Garmin GPS: How-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints

Learn how to use Garmin routes, tracks & waypoints—plus when to use each, how to create them, and how I use them out on the trail.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:33 Garmin Basecamp
01:26 What’s a Waypoint?
02:15 Naming Waypoints
02:18 What’s a Route?
03:45 Create a Route
04:06 What’s a Track?
05:20 Building a Track
06:21 Track Complete
07:03 GPS Field Demo
07:15 Waypoint on GPS
08:25 Track on GPS
09:01 Track Alerts
10:00 Route in Field
11:20 Route Navigation
12:01 Routing Settings
12:47 Turn Alerts
13:45 Navigation Stats
14:20 Waypoint Alarm
14:46 Route Ends
15:17 Stop Navigation
15:26 Mark Waypoint
16:08 Record Track
16:37 Track on Map
17:01 Save & Sync
17:27 View in App
17:56 Garmin Fenix
18:41 Course vs Route
19:27 Route Control
20:00 Garmin Connect
20:56 Create Course
21:40 When to Use Each
22:54 When Not To
23:13 Wrap Up


In this video, I break down the most common question I get about Garmin GPS units: what's the difference between waypoints, routes, and tracks—and when should you use each one? I walk through all of it using Garmin Basecamp and a GPSMAP 66i, then take it all out into the field so you can see exactly how it works on a real hike. If you’ve ever been confused about these features, this should clear things up.

Waypoints are simple—just one specific point on the map, useful for marking a campsite, water source, or your car. I often add a proximity alarm to make sure I don’t walk past a spot I want to hit. Routes, on the other hand, work like turn-by-turn directions, similar to Google Maps. If you’re trail running, biking, or in an emergency, the route feature is great for getting from point A to B fast using routable maps.

Tracks are what I use most for hiking. They're essentially breadcrumb trails that show the exact path I want to follow. I’ll usually create a track in Basecamp, Gaia, or CalTopo before heading out, and I use it to confirm I'm staying on course—especially at intersections or if I’m hiking at night. You can also record your own tracks and waypoints as you go and sync them back via Garmin Explore.

I also touch on creating courses in Garmin Connect for wearables like the Fenix series, and show how to fine-tune routes by adding shaping points. Bottom line: I use each tool differently depending on the situation, and this video walks through all the practical examples. If you’ve ever struggled with Garmin’s terminology or interface, this should make things a lot more intuitive.


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