Exploring the National Parks (Dirt In My Shoes)

It’s finally October, which means it is prime leaf-peeping season!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are excited to talk about one of our favorite leaf-peeping parks - Great Smoky Mountains National Park! 

If you are looking forward to learning five fun facts that will enhance your visit to the Smokies, this is the episode for you.

Join us as we cover: 

• The fascinating roots of the Great Smoky Mountains

• The tallest point in the Smokies 

• The life and biodiversity in these mountains

• The native trees that you can find in this park

• The rich human history in this area 

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Great Smokies! This park is truly life-giving, not only for creatures and plants but for the people as well. 

We hope you get a chance to get out there and explore these mountains for yourself in the near future! And if you need any help planning your next trip, check out this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary.

Check out the full show notes here.

There’s never a dull moment when you’re hiking out in the national parks! In this episode, we are sharing Volume Two of our funny stories in the national parks, and this one centers around our most hilarious moments while hiking! 

Let’s dive into some of our funny and embarrassing moments from the trails. 

Join us as we cover: 

• The time we got punked while whale-watching

• The lengths we went to in order to find a “hair carrot” in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• The muddy puddle that was actually the lake we were looking for

We hope you enjoyed these funny stories! It’s so fun to look back on our adventures and misadventures in the parks. And hopefully, this summer, you’ll be able to go out on some hiking trails in the national parks and have some of your own adventures! 

If you need help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our favorite places to eat in the national parks, but with a Thanksgiving twist. 

Get ready for our favorite poultry, berries, and pie recommendations as we eat our way around the national parks.

Join us as we discuss: 

• Where to find the best poultry and berry sandwich you’ll ever have

• The most amazing pies you’ll find in the parks

• The topping you definitely don’t want to put on your Thanksgiving rolls this year

We hope this episode makes you hungry, and we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! 

The biggest sale of the year is here!  Starting on Black Friday, all of the Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries are on sale for 20% off.  This is the perfect time to solidify your national park trip plans for next summer!

Get your itinerary here (and don’t forget to use the coupon code parks23 for 20% off through November 28, 2023).

Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever been road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest? 

This is definitely one of our favorite sections of the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing everything we love about taking this road trip and the incredible national parks you can see along the way. 

This route spans three states and six national parks so it is definitely one you need to set aside some time for. Join us as we share our best tips for making this road trip unforgettable!

Join us as we cover: 

• Where to start with this road trip 

• What we love about Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Our preferred route to take 

• Why Avenue of the Giants is a must-see

• Our favorite ways to see the Redwoods 

• Why you should stop at the Trees of Mystery

• Our favorite stop in Crescent City 

• What you need to see at Crater Lake 

• The Oregon Coast

• Best places to stop for food 

• The most likely place for you to see a Sasquatch 

• The Twilight tour you can take in Forks 

• Why we love Olympic National Park 

• The best trails in Mount Rainier National Park 

• The best time of year to make this trip 

• Why North Cascades is such an interesting park 

• Where to go at the end of your trip

This episode provides a great starting place for structuring your own trip through the Pacific Northwest.  We can’t wait for you to get out and explore!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are California dreamin’ with some Joshua Tree National Park fun facts.

If you are looking for a warmer park to travel to this winter, Joshua Tree is the perfect location to check out. This is definitely one of those parks that you will appreciate more if you learn something about it first!

Join us as we discuss: 

• The geological forces that created this park a hundred million years ago

• The fascinating fact about the tectonic plates you are standing on in Joshua Tree 

• The two entirely different desert ecosystems that meet in Joshua Tree 

• Why we really don’t know how old Joshua trees are

• Where the name of this park comes from 

• The plant species used by the native people of the area 

We hope this episode helps you appreciate this amazing park even more! It may not seem like much at first glance, but the beauty of this park really is in the details. 

For help planning your trip to Joshua Tree, check out this list of 8 things you can’t miss on your first visit.

Check out the full show notes here.

If you love to be in the water as much as we do, this episode is for you.  We are sharing a few of our favorite swimming holes in the national parks! 

This is not a complete list, just a few of our top favorite places to cool off while visiting some incredible parks. 

Join us as we cover: 

• The best jumping dock (in the world? Yes, probably!)

• Snorkeling on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere

• The disappearing creek

Add these swimming spots to your bucket list!  They are family-friendly and will add an extra dose of adventure to your next national park vacation.

It’s summer, so go out there and have fun with your family! If you need help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you looking for a white-knuckle drive in a national park? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is for you! We are talking about the scariest roads we have ever driven in the national parks. 

We’ve driven on many roads in the national parks, and a few of them really stand out because of the fear they induced. Join us as we reminisce about our experiences and rank these scary roads! 

Join us as we cover: 

• The highest paved road in the national park system

• The road that we don’t have the guts to drive

• Our favorite road that looks scary but actually isn’t too bad

• The scariest paved road in the parks

• The coolest road to drive if you’re looking for adventure

• The most deceptively scary road we have been on

• The worst road in any national park!

So there you have it – our list of the scariest roads in the national parks ranked! 

Have you driven any of these roads, or do you have others to add to the list? You can send us a message at DirtInMyShoes.com/podcast and let us know. Safe travels, my friend!

Check out the full show notes here.

Which national park campground is the best? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a full-on WWE-style smackdown! We each picked our top five favorite campgrounds, and we are going to battle it out to see who came up with the best options. 

We were full-time RVers for three years, so we are very familiar with the national park campgrounds, and we are excited to dive into it today! 

Join us as we discuss: 

- The national monuments we both put on our lists

- The things we love about each campground we chose

- The most unique campgrounds we have stayed at

- Some fun and elusive campgrounds you want to check out

- Campgrounds you need to put on your bucket list

We hope you enjoy this National Park Campground Smackdown episode! Camping is one of the best ways to stay in the parks without spending a ton of money, so we highly recommend it! 

If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning.

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes, leave us a comment, and tell us about your favorite campground in the National Parks!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode, we are moving on to our next national park – the Everglades! This place is truly incredible. It’s not one of the heavy hitters in the National Park system, but we think it’s because many people don’t realize how awesome it is. It’s one of the most unique national parks in terms of scenery, wildlife, and climate, and we absolutely love being here. There’s so much to do, so today, we are sharing some of our favorite things in this park.

Join us as we cover:

• The best places to eat
• Where to stay when visiting
• Our favorite hikes in the area
• The gift shops you need to check out
• The coolest animals you’ll see in the area
• Our favorite plants to see in the Everglades
• The best sections of this park
• Must-see viewpoints
• What makes this such a cool park

We hope this episode gave you a great list of things you can be excited about and put on your radar for your trip to the Everglades. We’re excited to dive deeper into this beautiful park with you in the coming episodes!

Stay tuned to hear more about why we love visiting this location and our best tips for planning your trip to this park. For more resources to help you plan your trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Thinking about going somewhere fun this winter to break up the long, cold days? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! 

Today, we are sharing our favorite national parks to visit in the winter if you are looking to escape the snow. These are some of our favorite warm-weather escapes, and we are excited to share them with you today! 

Join us as we discuss: 

• The hottest and driest park that is best to visit in the winter

• The national park that we could visit every single winter

• One of our favorite parks to visit in the south

• The best national park in Utah to visit in the winter

• Where you can go in the winter and see some unique trees

• The park we weren’t expecting to love in the winter

• The perfect Hawaii national park getaway 

We hope you enjoyed hearing about our favorite national parks to visit when we need to get away from the cold. We visit at least a few of these parks pretty much every winter, and we hope you get a chance to do the same this year! 

If you want some help planning your trip to any of these national parks, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com to get started! 

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing five amazing fun facts about Badlands National Park! 

If you haven’t been here, you will want to start planning your trip when you hear about how cool this park is. Let’s dive into the history and wonder of Badlands!

Join us as we cover: 

• The geology of Badlands National Park

• Why you don’t want to miss this national park

• The paleontology and fossils you can find in this area

• The fascinating facts about the grasslands in this park

• The three major wildlife reintroductions in Badlands

• The human history in this park

• How water shapes the Badlands

Badlands National Park will absolutely surprise you, and you’ll appreciate what you’re seeing so much more after learning these fun facts.

You can find a full itinerary for Badlands and the other South Dakota parks at DirtInMyShoes.com! 

Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time for some Grand Canyon fun facts!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are taking you along with us as we discuss some of the fascinating facts about the Grand Canyon!

Whether or not you have been to the park yet, our goal with this episode is to enrich your knowledge of the Grand Canyon.

Join us as we cover:

• How the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• The universal wonder and awe of the Grand Canyon
• The elevation changes in this park
• The staircase of the Grand Canyon
• The shocking age of the rocks in this park
• The mystery at the Grand Canyon
• Why this area is the Reader’s Digest of North America
• The amazing animals you can see in this park
• The tribes that have a history in this area
• Early explorers

The human history of the Grand Canyon is ongoing. We are all part of this tradition of visiting it and standing in awe of this incredible place.

We hope this episode inspired you to get out to the Grand Canyon if you haven’t already and explore it for yourself. If you want a complete itinerary for your trip, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Wondering how to get your kids to happily hike in the national parks with you? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our top tips for hiking with kids. 

We have been hiking with kids for many years, and we love how it forces us to slow down and really appreciate the parks even more. Join us as we share our favorite strategies for hiking the national parks with little ones! 

Join us as we discuss: 

• How to choose the right trail length for kids

• How to get your kids to sleep better while on vacation

• Why the gear you get for hiking with kids matters 

• Our go-to trick to keep our kids going on trails 

• How to make hiking extra fun with storytelling

• Our favorite games to play on the trails 

• What you should never hike without 

We love taking our kids on the trails with us because it is a great way to teach them the value of hard work and the reward that they can get at the end of a hike! 

If you want some help planning your next trip to the national parks, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get hour-by-hour itineraries for the parks (they are kid-friendly). 

Check out the full show notes here.

When you think of a national park that has been on your list forever as a place you want to visit, what do you think of? For us, the answer was definitely Yosemite!

Now, having been to Yosemite many times, we never get tired of the soaring granite peaks and massive waterfalls here! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking all about exploring Yosemite National Park.

Join us as we cover:

• Our favorite areas in Yosemite
• What you need to know about driving to this park
• The must-see views on the Mist Trail
• Waterfall season in Yosemite
• Floating the river
• Biking through the Valley
• The gift shops and lodges in the area
• The underrated but beautiful bridges in the area
• What we love about El Cap
• The most iconic view of this park
• Where you can find Giant Sequoias
• What you have to see at Tuolumne Meadows
• Ash’s crazy story from the last time she hiked Lembert Dome

The beauty of Yosemite really can’t be overstated. It truly is a must-see and we hope these tips for exploring this park will make your trip memorable!

