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Mobile appsMedium2 weekendsUnder $100Mobile app

Trail Check In

Tell a friend your hike plan, and they get a text if you are not back on time.

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The idea

Solo hikers often forget to tell anyone where they are going. Set your trail, start time and expected return, and pick a contact. If you do not check in by the deadline, the contact gets a text with your plan and last known location.

Who it is for
Solo hikers, trail runners and backcountry skiers
How it makes money
Subscription for text alerts
Suggested stack
Expo (React Native), Supabase for login and data
Launch cost
Under $100

Your first AI prompts

Paste these into Claude, Cursor or Lovable, in order. Check that each one works before moving on.

PROMPT 1 OF 3

Build an Expo app called Trail Check In. Start with login, an Emergency Contacts screen (name, phone) and a New Trip form with trail name, trailhead location on a map, start time, expected return, and a notes field for gear and car details.

PROMPT 2 OF 3

Store trips in Supabase with status (active, checked in, overdue). Add a big I Am Back button. Run a Supabase scheduled function every 5 minutes that finds overdue trips after a grace period and sends a Twilio text to the contacts with the plan and last shared location.

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PROMPT 3 OF 3

Add periodic location pings while active if the user allows it, a trip history, and a subscription that covers the text costs.

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The 10 step playbook

  1. 01Claim your ideaPut your name on it and unlock every prompt and the full playbook. Always free.
  2. 02Domain and nameBrainstorm a short name, check the .com, and register it.
  3. 03Trademark basicsSearch for conflicts before you fall in love with the name.
  4. 04AI build kickoffPaste the prompts below into Claude, Cursor or Lovable, one at a time.
  5. 05Server and hostingPick a host and have your AI walk you through setup.
  6. 06Backend and dataLogins, database and payments, one prompt at a time.
  7. 07Frontend and designScreens, colors and a simple logo that look professional.
  8. 08Go livePut it online, then submit to the App Store and Google Play if it is a mobile app.
  9. 09Marketing planLaunch posts, local outreach and your first 100 users.
  10. 10Launch and growShip it and add your live link to earn the Shipped badge.
Your full playbook for Trail Check InEvery step spelled out for this idea, with the exact prompts to paste into your AI.
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