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...
Bringing Jesus' World to Life in Nazareth

Bringing Jesus' World to Life in Nazareth

Grotto

How to Survive Being Dumped

How to Survive Being Dumped

Julia Hogan-Werner

I Went on a Catholic Pilgrimage for the Bourbon

I Went on a Catholic Pilgrimage for the Bourbon

Mariah Cressy

"A New Hobby Helped Me Find Wonder in Nature"

"A New Hobby Helped Me Find Wonder in Nature"

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

How a Scarcity Mindset is Holding You Back

How a Scarcity Mindset is Holding You Back

Krista Steele

7 Steps to Sharpen Your Focus

7 Steps to Sharpen Your Focus

Christine Chu

Is It Time to Go to Therapy?

Is It Time to Go to Therapy?

Julia Hogan-Werner

What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature

What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature

Sophie Caldecott

The Saint Who Helped Me Regain My Trust in God

The Saint Who Helped Me Regain My Trust in God

Alessandra Harris

Free Download: Contemplate the Cosmos With These Coloring Pages

Free Download: Contemplate the Cosmos With These Coloring Pages

Grotto

What No One Told Me About Starting my PhD

What No One Told Me About Starting my PhD

Hallie Michelle

10 Major Benefits of Taking Cold Showers

10 Major Benefits of Taking Cold Showers

Maria Walley

Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

4 Tips for Eating Ethically on a Budget

4 Tips for Eating Ethically on a Budget

Caitlan Rangel

5 Reasons to Try Meditation (If You Haven't, Yet)

5 Reasons to Try Meditation (If You Haven't, Yet)

Julia Hogan-Werner

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Take into the New Year

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Take into the New Year

Julia Hogan-Werner

How I Reverse Burnout in 10 Minutes a Day

How I Reverse Burnout in 10 Minutes a Day

Sage Webb

Hope for a Father Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

Hope for a Father Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

Grotto

My Eating Disorder Was About Control as Much as Food

My Eating Disorder Was About Control as Much as Food

Kristen Deasy

This Doctor Is Giving His Community Access to Affordable Health Care

This Doctor Is Giving His Community Access to Affordable Health Care

Grotto

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

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