New Years Resolutions for the Outdoorsman

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to set intentions that align with your love of the outdoors. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a weekend camper, or simply someone who enjoys a good nature walk, crafting resolutions that push your boundaries and deepen your connection with nature can set the tone for an adventurous and meaningful year.

Here are 10 New Year’s resolution ideas for outdoorsy people, designed to inspire new experiences, expand knowledge, and nurture stewardship for the natural world.

1. Try a New Outdoor Activity

Challenge yourself to break free from routine and explore a completely new outdoor activity this year. Diversifying your experiences in nature is not only refreshing but also a great way to develop new skills and perspectives.

• Climbers: Experiment with water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
• Hikers: Try rock climbing, snowshoeing, or geocaching.
• Campers: Dive into minimalist backpacking or car camping in unexpected locations.

Exploring a new activity can reignite your enthusiasm for the outdoors and introduce you to a broader community of like-minded adventurers.

2. Learn About Wildlife and Native Plants

The outdoors isn’t just a playground; it’s a living ecosystem teeming with flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Resolve to enhance your outdoor experiences by learning about the natural world around you.

• Use field guides or apps like iNaturalist to identify trees, flowers, and birds.
• Spend time observing animal behavior, like how birds forage or how deer navigate trails.
• Volunteer for wildlife monitoring programs or local conservation initiatives.

Not only will you enrich your time outside, but you’ll also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that surrounds you.

3. Stick to a Consistent Outdoor Routine

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let outdoor adventures take a backseat. This year, commit to making your time outside a priority.

• Set Weekly Goals: Aim for one hike, bike ride, or nature walk every weekend.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a log or use an app to record your adventures.
• Join a Community: Sign up for outdoor groups or clubs to stay motivated.

Consistency builds momentum and ensures that outdoor activities remain a fulfilling and integral part of your life.

4. Visit a New Destination

There’s a world of breathtaking landscapes and trails waiting to be explored. Make it a goal to venture beyond your usual stomping grounds this year.

• Plan a trip to a national park you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
• Explore local hidden gems, like state parks, conservation areas, or lesser-known trails.
• Combine outdoor exploration with travel—think hiking in Iceland, diving in the Caribbean, or biking through the Netherlands.

Discovering new places not only satisfies your wanderlust but also deepens your appreciation for the planet’s diversity.

5. Commit to Stewardship

As someone who loves the outdoors, being a responsible steward of public lands is one of the most impactful resolutions you can make.

• Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your footprint.
• Participate in trail clean-ups or restoration projects in your community.
• Support environmental organizations through donations or volunteering.
• Advocate for policies that protect natural spaces and promote sustainable recreation.

Every small action adds up, helping to preserve the beauty and health of outdoor spaces for generations to come.

6. Push Your Limits

Make this the year you set a big goal that challenges your skills, endurance, or mindset.

• Train for a long-distance trail, like a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail.
• Summit a challenging peak, such as Mount Whitney or Mount Rainier.
• Take on a multi-day backpacking trip or participate in a competitive outdoor event.

Pushing your limits builds confidence and gives you a sense of accomplishment that carries over into all areas of your life.

7. Try Camping in a New Season

If you typically camp only in the summer, resolve to experience the magic of camping during another season. Each time of year offers its own unique rewards and challenges.

• Winter: Embrace the solitude of snowy landscapes and the coziness of cold-weather camping.
• Spring: Enjoy blooming wildflowers and the return of wildlife.
• Fall: Relish crisp air, vibrant foliage, and quieter trails.

Trying out camping in different seasons will help you build new skills and see familiar landscapes in a fresh light.

8. Engage in Citizen Science

Give back to nature by contributing to citizen science projects that support conservation and research efforts.

• Participate in a bird count, like the Audubon Christmas Bird Count or eBird monitoring.
• Join water quality testing initiatives or invasive species tracking programs.
• Log plant or animal sightings on platforms like Project BudBurst or iNaturalist.

Citizen science lets you combine your love for the outdoors with meaningful action that benefits the environment.

9. Start a Nature Journal

A nature journal is a simple but powerful tool for reflecting on your outdoor experiences and documenting your journey through the year.

• Record your hikes, including trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and personal thoughts.
• Sketch plants, landscapes, or animals that inspire you.
• Use your journal to track your progress on resolutions and set new goals.

Journaling helps you slow down, notice details, and create a lasting keepsake of your adventures.

10. Share Your Passion with Others

Introduce friends, family, or even strangers to the joy of spending time outdoors. Sharing your love for nature not only enriches your relationships but also helps grow a community of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Invite a friend on their first hike, camping trip, or paddleboarding adventure.
• Host a workshop on outdoor skills, like navigation or campfire cooking.
• Volunteer as a trail guide or mentor for beginner outdoor enthusiasts.

Inspiring others to connect with nature creates a ripple effect, spreading appreciation and stewardship far and wide.

Final Thoughts

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be daunting—they can be exciting, inspiring, and aligned with your passions. By setting goals that encourage you to try new activities, connect with nature on a deeper level, and care for the environment, you’ll make 2025 a year to remember.

Choose a few resolutions from this list, or let them inspire you to create your own. No matter which path you take, the important thing is to keep exploring, learning, and growing—both as an adventurer and as a steward of the natural world.

Here’s to a year filled with awe-inspiring moments in the great outdoors. Happy adventuring and Happy New Year!