Innovative App by University of Utah Student Inspires Outdoor Adventures and Strengthens Community Bonds

SALT LAKE CITY — A master’s student at the University of Utah grew up surrounded by natural beauty in San Diego. From the Pacific coastline to the peaceful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this upbringing was steeped in outdoor adventures.

However, during the isolating period of the COVID-19 pandemic, this appreciation evolved into a profound love for the outdoors.

“During the lockdown, my friends and I would hop into our trucks and explore the quieter desert trails in Southern California. It was the perfect escape since not many people were out there,” he shared. “I decided to come to Utah because, frankly, it’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and that’s where my idea took shape.”

The idea is a recently launched application, Always Outdoors, which fuses a passion for nature with a mission to foster social connections.

Bringing People Together

Always Outdoors is fundamentally a social app designed to connect outdoor aficionados to venture outside together.

“We started with a simple swiping feature that allows users with similar interests to connect—similar to how Tinder or Bumble works, but for outdoor activities,” he explained. The familiarity of swiping proved appealing to prospective users.

This swiping mechanism serves as the app’s foundational feature.

“If I log in, I can specify that I’m looking for intermediate mountain bikers within a 25-mile radius, and the app will match me with others seeking the same thing,” he noted.

While this feature likely appeals to most users, he is particularly excited about two additional components of the app.

The first, an “event marketplace,” allows users to discover various outdoor events, while the second offers a platform for planning group outings or larger adventures.

“All the planning and communication stay organized in one spot. It simplifies things dramatically, especially for bigger gatherings where it’s easy to get scattered across numerous platforms,” he added.

Fostering Genuine Connections

His motivation extends beyond mere enjoyment of nature; he believes it has also been instrumental during personal challenges.

“I faced significant struggles with my mental health during middle and early high school due to family issues,” he disclosed. “It was then that my dad started taking my brother and me on trips to the beach and desert dirt biking. Those experiences lifted my spirits more than I realized at the time.”

Understanding that many face similar battles, he felt compelled to create Always Outdoors. He highlighted alarming statistics showing rising suicide rates, indicating that many people seek deeper connections—both with nature and among themselves.

“What we’re missing is real personal connections,” he stated.

In 2023, 696 individuals in Utah took their own lives, with the state’s suicide rate consistently higher than the national average for over a decade. Recent surveys reveal that 37% of high school students report ongoing sadness, with 22.9% contemplating suicide and 9% attempting it.

He believes these topics should not be stigmatized. “There’s no better way to bond than sitting around a campfire in the wilderness,” he asserted. “I aim to foster an environment where people can connect, share their experiences, and trade stories beyond the confines of digital screens.”

You can download Always Outdoors from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Key Takeaways

• Outdoor activities can significantly contribute to mental well-being and social connections.
• Creating new friendships through shared interests helps strengthen community ties.
• Accessing local events can foster longer-term connections for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Planning outings collaboratively can simplify coordination and enhance group experiences.
• Addressing mental health topics openly can open pathways for necessary conversations.