Check out the full show notes here.

Welcome to the Exploring the National Parks podcast!

We are Ash and John, and we are here to make national park planning easy. Thanks for being here for our very first episode! To get things started, we wanted to share some fun things about us that will help you get to know us a little better.

Join us as we cover:

• Ash’s favorite things about being a park ranger
• The top five adventures on John’s bucket list

This episode is light and fun, and we are so excited to share our love of the national parks with you! Tune in to hear some of our funny stories, tidbits, and dream hiking destinations.

Check out the full show notes with helpful links at: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-1-about-us/

Halloween is right around the corner, and today we are talking about some supernatural and paranormal fun in this episode of Exploring the National Parks! We are sharing our favorite creepy stories from around the national parks that we all know and love. 

These parks are incredible, and they have some pretty insane stories associated with them as well. So gather around the campfire with us for a haunted national parks tour! 

Join us as we cover scary stories from: 

• Yosemite National Park

• Yellowstone National Park

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Mammoth Cave National Park

We hope you had fun exploring the eerie side of the national parks with us! If you are ready to plan your next trip to the national parks, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com to get started!  Check out the full show notes here.

It’s going down!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing the ultimate trail rumble! Join us as we rank our favorite national park hiking trails.

Buckle up because there will be some fighting. We both made our own lists, and we are ready to see who comes out victorious!

Join us as we cover:

• An incredible immersive hike
• A great hike to take during the sunset
• Trails to see in Sequoia Kings
• Trails full of adventure and amazing sights
• A must-see trail in Yosemite
• Trails we love at Acadia
• A couple of epic trails in Mount Rainier National Park
• Our favorite mountain trails

It was so hard to rank the trails because there are truly so many amazing ones to see! But we hope you enjoy this fun ranking episode and that it will inspire you to get out on a trail somewhere.

What are your rankings? We would love to hear them! Let us know on Instagram @dirtinmyshoes.

Check out the full show notes here.

Welcome to the fun facts episode all about the Everglades!

You may not get the scale or grandeur that you get at a lot of the national parks at the Everglades, but it has some incredible views and wildlife. Join us in this episode of Exploring the National Parks as we share some amazing facts about this beautiful park that you can share with your friends and family on your next trip.

Join us as we cover:

• The surprising reason the Everglades became a national park
• How it’s actually a giant, slow-moving river
• The highest point in the Everglades
• The funniest frequently asked question about this park
• Interesting facts about crocodiles
• The human history in the Everglades

This is such a cool place in so many ways, from geology to ecosystems, habitats, creatures, and the area's history. We hope you enjoyed this conversation!

For more resources to help you plan your next trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever heard the term “parkitecture”?

You’re in for a treat because, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are chatting about all things parkitecture and park lodges.

You’ll love learning about the history of parkitecture and why you should be paying attention to it on your next trip to the national parks. We’ll also talk about our favorite national park lodges and some amazing fun facts about them!

Join us as we cover:

• What parkitecture is
• The history of this style
• What the CCC did for the parks
• The best inn in Yellowstone
• The architects that brought these lodges to life
• The amazing lodge at Yosemite
• The unexpected first jester at the Ahwahnee Hotel
• The must-see hotel in Glacier National Park
• Preservation efforts
• The fate of the sawmill at the Many Glacier Hotel
• Our favorite hotel in Mount Rainier
• The best place to stay at the Grand Canyon
• The crazy history of the Crater Lake Lodge

All of these lodges built in the “parkitecture” style are so cool and definitely worth checking out. If you want to stay in any of these lodges, we highly recommend it! They really do add to the experience of visiting the parks.

Even if you don’t stay in these lodges, you’ll see examples of parkitecture all over the country. These buildings are an amazing part of the history of the National Park Service!

Check out the full show notes here.

It’s a brand new year, and in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing what you can expect in the national parks in 2024!

Granted, things will change throughout the year, but this is an overview of how things are looking for the 2024 season. I know many of you are planning your trips right now, so our goal is to give you as much insight as possible into what you can expect this year in the parks. 

Join us as we discuss: 

- What you need to know about park reservations this year

- What to know if you are planning to camp in the parks

- Parks with upcoming construction closures you’ll want to know about

- How to prepare for wildfire season in the parks 

Remember, the parks are always changing, so it’s best to check the official NPS website often. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. If you know that you're visiting a national park in 2024, go and look at the official NPS site for that national park so you know what you need to do before you go.

You can also head over to Instagram and join Ash for a Q&A session where you can ask all of your national park questions!

Check out the full show notes here.

Welcome back to our next installment about Bryce Canyon!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going to be sharing some of our favorite adventures and misadventures from our time spent in the park. We’re excited to share these stories so that you can laugh along with us and feel like you’re on your own little Bryce Canyon vacation!

Join us as we cover:

• The time we lost my grandpa in Bryce Canyon
• The time our son belly-flopped into the orange Bryce Canyon dirt
• How we got a room at our favorite inn for $15 a night
• Our favorite story about deer
• The first time we hiked the Peek-A-Boo Loop
• Hiking in the cold
• The stars in Bryce Canyon
• Golden hour in the park
• John’s scary experience at Calf Creek Falls

We hope you enjoy this episode! We loved sharing some of our experiences, adventures, and things that have gone a little awry because we are betting you can relate to a few of them. If you want some help planning your trip, make sure to check out all of the resources we have available at Dirt In My Shoes.

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s take a trip to Ash’s favorite national park on the East Coast - Acadia National Park! If we’re being honest, Acadia is unlike anything you can see in the West. 

In this episode of Exploring the National Park, we are exploring this magical national park and all of the things that make it such an incredible place to visit. 

Join us as we cover: 

• Our favorite spots to visit in Acadia

• Why we love the Beehive Trail

• The family-friendly mountain hike with incredible views

• A fun way to experience the power of the ocean

• The Carriage Roads you can utilize in Acadia 

• Why you haven’t fully experienced Acadia if you haven’t tried the popovers

• The most famous mountain in Acadia and when you should try to see it

• Everything we love about Bar Harbor 

• The other things you need to eat at this national park

• How to find Acadia’s best-kept secret

• Where to find the nicest campground in the park and see an area most people don’t see

We hope you enjoyed this episode all about Acadia National Park! This seaside national park is truly unique and beautiful.  

In addition to all the big adventures you can have here, be sure to try the lobster, the blueberries, and the popovers!

To hear our funniest story from our time in Acadia, listen to the funniest stories episode here. If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are journeying to Ash’s favorite national park -- Grand Teton! 

Grand Teton is smaller and lesser-known than Yellowstone (its famous neighbor), but it’s gotten a lot more visibility lately and many people are discovering the magic of this gorgeous national park.

Join us as we cover: 

• The special connection Ash has to Grand Teton

• The movie that was filmed in this park

• The road where you’ll find the best Grand Teton views

• Where to stay in the Grand Teton area

• Ash’s crazy moose stories

• The road that takes you to the main viewpoints and mountains

• John’s favorite memory of Grand Teton as a kid 

• Why Grand Teton is a great place to go rafting 

• Our favorite place to eat at this national park

• Why we love Paintbrush Canyon

• Jenny Lake (and the monster you might need to watch out for)

• The best description of Cascade Canyon

• The trail that gives you the most bang for your buck

• The most magical moments we have had in Grand Teton

There are so many different things you can see in Grand Teton National Park and, in our opinion, it’s one of the greatest national parks you can see in the west. 

If you are looking for some help planning your trip to Grand Teton, pick up an itinerary – we’ve got you covered!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s take a trip to Badlands National Park! 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into all things Badlands so that you can plan your next trip to this amazing national park. 

South Dakota is one of our favorite places to go on family vacations because there is so much for everyone to do no matter who you are or what you like. So we are so excited to take you along today as we explore Badlands! 

Join us as we cover: 

• What Badlands actually is

• Hikes in Badlands that you can’t miss

• What it’s like to camp in Badlands and why you need to spend time looking at the stars

• Stops to make while in this park

• The open hike policy at Badlands

• The best overlooks and viewpoints in this park

• The effects of lighting on this park

• The off-the-beaten-path stops you can make at Badlands

• Why your trip isn’t complete without a trip to Wall Drug

• The fascinating stop you’ll want to make in this area

We hope you enjoyed this episode all about Badlands! This is such an underrated but incredible park and we know you’ll have so much fun on your next trip!

If you want to check out the new itinerary for Badlands and the other South Dakota parks, you’ll find it at DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever visited South Dakota? 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring one of our favorite places to visit in this state – the Black Hills! We could honestly spend so much time here because we just can’t get enough. 

You will never run out of areas to explore in the Black Hills, and today, we’re talking all about our favorite places to go and things to do if you’re visiting this area of South Dakota.

Join us as we cover: 

• The understated beauty of Wind Cave National Park

• What we love about Jewel Cave

• Things to do in Custer

• Wildlife sightings and scenic drives in Custer State Park

• Why the Crazy Horse Memorial is a must-see

• Other cities nearby that you can visit

• Our favorite town in the Black Hills

• The old west experience in Deadwood

• Why we love Devils Tower in Wyoming 

There you have it!  This list of places will give you a nice well-rounded experience on your trip to the Black Hills. 

If you need help planning your trip, we’re here for you! You can find everything you need to make your dream trip a reality at DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Today, we are sharing some funny stories from our adventures! We’ve spent a lot of time camping in the national parks, and we are sharing our most humorous moments from those camping trips in this episode.

Join us as we cover: 

• The Beetle Armageddon of Sequoia Kings

• Sitting in our skivvies in Big Bend

• Nuclear bananas and radioactive mice in North Cascades

We hope you enjoyed Volume One of our funny stories from the national parks! Despite these wild stories, these incredible parks make all the crazy (and gross) experiences worth it. 

Join us next week for more national park fun, and head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your next trip!

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to start trip planning for the Everglades?

We love talking about trip planning, and we are so excited to help you make your trip happen. This national park is amazing because it’s a great place to visit during the winter when you’re tired of the cold weather. It’s warm, beautiful, and a really cool place to visit!

Join us as we talk through everything you need to know about visiting the Everglades so that you can make your trip a reality.

