A little while back I bought an etrex for backup on a trip. I tried downloading gpx files from ridewithgps onto it but for some reason they did not appear on the device.
I googled how to do it and followed the instructions but to no avail. Gave it up as I didn't need any more hassle and put the routes on my Garmin 810 and used that.
I'd like to have another go so is there anything I've not thought of? I wondered at the time if the files contained too many waypoints or something? I'm not great with computers, find them exasperating.

Did you download the GPX as a route or as a track? The latter are a lot easier to work with. Routes have waypoints, not sure how the Etrex handles them but with the Oregon there's a different menu option to view them. Someone with an Etrex might be able to comment more accurately.

I've found the same issue with GPX files from OS onto my dakota. As Bob says its something to do with tracks or routes. A quick fix is to upload the GPX file onto bikehike, save it as a GPX track then bung it on the GPS - it will work fine.

Do you have a pc/laptop,?
If so, consider installing Garmin Basecamp.
You can import the GPX file into that, organise routes into list etc then, with the Etrex plugged into a USB port, simply drag/drop the route(s) of your choice onto the Etrex

I have an Etrex 35, and have been using this setup, for a few years

I'll try basecamp.

Hi, I too have had lots of "fun" with downloading gpx files onto my etrex, and with the etrex in general, though now that I can do it I think it's great.
I generally am just grateful each time it works, I also installed Basecamp and that did the trick, no idea how though...
Just managed to get the gritfest gpx files onto mine, huge relief there, making it a Cheery Friday for me