This article originally appeared in the Resolutions print issue, in stands February 2026. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
A breath of fresh air, endless views ahead and dust kicking up your legs. That first step you make on the path was made for you to take it. So, take a minute from your phone, silence the persistent notifications and take a journey in Salt Lake City’s backyard.
Utah is known for its outdoor glory. From license plates titled with “Best snow on Earth” to endless postcards with Delicate Arch on the front page, the outdoor scene has become the culture here. I trail run and participate in scrambling and mountaineering, but there is a constant nagging I get from my phone. When I go to bed and when I first wake up in the morning, the feeling is there to pick up my phone and begin scrolling. It’s as if I’m chasing a reward that only lasts a few seconds, when my time spent outside is rewarding for hours, even days.
The best way to get involved is through community
Hailey Henkenius is the social media manager for Women’s Outdoor Leadership Initiative (WOLI). The outdoor group spends endless amounts of time outdoors during the school year. They spend weekend trips practicing skills like backpacking, climbing and backcountry skiing. She agrees that spending time outside has become somewhat of a chore with her schedule. But she enjoys how it makes her feel and knows that others can obtain that too.
“I think the most effective way to get people to spend more time outside is to make it feel approachable and rewarding,” she said. “I think if people can have one enjoyable experience outdoors and connect with other people who want to stay involved, they are more likely to keep coming back.”
Sydney Pearson is a recent graduate from the University of Utah. She agrees that phones can be a distraction from what she enjoys, but says there are ways to combat it. “Especially when there’s no service, I’m actively engaged in an activity,” Pearson said. “I’m not worried about anything else, just being in the moment with my friends and staying safe.”
She added that Utah is a special place where you can let go of being online for a few hours and engage in activities with friends. “I think if you want to be there, you’re going to be there,” Pearson said.
Making it accessible for all levels
It is much easier to scroll on your phone than go for a five-hour hike or weekend backpacking trip. It’s safer, and you feel secure in familiarity. Scrolling, though it may seem like an experience, is the opposite of that. Stepping outside can be intimidating, especially in spaces that may seem full of experienced people. Henkenius agrees that, though the outdoors is and should be accessible, at times, it can prove not to be.
“I think the outdoors can be accessible, but there are still many barriers for a lot of people. It can be pretty hard to know where to start and not having access to gear, feeling unsafe or unwelcome or thinking outdoor spaces are only for people with a lot of experience are all barriers,” she said. “Those things can make the outdoors feel intimidating even though they’re meant to be for everyone.”
She added that this is why she loves being part of the WOLI mission. The outdoor group provides experiences for all levels to test their skills at various activities. Each trip is often built for beginners, and the community aspect WOLI has built up is a strong contender in that.
Pearson also feels this. Although she is skilled in various outdoor activities such as climbing and canyoneering, creating opportunities for friends to participate is something she enjoys.
“I love the thrill of knowing I could be in danger but that I am safe and most of all, spending time with my friends,” Pearson said.
The importance of being outside
Now, more than ever, it is important to spend time outside. With constant battles over the gondola, BLM land, the future of the Great Salt Lake and a growing suburbia, the outdoors should be celebrated and not taken for granted. So, grab a friend or two and partake in the land that surrounds you.
“I think with everything happening in the world right now, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed, but it has been really helpful to be a part of WOLI in the face of governmental and industry failures,” Henkenius said. “Community is so important to stay grounded and remember that people still care about one another.”