Join us as we cover:

• Where the Everglades is located
• Must-do activities in this park
• Crowd levels to expect
• Travel tips
• What you need to know about closures
• The best time to visit
• How many days to visit
• Other things to see in the area
• The best places to stay
• The coolest ranger programs in this park

There is so much for you to try out on your trip to the Everglades! If you want some more guidance on your options, make sure to check out my resources at DirtInMyShoes.com. I created an article that splits up the different activities so that you can choose exactly what you’re looking for. I also have plenty of other in-depth articles about the Everglades to assist you every step of the way!

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn about a few more of our favorite places to cool off in the national parks? 

This is part two of the best swimming holes that the National Parks have to offer. This isn’t an all-inclusive list – we truly love so many swimming places in the parks!  

But today, we are sharing three more of our top favorite places to cool off after a long hike. Let’s discuss the best places for a swim during your next trip!

Join us as we cover: 

• The swimming spots with the best views in Grand Teton

• The can’t-miss swimming spot in Redwood National Park

• Where to swim in the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest 

We hope you enjoyed hearing about the best refreshing places to take a swim and cool off in the national parks. 

If you want more ideas, make sure you listen to part one of the best swimming holes in the parks. If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into one of the parks we get the most questions about - Yellowstone!

Since everyone starts trip planning after the holidays, we figured this was the perfect time to tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful park in case you’re heading there this year. So come along as we explore Yellowstone!

Join us as we cover:

• What we love about Old Faithful
• Why Grand Prismatic is so cool
• Why the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must for your first trip
• Our favorite viewpoint in the Canyon area
• Hiking trails you don’t want to miss
• Food to try while visiting Yellowstone
• What we think of the “Great One Buffalo”
• Our favorite things about the Norris Geyser Basin
• The wildlife you can find in Lamar Valley
• The differences between the northern and southern loop

It’s really amazing how many cool things you’ll see as you drive through Yellowstone! This episode is a helpful introduction to this national park.

If you’re wondering what to do now, I have a full Yellowstone itinerary available to help you plan the perfect trip. You can check it out over at DirtInMyShoes.com. We can’t wait for you to make some amazing memories with your family!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about one of the greatest road trips in America!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about what we consider to be one of the top road trips that you can take -- the Grand Circle. This amazing road trip includes nine western national parks!

You get to see some truly cool stuff on this route, and we are so excited to be sharing what we love about it today.

Join us as we cover:

• Where to start when road tripping the Grand Circle
• Cool things to do in Zion National Park
• What you have to see at Bryce Canyon
• Our favorite stops along Highway 12
• What we love about Kodachrome State Park
• What’s so amazing about Capitol Reef National Park
• Why Goblin Valley is a must-see
• Why you should check out Little Wild Horse Canyon
• What to check out if you love Native American art
• What you need to do at Arches National Park
• The views in Dead Horse Point State Park
• The districts in Canyonlands
• The most underrated park that you need to visit
• Why we love the Million Dollar Highway
• The coolest things about Mesa Verde
• Why you should stop at Chaco Canyon
• Other off-route stops you might want to check out
• The amazing fossils at Petrified Forest National Park
• Why you should spend some extra time exploring the Grand Canyon

This epic road trip takes you through four different states and nine national parks. You really get the best of the southwest by traveling along the Grand Circle!

Check out the full show notes here:

Let’s talk about food in the national parks!

One of the top requests we have received on this podcast is to talk about food. So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about three of the most memorable places to eat in the national parks. 

Join us as we cover: 

• Where you can find the most heavenly blackberry butter

• Where to get a hearty mountain man breakfast

• The “famous” ice cream you should pass on

There are so many amazing places to eat in the national parks, and some not-so-great options as well.  We hope these recommendations help you discover some delicious food on your next trip!

If you need help planning your next national park vacation, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn some cool fun facts about Yosemite National Park?

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the nitty-gritty details of Yosemite. This incredible park has such an amazing story – it not only has great geologic history, but it has a fascinating human history as well!

Join us as we cover:

• The granite you can find in this park
• The cool history of the valleys in this park
• The mystery of Half Dome
• Fascinating water facts about this park
• What makes the Tuolumne Meadows so special
• The changing landscape
• The incredible trees you can find here
• Why fire is required
• The value of the land

Yosemite National Park has played a massive role in the conservation and preservation of beautiful places all over America. This episode will enrich your appreciation for this amazing national park before your next visit!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about volcanoes in the national parks!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about one of the earth’s most powerful forces - volcanoes!

We are so excited to dive into this topic and discuss the coolest volcanoes and where you can see them. Join us as we share some of the most underrated places that have the best volcanoes.

Join us as we cover:

• The king of all national parks when it comes to volcanoes
• Our favorite things to do when we are visiting Hawaii Volcanoes
• What we love about Mount Rainier
• The incredible Cascade Mountain Range
• Fascinating facts about Mount Mazama
• What we love about Lassen Volcanic National Park
• The volcano you can drive to the top of in Maui

We hope you enjoy this episode! We love visiting these national parks and standing in awe of these fiery giants, and we hope you get the chance to as well.

Do you have a favorite volcano site? Let us know! And if you want to hear more about the Yellowstone supervolcano, be sure to check out the Yellowstone Fun Facts episode (#12) to find out more.

Check out the full show notes here.

How do you become a park ranger?

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are answering this question! As a former park ranger, Ash has some insight into what it takes if you want to get started in the park service. 

Join us as she walks through the process of becoming a park ranger for anyone who wants to begin an exciting new career!

This episode covers: 

• The different types of park rangers

• Special hiring programs 

• A cool and unique park ranger job that could help you get your foot in the door

• The quintessential park ranger job

• A great entry-level position in the park service

• Reasons to start out at a smaller park

• Admin positions you can get in the parks

• The wildlife and science techs that work in the parks

• The park police that help keep people safe

• Different hiring programs you can check out

• How to become a volunteer in the parks

• Where to find job listings and when to apply for them

• Tips for the hiring process

There are a lot of different ways to find your way into the career that you want, and we hope this episode was helpful! We really want to make park ranger jobs accessible to everyone. Be sure to check out usajobs.gov to find the available job listings for the different parks!

Check out the full show notes here.

Ready to get Rocky Mountain high? We are heading over to Colorado for this episode of Exploring the National Parks! 

We recently got back from visiting Rocky Mountain National Park again, and we had such an amazing time. Join us as we share some of our favorite spots, hikes, things to do, and more! 

Join us as we cover: 

• Everything you need to know about the Bear Lake area

• The hike that you can’t miss at this park

• Why you should be taking the afternoon thunderstorms very seriously

• How to prepare for possible altitude sickness

• All of the incredible hiking trails you can check out at this park

• The food in Bear Lake…or lack thereof!

• The famous creepy hotel you can visit during your trip

• Places to camp in Rocky Mountain and the best places to see elk

• The star of Rocky Mountain National Park - The Trail Ridge Road

• What to keep in mind when it comes to elevation in Rocky Mountain

• The insanely cool krummholz trees you can find in this park

• The best side of the park for seeing moose

• What we love about Grand Lake 

• The trail where you get the most bang for your buck

Hitting the trail in Rocky Mountain is where you really see the magic, so we hope you get a chance to get out there and see it for yourself! Any extra time you can spend seeing mother nature in action is humbling, especially while you’re in these mountains. 

If you are ready to start planning your trip to Rocky Mountain, we have you covered. Head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you hoping to show your kids the beauty and wonder of the national parks? We are sharing our favorite parks to explore if you have toddlers or young kids in your adventure group! 

We firmly believe that it doesn't matter how young your kids are, you can have a fantastic time with them in the national parks! Sit back and relax as we share our favorite kid-friendly parks to add to your bucket list. 

Join us as we cover: 

• What makes a good park for kids? Here’s what to keep in mind

• The top 9 parks you’ll want to visit with your kids

• Where to go for epic sand adventures

• Best places to hike with kids

• Where to go if your kids want to hunt for fossils

• The perfect park for trains and animal lovers

• Gateway towns that you don’t want to miss

• Kid-friendly activities in each park

We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get out there and explore the national parks with your young kids! 

If you are looking for fun, wholesome family destinations without the work and stress, these parks are definitely for you. Check out the full show notes here.

Today we want to talk about something incredible that you can see in the parks -- fossils!

When we were full-time RVers through the national parks, we noticed some fun themes. In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the theme of dinosaurs and all of the cool fossils you can see in the parks.

As the parents of two little boys, we all geek out over stuff like this. We are excited to share our favorite national parks with fossils today!

Join us as we cover:

• Why you need to see Dinosaur National Monument
• A cool trail nearby to find dinosaur bones
• The dinosaur bones you can see at Big Bend National Park
• Some fascinating dinosaur facts
• Where to find some amazing dinosaur footprints
• The human history in some of the parks
• The footprints that were found in White Sands National Park
• The huge collection of fossils you can see at Badlands National Park
• Cool instances of people finding amazing fossils
• Why the Mammoth Site is a must-see
• Fossils of other “really cool stuff” you have to see
• What’s cool about the Guadalupe Mountains
• The fossils you can see in Petrified Forest

We hope you enjoy our journey on the “dinosaur train” around these amazing national parks!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s road trip to the national parks in the Canadian Rockies! 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are heading up north to talk about the best Canadian national parks in the Rockies. You’ll want to set aside a couple of weeks for this trip because you definitely won’t run out of fun things to do! 

This road trip covers five different Canadian National Parks, and we are so excited to dive into them with you today. 

Join us as we cover: 

• Why this trip is the perfect addition to your trip to Glacier

• Where to begin this road trip in Canada

• The boat tour with the best views in Waterton National Park

• Where to go for a full Canadian experience

• Our favorite hike at Waterton Lakes

• The killer ants you need to watch out for

• The best stops in Waterton

• What we love about Banff National Park

• Our favorite things to do in Banff

• One of the most incredible drives we’ve ever done

• What we love about the Icefields Parkway

• Why Jasper National Park is a must-visit park

• The wildlife you’ll find in Jasper

• Our favorite areas in Yoho National Park

• Tips for getting reservations for Lake O’Hara 

• Other sites to see on your trip

We hope you enjoyed our tips for this epic road trip through the Canadian National Parks! These national parks are incredible; we know you will have so much fun if you decide to take this trip. 

If you want to learn more about Banff and Jasper, you’ll find can’t-miss articles for these parks on Dirt In My Shoes!

Check out the full show notes here.

Ready to learn some interesting facts about Zion National Park? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, John is taking the reins and sharing some Zion fun facts! 

