Privacy Policy & Legal Disclaimer

Last updated: June 2026

Privacy Policy

Data We Collect

Trailhunter collects the following data:

  • User profile: Name, email, display name, Climber Tier, preferences, and gear inventory.
  • Activity history: Trails completed, distances, elevation data, GPS breadcrumbs, duration, pace, and performance ratings.
  • Health data: VO2 max and resting heart rate — only if you grant Apple Health permission.
  • GPS positions: Recorded during active tracking sessions and group hike location sharing (opt-in only).
  • Photos: Geotagged hike photos you choose to upload during tracking or to event galleries.
  • Group hike data: RSVPs, chat messages, emoji reactions, and event participation.
  • Emergency contacts: Names and phone numbers you provide for safety features.
  • Driving mileage: GPS-tracked driving distance for IRS reporting (admin feature, opt-in).

Data Storage

Data is stored on your device and synced to cloud servers (Google Firebase / Cloud Firestore) for cross-device access, group features, leaderboard, and data backup. You can delete your account and all associated data from the Profile screen at any time. Account deletion removes your profile, activities, photos, chat messages, and all personal data from our servers.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your data to third parties. Data is shared only in these cases:

  • Group hikes: Your display name, climber tier, and live GPS position (when opted in) are visible to other approved participants in your group.
  • Leaderboard: Your display name and aggregate stats (summits, miles, elevation) are visible to other members.
  • AI assistant: Your profile data and hike history are sent to OpenAI's API to generate personalized trail advice. OpenAI does not retain this data per their API data usage policy.
  • Emergency SOS: Your GPS coordinates are shared with your designated emergency contacts when activated.

Third-Party Services

Trailhunter uses the following external services:

  • Firebase (Google): Authentication, database (Firestore), cloud storage, push notifications, and serverless functions. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
  • Open-Meteo: Weather forecast data at terrain elevation. Free API, no user data sent, no API key required.
  • Mapbox: Map tiles, satellite imagery, and offline map downloads. Subject to Mapbox's Privacy Policy.
  • OpenAI: AI-powered trail guidance and trip planning via gpt-4.1-mini. Profile and hike history context is sent per-request. No personally identifiable information is retained by OpenAI.
  • Pinecone: Peak search vector database. Only peak metadata is stored — no personal user data.
  • Zoho SMTP: Email notifications for event updates, approvals, and announcements. Your email address is used for delivery only.

Your Rights

  • You can view all stored data within the app (Profile, Activity History).
  • You can delete your account and all data from the Profile screen → "Delete Account".
  • You can revoke Apple Health permissions through your device's Settings → Privacy → Health.
  • You can opt out of location sharing at any time during group hikes.
  • You can clear AI memory (hiker notes) from the Profile screen.
  • You can use the app in guest mode without creating an account (limited features).

Children's Privacy

Trailhunter is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Legal Disclaimer

1. Not a Professional Guide

Trailhunter is an AI-powered informational tool. It is not a certified mountain guide, and its recommendations do not constitute professional mountaineering advice.

2. Assumption of Risk

Mountain hiking and climbing are inherently dangerous activities. By using Trailhunter, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and decision-making in the mountains.

3. Data Limitations

Weather conditions can change in minutes. Trail reports may be outdated. Conditions on the ground may differ significantly from what the app displays. Always verify conditions independently.

4. No Warranty

Trailhunter is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided.

5. Equipment Responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring your gear is functional, appropriate, and in good condition. Trailhunter's gear checklists are suggestions, not comprehensive safety audits.

6. Medical Fitness

You must be medically cleared for high-altitude physical activity. Trailhunter's physiological readiness scores are estimates based on available health data and do not constitute medical advice.

7. Weather Volatility

Mountain weather is inherently unpredictable. Forecasts are estimates. Always be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially above treeline.

8. Trail Conditions

Trail conditions may differ from app data at any time. Rockfall, snow, ice, flooding, and other hazards can appear without warning.

9. Emergency Services

Trailhunter does not replace 911, professional search and rescue, or a dedicated satellite messenger. In a real emergency, contact professional emergency services.

10. Liability Limitation

Rocky Mountain Madness LLC and its developers shall not be liable for any injuries, damages, losses, or deaths arising from the use of Trailhunter.

11. User Responsibility

You must use your own judgment and common sense at all times. The app provides guidance — you make the decisions.

12. Third-Party Data

Trailhunter relies on external data sources (weather APIs, trip reports, map services) that may contain errors or become unavailable.

13. GPS Accuracy

GPS tracking accuracy varies by device, environment, and conditions. Distances and elevations are estimates and may differ from actual values.

14. The Mountain is the Final Authority

When in doubt, turn back. Your intuition and on-the-ground assessment must always override app recommendations.

15. Acceptance

By using Trailhunter, you accept all terms outlined in this disclaimer and privacy policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy? Contact us at support@rockymountainmadness.com.