10 outdoorsy Goals for the new year

A Note Before We Begin

December 2025 Update:

Since I wrote this article two years ago, my relationship with goals has changed a lot. These days, I’m much more drawn to a calmer, more peaceful approach to life. I strive for a life that focuses on the day-to-day instead of one big, overarching goal. I’ve learned that goals can sometimes feel heavy. Goals that are too ambitious can leave you feeling overwhelmed or defeated, while goals that feel too small can make you wonder if you did “enough.” I just want to say this: no matter what goals you set, or don’t set, the journey matters more than the destination. Showing up, staying curious, and finding joy along the way is more rewarding, even if the outcome looks different than you imagined.

The start of a new year always makes me think about how I want my days to feel. I’m always inspired to start new habits and plan new adventures. The new year always brings with it a clean slate and fresh start. For me, that means getting outside!

This list of outdoorsy goals isn’t about doing more or chasing perfection. It’s about finding simple, meaningful ways to weave nature into your year. You can do this in ways that feel realistic, nourishing, and sustainable. Make 2026 your year to step into nature!

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1. Start a Regular Outdoor Routine

Let’s kick things off with a resolution that’s as simple as it is life-changing. Commit to a regular outdoor routine. Take a sunset stroll in the neighborhood park, a morning jog along a nature trail, or even some yoga in your backyard. The point isn’t just mileage or pace, its consistency. When nature becomes part of your routine, it starts becoming something you crave.

I’ve found that even the brief moments outdoors brighten my day, regulate my nervous system and clear my head.

2. Set and Crush Hiking Milestones

There is something incredibly grounding about stepping onto a trail and working your way forward. Set specific goals here. Maybe it’s conquering a trail you’ve been eyeing, completing a certain number of hikes, or reaching a cumulative distance by the end of the year. Start small and let each finished trail be a stepping stone to greater things.

If you are motivated by structure, keep yourself accountable by committing to popular challenges like the 52 Hike Challenge. This challenge is a commitment to hike 52 trails throughout the year, or about once a week. If counting miles is more your speed, you can opt for the 365 Mile Challenge. 

Apps like All Trails, or Strava can help you keep track, and fitness watches. I personally love my Garmin.

3. Start A New Outdoor Hobby

If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, trying a new hobby can shake things up! Hiking, climbing, kayaking or even nature photography can be a goal. My personal goal is to try snowshoeing. Have you tried it?

Think of it less as “finding a new passion” and think of it more of just exploring new things. Let your curiosity lead the way here.

4. Try a Solo-Adventure: Find Some Solitude with a Solo-Hike

Solo-hiking has a way of brining self-discovery and confidence to your year. Consider tackling your favorite trails on your own for the first time. It doesn’t have to be a long or very remote hike. Start with one you are already familiar with.

For me, being alone outside is the best way I can clear my mind, listen to my thoughts and and feel completely at peace. Over time, I have built so much confidence and trust in myself from solo-hiking that I carry into every day life.

5.Move your body Outdoors

Who needs a stuffy gym when nature itself can be your workout space? Embrace outdoor fitness challenges, hill walks, outdoor yoga or some bodyweight exercise.

The uneven terrain adds an extra layer of excitement to your workout, and the fresh air becomes your ally. Let this be the year you move your body while breathing in the beauty of the great outdoors.

6. Committing to Responsible Outdoor Ethics

Now, let’s talk about something close to every adventurer’s heart: Leave No Trace. One of the most meaningful goals you can have is to learn how to move through nature responsibly.

Take the Leave No Trace pledge and make a commitment to explore with minimal impact as your outdoorsy goal. Learn the principles like packing out your trash, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails. These small acts help preserve the parks we love so much. Caring for nature is part of being connected to it.

7. Explore a new park or wilderness

You don’t even need to fly across the country. Pick a place that you have been dying to see. Make it a bucket list adventure!

Here are some of my favorites: See the rugged beauty of Yosemite, the fall foliage of Acadia, or the diverse ecosystems of the Everglades. On the east coast, may I suggest New River Gorge or Shenandoah. These adventures not only offer breathtaking sights but also instill a profound appreciation for the great wonders of our planet.

8. Learn something new outside

Let this be the year you become a scholar of the great outdoors. Attend nature workshops, guided birdwatching tours, or photography classes. Experience the wisdom of seasoned naturalists and fellow enthusiasts.

These experiences not only deepen your connection with nature but also make every outdoor escapade richer and more meaningful. Check out your local State and National Parks for a calendar of events. I’m sure you will find something that interests you! 

9. Unplug with a Digital Detox

For when you need a weekend reset, make it a goal to unplug and disconnect. Plan a digital detox camping trip or just a day trip where the only signal you have is the call of distant birds.

Let your senses reset, let your eyes take a break, and let your attention span get better (I need this one!)

10. build community

They say joy shared is joy doubled, and that holds true for outdoor adventures. Make it a goal to connect with like-minded adventurers. Join local hiking groups, participate in community cleanup events, or even start an outdoor club with friends.

Even making one new friend that loves the outdoors will make it all worth it! It can remind you that we are all part of something larger than ourselves.

Add Some Outdoors to your New Years Goals

Instead of treating the new year as a checklist of things to accomplish, I’m learning to approach it with more flexibility and less pressure. Outdoor goals don’t need to be extreme or perfectly executed to be meaningful.

This year, I will be starting 2026 with a first day hike. Which, if you haven’t heard of that, it’s when you make a commitment to get outside on the first day of the year. A lot of parks give out stickers, which is a huge motivator for me 😂.

I’m treating my new year as a fresh start and more time to connect with nature. I’m planning big trips, more community connection, and most importantly a gently connection with nature every day.