This is a very popular national park that sees millions of visitors every year, so we are excited to dive into the history of the park and everything that makes it such a magical place to visit. 

Join us as we cover: 

• A fascinating fact about the rock layers in Zion and the Grand Staircase

• Where the Navajo Sandstone came from

• The amazing history behind all of the rock layers and the rivers in the area

• The destructive, creative, and life-giving force behind the Virgin River

• The wildlife inside this park, despite the overall lack of water in the area

• The surprisingly large amount of ferns you can find at Zion

• What happened in 1776 that put this area on the map

• The interesting human history in Zion

We hope you loved this episode and learning about Zion National Park! It is truly a magical refuge, and we hope you get to get out there and visit the park soon. 

If you are ready to plan your trip and want some help, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get our Zion Itinerary! 

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the fun facts of Acadia National Park! 

This park is probably cooler than you think, so we are excited to share what makes it such an incredible park (aside from the gorgeous views!) with you. 

Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating history that shaped this national park into the awe-inspiring location that it is today. 

Join us as we cover: 

• The massive amount of geological history missing from this park

• The three major unconformities in Acadia 

• The fascinating science behind one of the most striking features of this park

• How glaciers shaped this park into what it is today

• John’s theory of how this park ties into Greek mythology

• The human history of Acadia 

• The moment when things started to change historically in this park

• The story of how Acadia became a national park and how we can give back 

Thanks for joining us for these Acadia fun facts! We hope this inspired you to finally plan that trip out to Acadia because it is just magical! If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Raise the mast!  Swab the deck!  Arrr mateys, do you love pirates? If so, you’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! 

We are exploring a park that surprised us in every way - Dry Tortugas National Park! We have been to many historical parks, but this one was so much cooler than we expected. Everything about this area will amaze you, and we are excited to share this incredible park with you. 

Join us as we discuss: 

• The only two ways to get to Dry Tortugas (and our traumatic experience getting there!)

• The fascinating history behind Fort Jefferson and the amazing sights to see 

• Why this is one of the best places to go snorkeling and see coral and fish 

• Our experience visiting Key West and what we loved about it

• The interesting things to see and stories you can hear in this area

Though our first trip was bumpy, we can’t wait to get back – it was such a gorgeous location to visit! Add Dry Tortugas to your bucket list, and get ready to have adventures on the high seas! Check out the full show notes here.

Today on Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our top experiences while visiting the Everglades.

While it wasn’t a park that was at the top of our list of parks we wanted to visit, we were surprised at how much we enjoyed it. Every time we go back, we try something exciting and new! So join us as we dive into our adventures and misadventures inside this unique and beautiful national park.

Join us as we cover:

• Our confusing tram ride through Shark Valley
• The somewhat scary airboat tours in the Everglades
• The surprising Nike Missile Base
• How we discovered that we enjoy eating alligator nuggets
• Our adventures watching wild manatees
• The dolphins in Everglades City
• Birdwatching in the area
• The adventure that we are looking forward to going on

Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Everglades! We hope you enjoyed this conversation and can have some adventures of your own!

For more resources to help you plan your next trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories

Who’s ready to learn some Rocky Mountain fun facts?! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some fun facts about this park that you won’t find on the NPS website. 

John did some digging and found some fascinating facts, particularly about the rocks and mountains in this park. Let’s discuss what makes this national park so special! 

Join us as we cover: 

• How old these rocks really are

• Punny jokes you can make in Rocky Mountain to impress your friends your and family

• The magma that brought the amazing colors in the rocks

• The Boulder Creek Batholith

• “The force” that’s raising the Rocky Mountains

• How this area of Colorado really wanted to be like Kansas

• Why John considers Rocky Mountain the “Reluctant National Park”

• The parts of this park that are considered tundra

• The fascinating human history of this national park

We hope you enjoy these Rocky Mountain fun facts! The magic of this park is in the small details, and it truly is an incredible place to visit. 

If you are looking for help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your Rocky Mountain Itinerary!

Check out the full show notes here.

Is there a more life-giving place than Great Smoky Mountain National Park? We don’t think there is! This is the time of year this park really shines, so in this episode, we are exploring everything the Smokies have to offer. 

We know that some of you are heading out there in the next few weeks to see the fall colors, so we are excited to talk about and celebrate this beautiful national park with you!

Join us as we cover: 

• Why this park is the most visited national park in America

• The most popular part of this park that you don’t want to miss

• Our favorite waterfall hike in this park

• What you need to know about Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• What we love about Gatlinburg

• If you only have time for one trail, this is the one you want to do

• What you need to know about the trails - and how to pronounce them

• The diverse ecosystems in the park

• What to check out on the North Carolina side of the park

• The best way to get Smoky Mountain views

We hope you enjoyed exploring this stunning park with us! It is truly amazing, and it deserves all of the hype that it gets. There is so much magic in this park, and we know you’ll love it. 

If you want some help planning your trip to the Smokies and avoiding the massive crowds, grab your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary before you go!

Check out the full show notes here.

Have you visited Glacier National Park yet? 

This is one of the parks that we get the most questions about! So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring this fantastic national park and sharing our best tips for your next trip. 

We love Glacier National Park, and if you’re looking for mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, and tons of wildlife, we think you’ll love it too! 

Join us as we cover: 

• Why Going-to-the-Sun Road is the most epic national park drive

• What you’ll find on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Why Bird Woman Falls is a must-see

• Where to find the best hikes in the park

• What you’ll find on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road

• The best way to see glaciers

• Our favorite hikes on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road

• The most dangerous part of visiting this park

• Why we don’t like to use the Glacier shuttle

• Where to find the best huckleberry foods near the park

• Why you’ll love Many Glacier

• Where to spot wildlife in the park

• Our favorite plants to see in the area 

• What to check out at the North Fork Area

• Bowman Lake and huckleberry bearclaws

There are so many incredible things to do in Glacier National Park. While it is busy, there are also plenty of trails that you can go to to get away from the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. 

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Glacier National Park, head over to YouTube to see our trip-planning videos. You can also check out our itinerary to make planning your trip a breeze! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Fall is here!  The national parks are absolutely incredible this time of year because the crowds die down, the air is crisp, and the colors are vibrant. 

In this episode, we are sharing our top 10 favorite national parks to visit in the fall! *Disclaimer – this episode is heavy on the Lord of the Rings references.  If you are like Ash and can only handle so much, you can read through the full show notes instead for the list of our favorite fall parks :)

Join us as we cover: 

• Our top pick for national parks in the West this time of year

• The national park with the best personality

• The park where you can see the most fantastic fall colors

• The most overlooked national park that is perfect for a fall trip

• Why fall is the best time to be in Zion National Park

• Why Shenandoah is a must-see in the fall months

• The park that you might not think of visiting in the fall, but you definitely should

• A small but mighty national park to visit in the fall months

• A park that is simply otherworldly this time of year

• Where you can see the Northern Lights in September

We hope you enjoy this episode and are able to get out and see some of these parks this fall because the colors are truly so beautiful! 

If you need help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to check out our national park itineraries and other trip-planning resources.

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing 5 fun facts about Big Bend National Park! We recently shared our favorite activities and places to stay in this park, and today we are sharing some incredible fun facts. 

Known as a geologist’s paradise and nightmare, we are so excited to share all of the things that make this place so cool. Join us as we explore this chaotic and fascinating park!

Join us as we discuss:

- The massive events this park has been a part of in the last 340 million years

- The one thing Big Bend has that other national parks don’t 

- What makes the fossils at Big Bend so unique 

- The vast amount of species living in this national park

- What makes the human history in this park so fascinating 

From the plants, animals, and geology to the human history, there is so much to appreciate about this one-of-a-kind national park. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and participate in our poll. We want to know what part of Big Bend you are most excited to see!

Check out the full show notes here.

This is our last podcast episode of 2023, and we are Florida dreaming! Today we are sharing our favorite fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park.

This park is incredible for many reasons and might be one of the most exciting fun facts episodes we’ve ever done! This national park has a colorful history, and even though it can be challenging to get to, it’s well worth the trip.

Join us as we discuss:

- Florida’s fascinating origin story

- How biology is actually the geology of this park

- The story of how Dry Tortugas was discovered

- Why there is a surprising number of sunken ships in this national park

- The history behind why you can find the largest masonry fort in the Western hemisphere in this park

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Dry Tortugas is definitely one of the most fascinating parks we have been to, and its history is rich with pirates, ships, and treasure.

Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time for some fun facts about Grand Teton National Park! 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring everything that makes this national park amazing. 

Even though Ash was a park ranger at this park, she doesn’t know a whole lot about the geology of this incredible national park, so listen in as John teaches us about the Tetons!

Join us as we cover: 

• The youngest mountain range in North America

• The geological history of this incredible park

• The cool type of rock you’ll find in this park

• Why we love Mount Moran 

• The magma of Grand Teton

• The most interesting mystery of this park

• The cool thing about the Teton Fault 

• What the glaciers tell us about Grand Teton

• The 61 species of mammals in this area and the one that impacted this park the most

• The fascinating human history in Grand Teton

• How Grand Teton became a national park

The conservation history and natural history of this park are absolutely fascinating – it’s a place that really gets into your soul. We hope you get a chance to visit it soon! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you planning a trip to Bryce Canyon?

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our favorite things about Bryce Canyon. This national park is amazing, and we hope this episode will help you plan and enrich your next trip as we dive into some of our must-do’s in this beautiful park.

Join us as we cover:

• Our favorite restaurants and food
• The best places to stay
• Our favorite hikes
• The best gift shops
• Animals in the park
• Coolest plants in the area
• Our favorite gateway towns
• The best areas in the park
• Top viewpoints
• What makes Bryce Canyon so cool
• Unique experiences we love at the park

As you can tell, we are huge fans of Bryce Canyon! We go any chance we get, so we are elated by the chance to share everything we love about this park with you in this episode. If you want some help planning your trip, make sure to check out DirtInMyShoes.com. We have tons of resources for you there!

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn some fun facts about Glacier National Park? 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the amazing history and interesting geology of Glacier. This park is one of the best places to get outside and have an adventure, and you’ll love it even more if you know these five fun facts! 

Join us as we discuss the geology, history, and other amazing facts that make this park the incredible national park it is. 

Join us as we cover: 

• How this park was formed

• Why the Lewis Overthrust is so cool 

• What ancient algae tells us about this area 

• The impact glaciers have on the area 

• Why they named it Glacier National Park

• How climate change is impacting the glaciers

• Where the precipitation from this park goes

• The different ecosystems you can find in Glacier 

• The fascinating human history in this area 

• The most important people involved in the preservation of the park

We hope you enjoy these fun facts about Glacier National Park and that it enriches your next trip to this incredible place. 

