Read

These 12 Apps Can Actually Help You Break Away and Get Outside

Creator:
Published:
December 15, 2023
June 13, 2022
Use these apps to get off your phone and spend time outdoors.|Use these apps to get off your phone and spend time outdoors.

“Keep close to nature's heart,” said John Muir, “and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

Even though the whole point of getting outside is to get your nose away from a screen, your phone can actually help you “break clear away” — if you use it the right way. Here are our top dozen apps to help you get out and appreciate the natural world.

Set boundaries for yourself

The first step in getting away is to examine your relationship with technology and bring some intentionality to your habits. It does no good to go camping and then spend just as much time on Instagram in the woods as you would sitting in your apartment. So take a moment and make an intentional decision about how you want to spend your time — then take action to enforce those boundaries.

ClearSpace is an app that can help you manage your time on your phone — it allows you to set limits on how you use your phone based on time or platform, and even can give you a pre-set mindfulness reminder when you approach those limits. For example, if you want to use Twitter less, ClearSpace will display a prompt that you write for yourself when you tap on the blue bird. 

If you’ve ever looked up with glazed eyes realizing you’ve just spent an hour and a half on TikTok, you might need some help setting goals and limits around your use of technology. With those limits in mind, you can use the time you free up for other pursuits that actually nourish you — like getting outside. Here are 12 apps that can help you “keep close to nature’s heart.”

If you’re an athlete, Strava is a popular app to plan and track your workout, whether it’s running, biking, or swimming. It also offers options for discovering new routes if you’re getting tired of the same scenery. 

If you’re a cyclist, but would rather not ride alone, check out Bunchrides to connect with other riders. Trailfork can help you stay on top of mountain bike trail conditions and find new areas to explore.

If you’re a swimmer, Swim Guide will help you find the perfect beach — it offers information on weather and water quality for more than 7,000 freshwater and marine swimming sites. 

If you’re a hiker, AllTrails (iOS, Android) is a proven resource for finding your way over the river and through the woods. It has a database full of trails near you and a GPS function so you won’t get lost. The Hiking Project (iOS, Android) works in a similar fashion. 

If you’re curious about biology: While you’re on the trail, keep your ears open for bird calls — and open an app if what you hear sounds unfamiliar. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology created Merlin Bird ID — an app that can identify birds based solely on their call. And if you notice other wildlife or vegetation that makes you wonder what you’re looking at, Seek (iOS, Android) allows you to simply point your phone at it to search and learn. 

If you’re curious about geography while you’re in the mountains, PeakFinder has a built-in camera that will display a topographical map over whatever you’re looking at. Wonder what peaks are on the horizon? Just point the camera and the app will orient you. 

If you’re looking for a driving adventure, Roadtrippers can help you plan your route, and even identify curiosities or landmarks along the way. And you can rely on the Recreation.gov app as your guide to public lands. 

More information on getting out of town and finding adventure on the road:

If you’re into stargazing, StarWalk2 (iOS, Android) is a well-rated astronomy app that stands out from the crowd (though there are a lot of options in this category). As you look up into the night sky, just point your camera and the screen will literally connect the dots of the constellations you’re looking at. It can tell you if that blinking point of light up there is a satellite, planet, star, or something else entirely. 

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
December 15, 2023
June 13, 2022
On a related note...
4 Strategies for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

4 Strategies for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Emily Bouch

Mindful Eating: What It Is and How to Do It

Mindful Eating: What It Is and How to Do It

Bethany Meola

Relishing the Richness and Freedom of Single Life

Relishing the Richness and Freedom of Single Life

Stephanie DePrez

The Promise of “One Day, You’ll Laugh About This"

The Promise of “One Day, You’ll Laugh About This"

Patricia Valderrama

The Unexpected Benefits of Daily Routines

The Unexpected Benefits of Daily Routines

Kate Fowler

How I Confronted Those Who Were Food Shaming Me

How I Confronted Those Who Were Food Shaming Me

Anonymous

3 Things I Want to Remember After the Pandemic

3 Things I Want to Remember After the Pandemic

Molly Cruitt

Having the Strength to Name and Overcome My Alcoholism

Having the Strength to Name and Overcome My Alcoholism

Erica Tighe Campbell

7 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

7 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

Caitlin Sica

How Much We Really Use Our Phones Each Day

How Much We Really Use Our Phones Each Day

Erica Tighe Campbell

Finding Faith on a Longboard

Finding Faith on a Longboard

Sage Webb

How We Can Become More Open-Minded

How We Can Become More Open-Minded

Sophie Caldecott

How to Avoid Media Overload

How to Avoid Media Overload

Mary Cunningham

Forgiving Your Parents for Past (or Present) Hurts

Forgiving Your Parents for Past (or Present) Hurts

Dr. Daniel, Bethany Meola

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

Grotto

Are You Building Your Life Around the Wrong Expectations?

Are You Building Your Life Around the Wrong Expectations?

Julia Hogan-Werner

3 Keys to Keep Running in Winter

3 Keys to Keep Running in Winter

Ben Wilson

How Do You Keep a Plant Alive?

How Do You Keep a Plant Alive?

Grotto

Summer Road Trips You Can Do in a Weekend

Summer Road Trips You Can Do in a Weekend

Mary Claire Lagroue

5 Saint-Inspired Cocktails to Celebrate Their Feast Days

5 Saint-Inspired Cocktails to Celebrate Their Feast Days

Maria Walley

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.