In an age where constant connection often means distraction, the Irvine family has carved out a different kind of life—one rooted in mountains, motion, and meaningful time together. For them, the mountains are not just a place to visit. It's where life unfolds, bonds are built, and memories are made.
Joshua Irvine, the father of the clan, sees their outdoor lifestyle as both a counterbalance and a calling. "In a world where technology continues to expand its reach, it has become more and more important to our family to unplug," he says. "The outdoors is a perfect excuse."
Rather than pulling against technology, the Irvines have leaned into what unites them: shared experiences under open skies. They've established a tradition of letting everyone choose the activity, ensuring everyone has a voice. " Whether it is hiking, fishing, snowboarding, horseback riding, or hopping on a motorized vehicle--we love the outdoors as a family," Joshua adds. "Some of our best memories have happened right here in the mountains, lakes, and parks of the Ogden area."
Cinthia, the heart of the household, views nature as a reflection of her children's personalities. "Getting outdoors allows me to interact with each member of my family and see their personalities," she shares. "The outdoors gives me a window into their hearts--even just a little bit."
Although nurturing in her perspective, Cinthia thrives on adrenaline. "If there's no adventure, it's boring to me," she laughs. "I love riding on the edge, getting lost, and navigating our way back." One of her favorite memories was a recent hike near Causey Reservoir. "There was something for everyone- water, mountains, fish, flowers, and seclusion. Everyone had a challenge. Everyone had success."
Eighteen-year-old Caleb finds the outdoors to be a powerful source of mental clarity and connection. "Disconnecting from everything is one of the reasons I love doing things with my family outdoors," he says. "Nature compels you to turn it off, put it down, and watch the world come alive."
Caleb enjoys solo hikes to reflect and meditate, often bringing a hammock to relax in. He especially enjoys the family's annual hike to see the salmon run at Causey Reservoir. "I love fish, so watching their life cycle was extra special--being there with my family made it even better."
Seventeen-year-old Luke brings a motor-loving, music-infused passion to the family's outdoor time. "Being outdoors with my family is normal to me. I don't remember a time living in the city," he says. "It's just part of what we do."
Luke finds peace and energy while snowboarding on Christmas Eve, a family tradition. "Horse-power speaks to me," he says. "I enjoy an actual horse, but it's not the same as the roar of an engine." A recent solo motorcycle ride towards Monte Cristo led to a surreal moment. "A moose ran alongside me for part of the way. It was like something out of a dream."
Thirteen-year-old Levi is learning the value of effort and teamwork through outdoor challenges. "One of the things I like about being outside with my family is that we communicate better," he says. "My dad makes us leave all screens in the car, which is hard, but it makes us work together."
Levi recalls a memorable hike up Ben Lomond. "My dad woke me up at 3 a.m. so that we could start in the dark," he says. "When we reached the top, he took a picture of me holding the American flag. You could see forever." Though the descent was tricky, it was a moment of pride. "I began to find a love for hiking that day."
And then there's Walker, age 9-the youngest and most observant of the group. For him, outdoor time means connection with his older brothers. "It's one of the only times I get dedicated time with them," he says. "They can be swamped, but when we schedule family time, it means we're all together."
One of Walker's favorite memories is fishing with his brothers and without his parents. "Our cousin was in town, and we wanted to show him cool places near Ogden. We spent hours laughing and playing. I don't remember if we caught any fish, but I loved being with my brothers."
For the Irvine family, the outdoors is more than just a backdrop — it's where values are taught, relationships are deepened, and life is fully lived. Whether it's summiting peaks before sunrise, snowboarding on Christmas Eve, riding with a moose, or simply casting a line with a brother, each experience becomes a thread in the fabric of their family identity. In a world that often pulls people apart, the Irvines have discovered that nature has a way of drawing them closer, not just to the wilderness, but to each other.
"Getting outdoors allows me to interact with each individual in my family and to see their personality." -Cinthia Irvine
"In a world where technology continues to expand its reach, it has become more and more important to our family to unplug, and the outdoors is the perfect excuse." -Joshua Irvine