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Glacier National Park, head over to YouTube to see our trip-planning videos. You can also check out our itinerary to make planning your trip a breeze! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Looking for an adventure? We have just the park for you! In this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the incredible Zion National Park. 

We have been fortunate enough to spend a ton of time in this park, and it’s probably our favorite place for anyone looking for a stunning and high-adventure national park to visit. If done right, this is one of the most memorable places to visit, so we are excited to explore this incredible park with you today! 

Join us as we cover: 

• Why Zion is such a great place to visit

• What you need to know about the Zion Lodge

• Everything you can see and do in this area 

• Where to find the best views in Zion

• Our favorite things to do in Zion Canyon 

• Tips for how to do this park if you want to bring your kids

• What you need to know before hiking Angels Landing 

• Our favorite trails in Zion

• The smaller, lesser-known places to visit in this park

• The best food in this area 

• Our favorite surprising area in Zion 

We hope you enjoyed exploring Zion National Park with us. You really can’t go wrong with this park – it will blow your mind! You’ll have some adventures that you’ll never forget. 

If you are ready to plan your trip and want some help, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get our Zion Itinerary! 

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas.

Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You’re going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together.

Join us as we discuss: 

- What makes this lonesome park so special 

- Our favorite sections of Big Bend

- The closest gateway towns to Big Bend

- Tips for visiting Mexico while you’re at this park

- The incredible mountains you can see in the area

- Where to stay while visiting Big Bend

- Our favorite trails to hike

- The unexpected wildlife and fossils you’ll find in the area

- The most stunning canyon you’ll find in Big Bend

- Our favorite restaurants in the area 

We hope you love hearing all about Big Bend. If you are thinking about visiting this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your trip. 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Go to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page to join in on the fun!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head to California to explore a park that is amazing to visit this time of year- Joshua Tree National Park! 

This incredible park has some truly unique trees that will make you feel like you stepped straight into a Dr. Seuss book. Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see if you are in this area of California!

Join us as we discuss: 

• Where to actually find the Joshua Trees

• Tips for exploring the Mojave Desert 

• The date shake you can’t miss when visiting this park

• Rock climbing adventures in Joshua Tree 

• The culture shock you might get in this park 

• How to find a little solitude during busier times of the year

• Our favorite trails in the park

• Tips if you are visiting with your kids 

• The best restaurants in Joshua Tree 

The vibe and culture of Joshua Tree National Park is definitely different from other parks, but it is absolutely worth a visit! 

The trees are incredible and unique, and rock climbing is a must! If you need help planning your trip to Joshua Tree, make sure to visit dirtinmyshoes.com to get started.

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s explore Mount Rushmore!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are focusing on the iconic and historic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. 

We’re sharing some fun facts about Mount Rushmore and the different things you can do there beyond just parking, seeing the mountain, and leaving. Join us as we dive into this amazing, historical location! 

Join us as we cover: 

• The goblin-like name of the sculptor of Mount Rushmore

• The difference between the completed sculpture and the original design

• The size of the heads of the presidents

• Why this site was constructed

• How this mountain got its name

• What the creator was famous for before doing Mount Rushmore

• Why they chose the people they did for this mountain

• Fun things to do at Mount Rushmore

There you have it! Mount Rushmore is such an amazing historical site and there is more to do here than just looking at the mountain. 

We hope you found this episode helpful and that you are excited to plan your next trip to Mount Rushmore.  If you want to check out the new itinerary for Mount Rushmore and the other South Dakota parks, head over to Dirtinmyshoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

We are firm believers that the national parks are a people-watching phenomenon, and you will see things there that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. (And we aren’t talking about nature - we’re talking about stupid behavior!) 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing some of the wildest things that we have seen in the parks. Join us for National Park Visitor Bingo and Two Truths and a Lie as we share the good, the funny, and the bad! 

Join us as we cover: 

• National Park Visitor Bingo

• The craziest things we see every time we are in the parks

• Two Truths and a Lie

• The people who put the wild in wildlife

• The things people do for social media 

• Why the buffalo is the king of beasts

• Sports in the parks

• Yes, the water in Yellowstone is boiling

• Dumb things the park service has done

Many of these things are funny, but the way that we interact with these national parks has a big impact, so it’s important to know what to do and what not to do! 

Be sure to pick up your National Park Visitor Bingo Card and see the full show notes here.

Is there anything more fascinating to us than falling water? We absolutely love waterfalls! So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of the best national parks to visit if you want to see waterfalls and some of the best waterfalls that you can’t miss. 

If you are ready to go on a waterfall-chasing adventure, this episode is for you! 

Join us as we cover: 

• The six best national parks for seeing waterfalls 

• Our favorite tall waterfalls

• The most scenic waterfalls

• Where to find the most powerful waterfalls

• Waterfalls with the best colors

• The splashiest waterfalls

• Waterfalls with the most adventurous routes

We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get to check out some of these amazing waterfalls on your next trip to the national parks. We would love to hear from you! What are your favorite waterfall parks? 

Leave us a comment and let us know at dirtinmyshoes.com/podcast. And if you love the show, we would love it if you left us a 5-star review!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are revisiting one of John’s favorite topics- food! This is Volume 2 of our favorite food that you can find in and near the national parks. 

Food is a huge part of traveling, so we want to make sure you don’t miss any of the delicious eats in the national parks you visit. Join us as we share two great places to eat and one that didn’t quite meet our expectations. 

Join us as we cover: 

• The restaurant you can’t miss in Astoria 

• The best place to get Sonoran hot dogs in Tucson

• The donut shop in Shenandoah that didn’t live up to the hype for us

We hope you enjoyed hearing about our top three picks in this episode! If you head to any of these parks, make sure to stop in and try it for yourself because, hey, what’s a trip without good food?? 

For help planning your next trip to the national parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com!  And if you want to listen to National Park Foods Volume 1, you can find it here.

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head to the top of Angels Landing! 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are covering one of the most epic and well-known hikes in the whole national park system, Angels Landing in Zion National Park! 

This trail has quite a reputation, and it does not disappoint. Join us as we give you all the details and share why this trail is one you can hike with your whole group (yes, everyone!) and a must-do if you are visiting Zion.

Join us as we cover: 

• Why this trail is the most popular in the park

• What you need to know about hiking this trail

• What to do if you don’t want to hike the full trail

• Chicken’s Landing

• The incredible views you get at the top of this trail

Don’t let this trail scare you away! No matter if you hike part of the way or go all the way to the top, it is incredibly rewarding and the views truly can’t get any better. 

Just getting on this trail will change your whole perspective of Zion National Park. If you need help planning your trip to this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com.

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to plan your trip to Bryce Canyon?

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our best trip-planning tips so that you can plan the trip of your dreams to Bryce Canyon. If your love language is trip planning, then this episode is for you! Let’s talk about how you can make your trip to the park a reality.

Join us as we cover:

• Where Bryce Canyon is located
• Some Bryce Canyon stats
• How to get to the park
• Why Bryce Canyon is amazing to visit year-round
• Our favorite time to visit
• When to go if you’re looking for unique experiences
• How many days to stay at Bryce Canyon
• Where to stay
• The best activities to do in Bryce Canyon

If you’re ready to plan your trip, you want first to decide when you want to go and how many days you want to be there. From there, you just need to make your lodging arrangements, and you’re pretty much set!

If you’re looking for help to ensure you don’t overlook anything or make any mistakes that can be avoided, make sure to check out all of my resources at DirtInMyShoes.com. We love trip planning, and we are here to help you in any way that we can!

Check out the full show notes here.

Ready to explore the Grand Canyon?

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our favorite hikes and things to do while exploring Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon is such an iconic location. It’s known all over the world, even by people who don’t usually visit national parks! It’s on virtually everyone’s bucket list, which is why we are so excited to be diving into this episode and sharing what we love about it.

Join us as we cover:

• Things to see on the South Rim
• The coolest trails you have to check out
• Tips for escaping the crowds
• Our must-see viewpoints
• Cultural demonstrations you can see in this park
• Wildlife you can see in the area
• Our favorite trail in the park
• Hiking to the bottom
• What we love about the North Rim
• What you need to know about the puddles and mud at the Grand Canyon

We love both rims of the Grand Canyon – they each have so much to offer. We can’t wait for you to get out there and enjoy this park too.

Get on the trail, even just for a second, because it will change the way you see it!

Check out the full show notes here.

As one of the most intriguing and *potentially* deadly volcanoes in America, Mount Rainier has been on people’s radars for a long time.  So today, we're thrilled to be delving into the wonders of the one and only Mount Rainier National Park! 

This incredible mountain and its surrounding area was created as the fourth national park in the United States! And after our first visit, it quickly earned a spot in our top five favorite national parks. Towering majestically over the surrounding cities, Mount Rainier is impossible not to love! So join us as we explore everything that makes this park such a phenomenal place to visit.

• Sights to see and things to do on the Paradise side of Mount Rainier
• The best places to see waterfalls in Mount Rainier
• The healing power of nature 
• The biggest mistake people make when visiting this park 
• Tips for hiking our favorite trail in the park 
• Other trails and sights in the area
• What you can’t miss on the Sunrise side of the park 
• How to get to the most epic viewpoints 
• Where to stay when you visit 

We hope you enjoyed exploring Mount Rainier with us! This national park will blow you away, and we hope you get a chance to get out there soon. 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Sunrise or Paradise?! Paradise or Sunrise?! We are posting photos so you can see what each area looks like, and you can tell us which one you prefer - even if you haven’t been there yet! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

We are exploring Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park in this episode of Exploring the National Parks. This unique national park is for anyone who loves history, especially the fascinating story of the people native to the Southwest!

Mesa Verde is a sacred homeland to 26 different Native American tribes, and it protects the heritage of these incredible people. It represents such an important part of our history as Americans, and we are so excited to dive into this truly special and sacred national park with you today! 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The amazing architecture you’ll see in this park
• Some helpful reminders for the drive when visiting this park
• What to skip while you’re in this park and what you can’t miss 
• The must-see sights on the Mesa Top Loop 
• What makes the Cliff Palace Loop the best part of the park
• Our top favorite tour to take in Mesa Verde 
• Where to get the best tacos in Mesa Verde 
• Construction to watch out for 
• Why we love Long House 
• The gateway towns to check out near Mesa Verde 

We hope you get the chance to visit Mesa Verde! It’s such an incredible park to visit with so much history. Plan to visit for a couple of days, and be sure to get your advanced reservations if you want to tour the cliff dwellings!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and check out our photo of the Balcony House ladder. Would you climb it?! Leave a comment and let us know.

