The eTrex is a sturdy and straightforward GPS unit that runs off of AA batteries. This means that you never have to worry about charging the device or not being able to keep it powered on multi-day tours. You can load Ride with GPS routes onto the eTrex's included SD card to navigate with this device.
Use the app's EXPLORE tool to find the best routes in your area, or build a custom trip in our Route Planner on mobile or web.
Export a Route on Mobile
Learn about how to use our app to load a route onto your Garmin eTrex for an on-the go route management solution.
Export a Route on Web
After planning a route on our website, you'll want to export the route to use on the eTrex 20 & 30.
- While viewing any route, click MORE > Export as File
- Then click GPX Track.
- If you are a Premium or Basic subscriber, click the option to have the cues exported as a waypoints.
- Plug in your eTrex to your computer with a USB cable.
- Copy the exported file into the GPX folder on the device.
- The eTrex is limited by the number of track points available on the device. If you find that your route has been clipped, you may have to split it into multiple routes to successfully load it.
Device Settings
We recommend the following settings for your eTrex 20/30 for an optimal navigation experience.
- Change the following under SETUP > MAP
- GUIDANCE TEXT = WHEN NAVIGATING
- GUIDANCE METHOD: ON ROAD FOR DISTANCE
- CALCULATE ROUTES FOR BICYCLE
- LOCK ON ROAD = NO
- OFF ROAD TRANSITIONS = AUTO
- AVOIDANCE SETUP = turn all these to DO NOT AVOID
Navigate with your eTrex
- Go to the WHERE TO? page to select your route.
- Go to TRACKS
- Select the route you wish to navigate
- You'll get a preview of the route on your map. Your installed map card may not have the contour lines install.
- Click GO to start the navigation
View Cues
- If you want to see the cues for the route, go to the ACTIVE ROUTE on the main page.
- You will see all the cues (waypoints) for your active route. You will also see HIGHPOINT and LOWPOINT cues that have been automatically generated by the eTrex 20/30.
- This option cannot be disabled.
- Scroll down and click on a cue to see where it will appear on the map.
- Clicking a cue will show you its location on the map, distance to that point, and an ETA.
- When viewing the map screen, I recommend the two data fields.
- Tap the Menu Button on the left side, then select Change Data Fields:
- DISTANCE TO NEXT - This will tell you how far to the next waypoint.
- WAYPOINT AT NEXT - This will tell you which cue is next.
Pro Tips
- Lithium AA batteries will last much longer than standard alkaline batteries, especially in colder conditions. They're worth the extra money you'll spend for these.
- You can turn off the backlight to conserve power. Tap the light/power button to see the backlight settings, then use the thumbstick to move the backlight brightness slider all the way to the left. Note that the screen will stay on, even if the backlight is dimmed or off.