Exploring the National Parks
By Dirt In My Shoes
We're taking you around the national parks and talking about our favorite things, fun facts, adventures, and trip planning. Expect big laughs and fantastic information as we tour the parks together. Let's start exploring!
Exploring the National ParksNov 16, 2022
63: Favorite Campgrounds in the National Parks
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.
62: Big Bend Fun Facts
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.
61: 2024 in the National Parks - What to Expect
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.
60: Exploring Big Bend
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.
59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts
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.
58: Exploring Dry Tortugas
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.
57: Tips for Hiking with Kids
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.
56: Joshua Tree Fun Facts
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.
55: National Park Foods (Thanksgiving Edition)
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.
54: Exploring Joshua Tree
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.
53: Favorite Winter Parks (Warm Weather Edition)
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.
52: Zion Fun Facts
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.
51: Haunted National Parks
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.
50: Exploring Zion
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.
49: Best National Parks for Young Kids
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.
48: Great Smoky Mountains Fun Facts
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.
47: Chasing Waterfalls in the National Parks
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.
46: Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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.
45: National Park Foods (Part 2)
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.
44: Rocky Mountain Fun Facts
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.
43: Favorite Fall National Parks
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.
42: Exploring Rocky Mountain -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
41: National Park Foods (Part 1)
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.
40: Acadia Fun Facts
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.
39: Swimming Holes in the Parks - Grand Teton, Redwood, and Crater Lake
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.
38: Exploring Acadia -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
37: Funny National Park Stories (Vol. 2)
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.
36: Hiking Angels Landing
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.
35: Swimming Holes in the Parks - Olympic, Great Sand Dunes, and Dry Tortugas
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.
34: Funny National Park Stories (Vol. 1)
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.
33: How to Become a Park Ranger
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.
32: Grand Teton Fun Facts
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 dikes 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.
31: Stupid National Park Behavior
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.
30: Exploring Grand Teton -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
29: The Black Hills (Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave, and more!)
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.
28: Badlands Fun Facts
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.
27: Exploring Mount Rushmore (and fun facts!)
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.
26: Exploring Badlands -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
25: Canada Parks Road Trip -- Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Yoho, and Kootenay!
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.
24: Glacier Fun Facts
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.
23: Scariest National Park Roads Ranked!
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.
22: Exploring Glacier -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
21: Pacific Northwest Road Trip -- California, Oregon, and Washington National Parks!
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.
20: Yosemite Fun Facts
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.
19: Parkitecture and Historic Hotels
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.
18: Exploring Yosemite -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.
17: Fossils in the Parks -- Dinos, Creatures, and Other Really Cool Stuff!
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.
16: Grand Canyon Fun Facts
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.
15: Grand Circle Road Trip -- One Trip, Nine National Parks!
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:
14: Exploring the Grand Canyon -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities
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.