Check out the full show notes here.

Want to explore the national parks but on a tight budget? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! 

Visiting the national parks is actually a great option for you if you love to travel but don’t have a ton of money to spend on it. We are sharing all of our top tips for traveling to the national parks while spending as little money as possible! 

Join us as we discuss: 

• The benefits of an annual pass
• When to travel for the most savings
• Why we love camping in the parks 
• How to save on meals in the national parks
• Ways to save on gas when traveling to national parks
• Taking advantage of all of the free activities in the parks
• Days you can visit the parks for free
• The benefits of visiting the smaller national parks or national monuments

We hope you enjoyed these money-saving tips that will help you travel to the parks on a budget!  If you need any help planning your trips to the parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary. 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What is your favorite tip for visiting the national parks on a budget? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

Aloha friends! Today’s episode takes us on a journey across the ocean to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park! 

This park protects some of the most active volcanoes in the world – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It's crazy that you can get this close to these epic volcanoes when you visit this national park! Join us as we explore our favorite spots in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park together.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Where to go if you want to see the lava lake
• Why this park is constantly changing
• Where to stay and what to eat while visiting this national park 
• Ash’s favorite shave ice stop on the Big Island
• Can’t miss sights along the Crater Rim Drive
• What is so cool about these volcanoes, specifically 
• How you can witness the building process of the Hawaiian Islands

This park isn’t a huge national park, but it is constantly exploding and expanding. We hope you get the chance to experience Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park soon!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Would you visit Hawai’i Volcanoes during the big eruptions in hopes that you get to see the lava? Or are you more comfortable visiting when things are a little bit quieter? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

Check out the full show notes here.

We have a confession: Death Valley wasn’t even close to the top of our travel bucket list. But once we arrived, we were blown away—it exceeded every expectation! 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this underrated gem. If Death Valley isn't on your radar yet, we encourage you to bump it up because you’ll be shocked by how cool this park actually is!

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The special connection between Death Valley and Star Wars
• The best time of year to visit for an unforgettable experience
• How to see what Earth truly looks like at Death Valley
• Where to find the most breathtaking views in the park
• Our favorite hiking trails you can’t miss
• The one spot that should be at the top of your must-see list
• What you’ll find in the main hub of the park
• Hidden gems on the northern side of the valley
• What to know if you’re hunting for the famous “racetracks” of Death Valley
• Where to find the iconic Star Wars sand dunes

We hope you enjoyed exploring this uniquely amazing park with us! We are determined to get you to visit this park because it truly is incredible. 

Don’t forget your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and check out the Star Wars locations at Death Valley and tell us which you are most excited to see!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going to dazzle you with some fun facts about Mount Rainier National Park! 

This mountain has thrumming energy, but it is hard to properly explain the feeling you get when you experience Mount Rainier National Park. Whether you are hiking on the mountain or seeing it from afar, this volcano draws attention! 

We are thrilled to dive in today and share some of the fun facts that make this national park so impressive. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Where this mountain ranks amongst the other mountains in the U.S.
• How old this mountain really is (the answer will surprise you!)
• Why Mount Rainier is considered such a hazardous volcano
• Why this mountain is one of the most glaciated peaks in the Lower 48
• The surprising number of climbers that actually make it to the top of Mount Rainier

These fun facts will absolutely enhance your next visit to Mount Rainier, or if you haven’t been yet, they will inspire you to put a trip to this phenomenal national park on your calendar! 

We absolutely love Mount Rainier National Park, and every time we see this mountain, we feel elevated and awe-struck! We hope you get the chance to visit soon, too! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! When you think of Mount Rainier, do you think of looming danger or an exciting adventure? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

Check out the full show notes here.

It’s that time of year again — time to start thinking about Yellowstone National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we discuss the amazing wildlife that can be seen in Yellowstone. 

The wildlife in this park is incredible. It’s the North American Safari! Join us as we explore the top spots in Yellowstone to see wildlife, with a sprinkle of wildlife-themed dad jokes along the way! 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The unmatched spot in this park to see the best wildlife 
• Where to find the most buffalo
• The best spots to see wolves 
• Our favorite places to see grizzly bears 
• The one place to go if you want to see some elk 
• The different types of birds you can see in the park
• Where to see the fastest animals in North America 
• The best times of year to see these animals

We hope you enjoyed hearing about the wildlife in Yellowstone. This park is packed full of amazing wildlife, and we hope you get the chance to see it this year! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Have you had a wildlife encounter in Yellowstone? Tell us about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are headed back to one of our favorite National Parks — Mesa Verde! We are diving into the fun facts about this park and focusing on the people who lived here. 

The incredible human history in this area is what this park is all about, and we are so excited to share it with you! Join us as we take a deep dive into the Ancestral Puebloans who called Mesa Verde home. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The surprising number of cliff dwellings in this national park
• The number of tribes that have special ties to Mesa Verde 
• The largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde 
• The insanely cool things that archeologists have found in this park
• The magic and the mystery of this park

This park protects the heritage of our country in a sacred and beautiful way, and it’s up to us to learn about it and how we can preserve it.

We hope these fun facts will help you cherish this amazing place as you explore it with your family and friends! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Do you think Long House is the *actual* largest cliff dwelling in North America? Or do you stand by the NPS and vote for Cliff Palace? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and cast your vote!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring a park that is near and dear to our hearts – Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska! 

Ash worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay and has so many amazing experiences to share about living in this part of Alaska! This national park has tidewater glaciers, massive mountains, and wildlife galore, so we’re excited to explore Glacier Bay with you! 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Our special connection to this national park
• The unique route you need to know about if you want to visit this park
• The thing that makes Glacier Bay so cool 
• The best place to see humpback whales in this park 
• The incredible wildlife in this area
• The best way to see this park 
• Our favorite spots in Glacier Bay 
• What you can expect with the weather in this area
• The cool thing about the glaciers in this national park 
• What to do at Bartlett Cove 
• Our favorite trails in this national park 
• What you need to know if you plan to go fishing in Glacier Bay 

We hope you love this episode and learning about all of the incredible sights that Glacier Bay has to offer! This park is truly phenomenal so we hope that everyone gets a chance to visit. 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What wildlife are you most looking forward to seeing in Glacier Bay? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we interviewed another park ranger! Meet Kelkiyana Yazzie, the  Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand Canyon National Park and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. 

Kelkiyana shares the deep cultural significance of the Grand Canyon to the tribes who have called this land home for generations. She also gives us an insider look at her role with the National Park Service, including what her job involves, the impact she makes, and so much more! 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The important work Kelkiyana does at the Grand Canyon
• What makes Havasupai Gardens so special 
• The movement to restore original names in national parks
• The tribes native to the Grand Canyon area
• Kelkiyana’s favorite parts of being a Tribal Program Coordinator
• How she got her start as a National Park Ranger, plus her advice for aspiring rangers
• What makes the Grand Canyon so unique
• Whether Kelkiyana would support podracing in the Grand Canyon (you’ll love her answer!)
• The best spots in the Grand Canyon, according to a park ranger
• South Kaibab vs. Bright Angel Trails—a ranger’s take
• The number one tip for visiting the Grand Canyon

We hope you enjoy this conversation with Kelkiyana as much as we did! Hearing her perspective on the Grand Canyon’s cultural and spiritual significance was truly inspiring.

Your task for today: Add the Desert View Watchtower to your list of must-see stops when you visit the Grand Canyon! It’s the perfect place to experience the incredible Native American heritage woven into this iconic park.

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

We’re heading back to Hot Springs National Park for a deep dive into its fascinating personality and rich history! 

We’re so excited to share this episode because we’ve uncovered both the heart of Hot Springs and its undeniable swagger! This park has so much personality, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The unbelievably cool origin story of the water at Hot Springs
• How this unique area became a national park
• The ingenious system designed to cool down the thermal waters
• The shocking number of baths taken in 1946 alone
• Al Capone’s surprising connection to this park

We hope this episode helps you see Hot Springs through a whole new lens—when you dig just a little deeper, there’s so much more to discover!

Now it’s your turn! Are you planning a trip to Hot Springs? Are you more interested in the heart of it and soaking in the healing waters, or are you more drawn to its history and swagger? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to share your thoughts—we can’t wait to hear from you!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Happy Thanksgiving! For this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Great Basin National Park to share some fun facts about this amazing place! 

Great Basin is a destination where you can connect with the past and dream about the future, and we’re so excited to show you why. Join us as we explore what makes this park so incredible and its surprising connection to Pokémon—the original Pokémon, that is!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The three ways that you can define Great Basin
• Why and how this park is twice as wide as it should be
• The most fascinating thing about the rain and snow in this park
• A crazy fact about the last remaining glacier in Nevada 
• The rare phenomenon that you can find in Great Basin
• What makes the Bristlecone Pines in this park so special
• A bonus fun fact about something Great Basin has that other national parks don’t

We hope you enjoy this episode all about Great Basin! We want to hear from you— which Eevee evolution (or fun fact) excited you the most? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

And don’t forget, it’s Black Friday season at Dirt In My Shoes! This is the only time of year our itineraries go on sale, so if you’re planning a trip to a national park next year, this is the perfect time to snag one. Visit dirtinmyshoes.com and join our email list to be first in line when the sale begins!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back with another Mail From the Trail episode! 

We reached out on the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram page for your questions, and today, we’re diving into the answers.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Our thoughts on the Junior Ranger programs in the national parks
• The best parks to visit during spring break
• Where to find the top trails for snowshoeing
• Our top tips for arrival times and making reservations at the parks
• The best mementos and souvenirs to pick up during your visits

We hope you enjoy this Q&A episode! If you’re not already following us, head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and connect with us there!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Today, we’re taking you to a hidden gem that deserves to be in the spotlight—Canyonlands National Park! 

Though it’s often overshadowed by the other national park in the area (ahem, Arches), Canyonlands is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. It’s John’s absolute favorite national park in Utah, and Canyonlands offers something so unique that it rises to the top of our list. Join us as we share why! 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why Canyonlands is the ultimate make-your-own-adventure park
• The magic of the Island In The Sky District (and why you have to see it)
• Trails you can’t afford to miss
• Views that will take your breath away (literally and figuratively!)
• Everything you need to know about the Schaefer Canyon Overlook
• The terrifying experience that turned into the coolest story ever
• The ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers
• Best spots for rock climbing enthusiasts
• What makes the Needles District so special
• Must-know tips for planning your visit

We hope this episode inspires you to get out there and have your own adventure in Canyonlands National Park! 

