Utah’s natural spaces are more than just stunning scenery: They can be unique catalysts for better business. As a business owner, it’s nice to know Utah boasts impressive accolades for business. We’re No. 1 for Best Economic Outlook, No. 2 for Best State Economy, and No. 3 for Top State for Business and Trade.
But as a mountain climber, what’s even more thrilling to me? Utah is the only state in America that has part of a national forest in each county. Approximately 28 percent (or 15 million acres) of Utah land includes forests, according to Only in Your State. The Forest Service reports that the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is one of the most heavily visited forests in the nation, with 9 million visitors annually — so much room for adventure!
I’ve been climbing mountains in Utah for nearly two decades and founded my first business in 2016. I cofounded my second business in 2017, which led to hosting mom entrepreneurs on hikes in Zion National Park for #MamaSpringBreak, a business and adventure retreat. A few years ago, I decided to blend my weekend hiking passion with my business/marketing community. The result? Marketers on Mountains, a summer series of curated hikes for Utah’s marketers.
Since 2023, Comma Copywriters, 97th Floor and other collaborators have co-hosted several hikes on some of Utah’s staple trails: Ensign Peak, Living Room, Big Cottonwood Canyon (Donut Falls), Adams Canyon, and City Creek Canyon.
In my view, mixing trail time with business chatting delivers an ideal trio of benefits:
1) You’re enjoying authentic, informal conversations with your community.
2) You’re getting fresh air and sunshine, away from your screen.
3) You’re moving your body and prolonging your life.
And the best part? Unlike pricey golf courses, hiking is free! Good for your body, business, and bank account.
Get outside for authentic community conversations
When you chat outside, you open the door for authentic connections. It’s less formal than a boardroom, more personal than Zoom. After attending two of our recent Marketer on Mountains hikes, one of our hike attendees changed the way she does business.
“I’m now conducting most of my local business and social life on walks now,” says Danielle LeCourt, knowledge broker and content strategist at De LeCourt. “I know walks take longer, but that’s kinda the magic of them. Chat more … while moving!”
Bruce Rowe, founder of Sebo Marketing, has hosted several summer hikes to Y Mountain in Provo for almost 20 years in business. This year, his team created an additional Networking in Nature hiking series, in collaboration with Hello Story, to get folks outside.
“We love doing business with people that we know, like and trust,” says Sydni Dunn, business development manager at Sebo Marketing. “We have found that getting outside of the office to network creates an environment where we can better build those relationships.”
Sunshine over screen time
With a quick search for the Instagram hashtag #beUTAHful, you’ll see more than half a million posts of swoon-worthy Utah scenery. It’s fun to see on screen, but even better in person. In Utah, we can leverage the beauty of our own backyard and create memorable experiences with customers.
“Nature has always been one of our muses for design,” says Elizabeth Findlay, cofounder of Albion Fit. “Our brand is literally named after the Albion Basin here in Utah. It’s sentimental and nostalgic for us since it’s where Dave and I were engaged.”
Albion Fit hosts an annual wildflower walk in the Albion Basin. They invite their customers to hike to Silver Lake, provide a branded tote bag, trail mix, treats, and a journal for everyone to write down nature-inspired thoughts.
“For us, gathering our community at our namesake is bringing our favorite worlds together,” says Findlay. “It’s an opportunity to share something we love with our community and seeing strangers leave as friends is very gratifying.”
Life-giving movement
When you’re walking, you’re extending your life. According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, regular walking, particularly fast walking, was associated with reduced mortality. If you can’t get to one of Utah’s trails, walking or running locally for business events gets the job done, too. It’s the movement that matters.
“It’s hard to fit everything in, so I love killing two birds with one stone by exercising with founders we invest in, and people we invest with,” says Trent Mano, pre-seed investor at Convoi Ventures, who often hosts group runs. He hosted a 5k fun run around the “Out of the Blue” whale statue located at 900 S and 1100 E in Salt Lake City during the 2025 Utah Tech Week.
“Running events are different from your typical stuffy happy hour events, and a way to connect with people while getting in our time to sweat,” says Mano.
Take your next meeting outside
In Utah, our award-winning business environment and outstanding access to nature don’t have to live in separate worlds — they are better together. Whether it’s a casual conversation on a canyon trail or a community event with a backdrop of glittering autumn leaves, taking business outside creates connection, invites fresh thinking, and improves well-being for all involved. The mountains are calling, and my challenge to you is simple: Take your next meeting outside.
