 Where to Get GPX Trail Files
- AllTrails.com
- GPSFileDepot.com
- Caltopo.com
- GaiaGPS.com
- National park websites (many offer GPX downloads)
🔽 Always download as
.gpx(not .kml or .fit)
🛠️ How to Upload a GPX File to TRX7 (USB Method)
What You Need:
- A computer (Windows/Mac)
- USB cable
- Your TRX7 or TRX7 CS Pro
Steps:
- Connect GPS to your PC using USB
- Wait for device to appear as a removable drive
- Locate or create a folder called
/GPX - Drag your
.gpxfile into the folder - Safely eject the device
- On your TRX7, tap Saved Tracks > Import from GPX
Your trail will now appear in Saved Tracks or Journal > Routes.
☁️ Alternative: Upload via SmartGPS Eco
- Go to https://www.smartgpseco.com
- Log in with your Magellan account
- Go to My Journal > Import File
- Upload your
.gpxfile from computer - On your GPS, connect to Wi-Fi
- Tap Sync Now from Settings
The trail will sync and appear under your Journal or Saved Tracks section.
🗺️ How to View the Uploaded Trail
- Go to Saved Tracks
- Select the uploaded trail
- Tap View on Map
- Optionally tap Navigate if you want live route guidance
🧭 Note: Magellan GPS does not generate turn-by-turn for off-road GPX files but will display the path with your current position.
🧪 Troubleshooting GPX Uploads
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| File not recognized | Ensure it ends in .gpx, not .txt |
| File won’t import | Open it in GPSVisualizer to reformat |
| Missing waypoints | Check GPX file syntax with Notepad or Basecamp |
| Trail won’t appear | Reboot GPS or re-import manually |
🧰 Pro Tips
- 🛤️ Use software like Garmin BaseCamp or GaiaGPS to create custom GPX files
- 💾 Save all GPX files to a backup folder in case of device reset
- 🏕️ Add waypoints for campsites, water sources, or photo spots
- 📏 Break large GPX files into smaller segments for faster rendering
🆘 Magellan Support
- 🌐 www.magellangps.com/support
- 📞 1-800-707-9971
- 💬 Live Chat available
- 🎓 Visit the TRX Trailhead YouTube channel for upload demos
✅ Final Thoughts
Uploading custom GPX trail files to your Magellan TRX7 or CS Pro gives you the flexibility to explore private routes, lesser-known tracks, or personalized off-road adventures. Whether you download them from trusted trail sources or create your own, GPX files unlock a new level of control over your 2025 GPS experience.