Your task for today is to head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get the BRAND-NEW CANYONLANDS ITINERARY! Yes, it’s finally here! You can get the Canyonlands Itinerary for 25% off with code CANYON25 until February 10th at midnight MST. That’s the cheapest it will ever be, so grab it at this price while you can! 

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Let’s hit the road and travel to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking you on a journey through our home state.  This epic 10-day Utah National Parks road trip is a family favorite, and we can’t wait to show you our favorite spots.

Join us as we share a really cool sample itinerary that you can enjoy with your family while exploring Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion! 

On the episode’s itinerary: 

• The best location to start this road trip 
• How many days to spend at each national park to see everything
• The food you don’t want to miss during your road trip
• Can’t miss hikes at each national park
• The route we recommend you take to see all 5 Utah National Parks 
• Where to find the best scenery in these parks
• Other stops and towns en route that you don’t want to miss
• How to expand your trip by adding a couple of days

We hope you enjoy hitting the road with us on this epic 10-day road trip through The Mighty 5 Utah National Parks!

If you want more detailed help on what you see in these parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our itineraries for each park.

Remember to complete your task for this week! Of all the movies we mentioned in this episode that were filmed in the Mighty 5 area of Utah, which one is your favorite? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to hit the trail in Acadia National Park? Come hiking with us as we share our favorite tips for hiking the famous Beehive Trail in Acadia! 

The Beehive Trail is one of the most iconic trails in any national park. It is short but adventurous, and we are excited to dive into what makes this trail so amazing. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Why Acadia National Park is actually like Neverland
• What makes the trails at this park so cool 
• Where to park and how to get to the trailhead
• Some things you need to remember when hiking the Beehive
• What you need to know if you are considering taking kids on the Beehive Trail
• Our best tips for navigating this trail and seeing the best views

We hope you enjoy this episode all about the famous Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park. It is one of the most incredible trails you can hike in any national park, and we can’t wait for you to experience it yourself!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Look at our picture of the iron rungs on our Facebook and Instagram page and tell us – would you hike this trail? Or, if you have, is it a trail that you enjoyed? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

Check out the full show notes here.

Join us as we journey back to Alaska for some fascinating Glacier Bay fun facts! Ash, who worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay National Park, and John, who loves Glacier Bay and enjoys learning and sharing his discoveries, are here to share our unique experiences and surprise you with facts that make this park so extraordinary!

From advancing glaciers, tidal waves, scientific research, rebounding land, and fascinating wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to be on your bucket list after this podcast episode.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• What makes these the fastest-moving glaciers in the world  
• The location of the largest tidal wave recorded in history 
• Why this park was claimed by the government… for science
• How Glacier Bay went from a rocky landscape to a rainforest in record time
• The coolest thing about the wildlife in this park

We hope you enjoyed learning more about why Glacier Bay is such an unbelievable park. We also hope you can visit Glacier Bay and see it all for yourself sometime soon! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which one of these fun facts surprised you the most? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our top 5 favorite classic Yosemite Valley views. 

Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit!

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite Valley
• The most popular viewpoint in Yosemite
• Ash’s favorite Yosemite Valley view
• The best 360-degree experience in Yosemite Valley
• The most fun and unique way to see the beautiful valley 

We hope you enjoy hearing about our favorite Yosemite Valley views. If you can get to all five on your next visit to Yosemite, you’ll have some amazing photos to remember your trip by!

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! If you have been to Yosemite, what is your favorite Yosemite Valley view? Bonus points if you share photos! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Need help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite? Grab one of our Yosemite National Park itineraries!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Utah to dive into one of our all-time favorite destinations—Zion National Park! 

We’re sharing five essential tips to help you navigate Zion like a pro and make your trip truly unforgettable. This park can be a bit tricky to explore, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Tune in for must-know advice to make your Zion adventure the best it can be!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why timing is everything when visiting this park
• The one season you’ll want to avoid
• How far in advance you need to make reservations
• What you need to know about park shuttles before you go
• Why stepping out of your comfort zone at Zion is a must

We hope these tips help you plan an incredible trip! If you’re as excited about Zion as we are, don’t miss our Exploring Zion National Park and Zion Fun Facts episodes for even more insights.

Now, it’s your turn! If you’ve been to Zion, we’d love to hear your best tips for visiting the park. Let’s create a helpful thread for first-timers. Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your Zion experience with us—we can’t wait to hear from you!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Curious about potential future national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into emerging candidates that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore seven key locations where people are advocating for national park status!

Join us as we discuss: 

• What has to happen for a new national park to be established
• Seven locations that may become national parks in the future
• What makes these locations so cool
• Things to do at each of these parks 
• The fascinating history, nature, and archeology you can find in these parks 
• The benefits of having a national park designation 

We hope you enjoy learning about these potential national parks with us! If you need any help planning your next national park trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which of these locations would you vote for to be the next national park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Olympic National Park! This huge national park has so much diversity and unique qualities that we can’t wait to explore with you all. 

Plus, it’s Ash’s turn to nerd out because Forks, Washington, home to a certain sparkly vampire and werewolf from Twilight, is one of the gateway towns to this park. 

Join us as we discuss: 

• Everything you need to know about Port Angeles 
• The best way to see Hurricane Ridge and Mount Olympus
• Our favorite trails in the area 
• The things that can make or break your trip to this park
• Why we love visiting Lake Crescent 
• Where you can find good waterfalls
• Our experience in the hot springs at Olympic National Park
• Must-see stops in Forks, Washington, for Twilight lovers 
• What you need to know about lodging while visiting this area 
• The best beaches in this park
• What makes the rainforest so amazing 
• The huge Roosevelt elk you can see in the area 

We hope you enjoy exploring Olympic National Park with us! If you need any help planning your next trip, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get your Olympic National Park itinerary! 

Read the full show notes here.

How do you go to the bathroom while you’re out hiking? Surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we get!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to handle bathroom breaks on the trail. Tune in for some handy tips on relieving yourself in the great outdoors—with a sprinkle of potty humor!

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Key things to keep in mind when peeing outdoors
• The cardinal rule for peeing and pooping in nature
• Rules that will keep you out of a bad situation
• Our best tips for managing poop while out on the trail

We hope these bathroom tips keep you prepared for your next adventure—and that they give you the tools you need to only get dirt in your shoes and nothing else! 

Don’t forget your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and find the photo of my ziploc bag system. Leave your questions in the comments, or drop some extra potty jokes for John to enjoy!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Let’s explore Arches! We visit this national park at least once a year, and we never run out of things to do because there is just so much to see in the area. 

Whether it’s the well-known sights or the hidden gems, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re discussing it all. This park is truly iconic, and we hope this episode helps you plan your next trip!

Join us as we discuss: 

• Our favorite arches in the Devils Garden 
• Where to go for a quiet place to experience the arches 
• The popular arch that Ash is not a fan of
• Our tips for visiting Fiery Furnace 
• Important things you’ll want to remember before visiting this park
• Where to get the best view of Delicate Arch
• The best places to experience the sunset in the park
• Other great areas in the park to see non-arch formations
• Parts of the park to explore if you have a Jeep
• What to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Moab
• Arches entrance reservations

We hope you get the chance to explore this incredible park yourself this year!  To see the best of the park without getting stuck in the crowds, you’ll find a full Arches National Park Itinerary on the Dirt In My Shoes website.

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and show us what you like to wear when you’re out exploring the national parks. (This has a funny tie-in with the town of Moab, which we discuss near the end of the episode.)

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re mapping out the ultimate Spring Break road trip! 

Get ready for a journey through five of the most stunning national parks in the West—all packed into one eight-day adventure. This road trip is filled with amazing sights to see and things to do. Join us as we share how to make it happen this spring break!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Where to kick off your road trip for maximum adventure
• The must-see highlights of Saguaro National Park
• Perfect pit stops to make the drive even more memorable
• What makes Big Bend National Park a can't-miss destination
• An almost endless list of activities to enjoy on this trip
• What to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park 
• The location of our favorite cave in the world (it’s a must-visit!)
• How to make the most of your time at White Sands National Park

We hope you get the chance to take this road trip this spring! It will take you through five national parks in just eight days and is the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather.

Don’t forget your homework for today! Tell us, which one of these five national parks is your favorite? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving deep into the top tips you need to know before you go to Glacier National Park. 

Glacier is a truly stunning park, but it can be pretty overwhelming to plan a trip there. We'll walk you through everything from understanding the short season to scoring those coveted lodging reservations (hint: book early!). 

Plus, we'll share our insider strategies for beating the crowds and making the most of your time in this incredible park.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The tiny window of time when the park is fully open
• How to avoid getting stuck in the off-season with nothing to do
• The secret to snagging a campsite or hotel reservation
• Why you might need to set your alarm for 4:00 AM (and why it's worth it!)
• How to plan your day to avoid the busiest crowds
• How to  take advantage of Glacier's world-class mountain hiking trails

There is so much to see and do in Glacier and we hope these tips help you get out there and make the most of your trip! If you need help, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Glacier itinerary. 

Your mission for today: Do you have any Glacier tips that we missed? We want to hear from you! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your top tips for visiting Glacier National Park.  

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

If you’re excited about volcanoes, this Exploring the National Parks episode is for you!  Today,  we're diving into six fun facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

This ever-changing park is a must-see, where you can witness both destruction and creation in action. Join us as we explore the unique features that make Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park truly extraordinary!

In this episode, we discuss: 

• What makes the plants and wildlife at this park so unique 
• How people got to Hawai’i a thousand years ago
• What makes the islands of Hawai’i so fascinating 
• What the Hawai’ian Hotspot is and how it created the national park we love today
• Where you can find the largest active volcano on the planet
• Where you can find the most active volcano on earth 

We hope you are blown away by all of these cool facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (and that you get a chance to get out there and see everything for yourself). 

After all, where else do you experience two of the most incredible volcanoes on the planet?! This park constantly changes, so there is always a reason to return.  

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! We want you to pull up Google Maps and look at the satellite view of Mauna Loa! You will be blown away by what you see. 

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name parks for a minute and talk about this hidden gem that deserves to be more than just a pit stop on your Route 66 adventure. 

