From Trails to Transformation: How Utah’s Mountains Are Boosting Mental Wellness

Nestled along the Wasatch Front in Utah, the simple act of hiking has become a powerful antidote to the relentless buzz of modern life. For Springville resident Kayla Meehan, the pandemic lockdown wasn't just a pause—it became a turning point. Venturing into the nearby Wasatch Mountains, she discovered that unplugging from notifications allowed her to reconnect with herself, sparking a passion for the outdoors she never saw coming.

This renewed connection isn’t just personal—it’s community-driven. Timpanogos Hiking Co., a Provo-based outfitter, has revived the historic tradition of collecting Timp Badges for summiting Mount Timpanogos, and expanded it with accessible challenges like the GOAT Challenge and Escape the Noise Challenge for family-friendly hikes across the Wasatch. These initiatives have helped cultivate a welcoming, purpose-driven hiking culture that motivates people—both seasoned and new—to step outside.

One hiker, Tennison Hunter, credits these badge challenges as a catalyst during a personal dark period. Starting with the Provo “Y,” he then used the badge system as “fuel,” ultimately summiting Mount Timpanogos four times in one year, and inspiring his kids to embrace the challenge too. Whether it’s a quick walk or a multi-hour summit, Kayla and Tennison both stress how even brief time outdoors can clear the mind and offer a profound sense of presence.

Utah’s diverse landscapes—from alpine peaks in the Uintas to the southern red-rock country—offer something for every skill level. Hiking here isn’t just recreation—it’s a pathway to mental wellness bundled with scenic discovery, accessible, local, and life-changing.

See the Full Article: “Reconnecting with nature: How Utah hikers are finding mental wellness in the mountains” By Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com, April 13, 2025.