This is such a cool park but it is often overlooked. We're here to spill all the secrets and share why this park is absolutely worth visiting and everything that makes it so cool! 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The colors of the Painted Desert and how they'll make you feel like you're in a Kung Fu movie
• The iconic Route 66 pullout, where you can literally stand on a piece of Americana and snap a pic with a vintage Studebaker
• The lowdown on Holbrook, Arizona, the ultimate Route 66 town, and why it's basically Radiator Springs in real life (plus, John's genius diner idea!)
• The Blue Mesa trail, where you can hike through a landscape of blue badlands and petrified wood (just watch the clock!)
• The secret to exploring the Jasper Forest off-the-beaten-path routes and why you need to grab a map from the visitor center

Petrified Forest is a park that demands a little extra attention, but trust us, it’s worth it. There really is something for everyone at this park! And hey, if you’re feeling inspired to open that Route 66/Pulp Fiction/Cars diner, you know where to find us! 

Your task for today: Tell us what you are more excited about when you go to Petrified Forest? Is it the Route 66 experience or the petrified wood? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head back to Olympic National Park for some fun facts! There is so much to share about this unique national park that it was kind of hard to narrow it down to just five. 

Olympic has so many distinct ecosystems and areas that are so different from the others in this park, and we are excited to dive into what makes this park so special! 

Join us as we discuss: 

• Where the rocks at Olympic National Park come from 
• The surprising number of glaciers you can find in this park
• The plants and animals in this area that you won’t find anywhere else 
• The shocking amount of rain this park gets each year 
• The last place in this park explored and mapped in the lower 48

We hope you love learning these fun facts as much as we do! Olympic is such an incredible park, and we hope you get the chance soon to get out there and explore it for yourself. If you need any help planning your trip, get your itinerary for an hour-by-hour schedule in Olympic! 

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which national park would you have loved to discover before the explorers did? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—100 episodes! It’s also the final episode of 2024, so we’re diving into some of our favorite national park adventures from this year. 

Whether you're planning next year's national park bucket list or just dreaming of your next big trip, this episode is packed with inspiration for unforgettable experiences.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Our trip to Iceland and the national parks we visited while we were there
• The backpacking trip you can't miss and why it was one of the highlights of our year
• The number one most incredible thing we did this year- a jaw-dropping experience that left us speechless!

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey through 100 episodes of Exploring the National Parks! We hope you loved this special episode and feel inspired to make some of these adventures your own in the coming year.

And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Have you ever won the lottery for the synchronous fireflies? If so, we want to hear all about it! head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your experience with us!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the most underrated gems in the entire national park system—Great Basin! Hardly anyone talks about this park, but we absolutely love this hidden oasis in the desert. 

As the state’s only national park, Great Basin is an amazing example of the unique Nevada landscape.  So today, we’re diving into why you should make this underrated park your next destination!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The best place to stay when visiting Great Basin
• Our go-to spots for dining in and around the park
• The breathtaking sights that make this park so special
• What to expect when navigating the park’s roads
• The top trails and our favorite things to do
• The fascinating history of Great Basin’s ancient trees
• How to find the park’s glacier and what makes it so cool (literally!)
• Everything you need to know about exploring Lehman Caves, including how to make reservations
• Why the stargazing here is some of the best you’ll ever experience

Great Basin may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s one of our favorite escapes when we crave peace and quiet. It truly feels like a sanctuary for solitude! We hope this episode inspires you to put it on your bucket list.

And don’t forget your task for the week! What is your favorite of the park’s three standout attractions—the caves, the Bristlecone Pine Forest, or the glacier? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

We are doing something new on the podcast! We want to start interviewing some of the coolest people on the planet – park rangers!

For our very first interview, we are talking to Ranger Ryan Cooper, who works for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. His job is to map the Lewis and Clark Trail, so he’s basically a modern-day explorer! 

Today, he is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work as a park ranger, sharing fascinating stories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and diving into his other passion: delicious BBQ.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• How Ryan became a park ranger
• What he does on a day-to-day basis in his job 
• Cool information about the Lewis and Clark Trail
• The unique artifacts that have been found by archeologists on this trail
• The fascinating history of the expedition
• The coolest part about Ryan’s job
• The best BBQ along the Lewis and Clark Trail 

We hope you enjoy this conversation with Ryan! If you want amazing BBQ restaurant recommendations, be sure to follow Ryan on Instagram @bbqtourist. You can also check out The Smoke Sheet at bbqnewsletter.substack.com.

Let us know if you know of anyone who works for the national parks that we should interview!  We are always looking for fun and interesting people to connect with.

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Please let Ryan know that you appreciate him coming on the podcast over on his Instagram page! 

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a mailbag episode! We are diving into some of the questions we have gotten from you guys about the national parks and sharing our best tips and suggestions. 

Join us as we share our favorite camping tips, the best trails for solo hiking, park ranger Ash, and more! 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• What Beginner Campers Need 101
• How to find the best affordable camping equipment
• How to plan your meals while camping 
• Where to find the best campsites
• Where to find the best hiking trails for solo hiking
• How and why Ash became a park ranger
• The trips we have coming up on the East side of the Mississippi

We hope you enjoyed hearing the answers to some of these listener questions today. 

If you have any questions about national parks, family travel, outdoor activities, us, or anything in between, please visit dirtinmyshoes.com/podcast to leave us a message. We’ll answer them in an upcoming Mailbag episode!

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are back with another Mail from the Trail episode! 

We are diving into your burning questions about the national parks. Join us as we discuss hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, hiking trip necessities, how we decide which parks to visit, and more! 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• How to hike Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and the best time to do it
• The must-have necessities for safe and fun hiking trips 
• The national parks we haven’t been to yet and why 

Thank you so much for all of your questions today! We really appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions, send us some mail from the trail by going to our podcast page. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions! 

In this episode, we mentioned a couple of things that you might want to look at: The 10 Essentials for Hiking and the Master Reservation List.

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking a deep dive into Hot Springs National Park! 

As one of the most-visited national parks in the country, Hot Springs is a destination packed with history, relaxation, and unique experiences. Today, we’re uncovering everything that makes this incredible park so special, from its relaxing waters to its other unique experiences.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What Hot Springs is and why it is so special 
• What makes this park unlike any other national park you’ll go to
• The breweries and snacks you can get in the park
• What to expect in the different bathhouses
• Where to try the mineral water- yes, you can actually drink it! 

We hope you loved learning all about Hot Springs National Park! Don’t forget, we’ll be diving even deeper into this park in our upcoming Fun Facts episode, so make sure you tune in.

And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Which bathhouse would you choose? Or, if you’ve already been, what did you love most about your experience? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your experience with us!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into some seriously cool facts about John’s favorite Utah park—Canyonlands! 

This park often flies under the radar, but we’re here to convince you that it deserves just as much love as the other Utah parks—maybe even more! Sure, it’s right next to Arches, but Canyonlands has its own wild, rugged beauty that makes it absolutely unforgettable.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• A surprising fact about where this national park is located
• What makes the landscape here so unique
• The actual dinosaur swim tracks you can still see today
• Some fascinating facts about the park’s current ecosystem
• The unexpected group responsible for building much of the park’s infrastructure

If you haven’t been to Canyonlands yet, trust us—you will want to add it to your list! And if you are planning a visit, we’ve got you covered. Head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to grab our brand-new Canyonlands Itinerary and make your trip unforgettable.

Your task for today: Open Google Maps or Apple Maps, switch to satellite view, and zoom in on Canyonlands National Park. Just wait until you see that insane landscape—you won’t be disappointed!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

It’s time for another road trip! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we embark on an epic 10-day winter road trip to three unforgettable national parks: Zion, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. 

If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you, complete with bonus activities from John—for the sake of fun! 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The best time of year to hit the road for this trip
• What to explore in Zion National Park during the winter
• The must-see state park you shouldn’t skip along the way
• Our favorite foodie stops that are perfect for refueling
• The coolest hike that you can’t miss on this trip
• Must-do activities in Death Valley
• Hidden gems in the Mojave Preserve
• Top experiences in Joshua Tree

This road trip is the ideal winter escape for the whole family, offering the best of each park when they’re at their finest. We hope you get to experience it this year!

And now, we want to hear from you! What’s your quirky, off-the-beaten-path family road trip stop? The one only you seem to enjoy?  Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your favorites—we’re building a list!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re sharing some spooky stories written by John, inspired by the national parks! 

Whether you believe in spirits or not, these tales might just send a shiver down your spine. So gather around the campfire with us and enjoy a few ghostly encounters in your favorite national parks.

Join us for stories about:

• A skinny-dipping ghost at Indiana Dunes National Park
• The Lady of the Lake at Olympic National Park
• A creepy ghost town in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

We hope you enjoy our Halloween tradition of sharing national park ghost stories! Have a great Halloween, and be sure to avoid the spirits while you’re out trick-or-treating!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are getting a little nerdy! We have been making lists of the national parks by size, visitation, and date established on Dirt In My Shoes. 

Today, we’re sharing some interesting information on the first five National Parks that were established. As National Park enthusiasts, we think everyone should know what the first five national parks were! So, let’s explore the first five national parks and learn some interesting history along the way.

Join us as we discuss: 

• The interesting history leading up to the establishment of the national parks
• The first five national parks that were established in the U.S. 
• The key people involved in establishing these national parks 
• Fascinating historical events surrounding these parks
• The establishment of The National Park Service 

We were so surprised by some of the parks on this list and the history behind it all. We hope you loved this episode and enjoyed nerding out over national park history with us! If you want to see the full list, you can find it here.

Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! We want to know which national park surprises you the most according to when it was established. Head to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 

Check out the full show notes here.

We give a lot of love to the big national parks, but we also love visiting smaller and off-the-beaten-path sites run by the NPS.  

In today’s Small Park Spotlight, we are taking you on a tour of Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawai’i!

Most of us know the history of what happened at Pearl Harbor, but immersing yourself in the events of December 7, 1941, is an unforgettable experience. Standing in this place, you can feel the bravery, courage, and valor that this site now represents. It's a place that leaves a lasting impact, and we're excited to explore its significance with you today!

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The history of Pearl Harbor
• What you can do at this national memorial
• The ultimate can’t-miss sight at Pearl Harbor

We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Pearl Harbor. This is an incredible small park to visit—an experience you'll never forget. 

It’s one of those sites that fills you with pride, both as an American and knowing that our National Park Service is preserving the story of the brave men and women who fought and died here during World War 2.

Pearl Harbor – We Will Never Forget.

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.