Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

In our Archive Episodes, we focus on a specific destination or topic we’ve covered in a previous episode, re-play that portion of the show, and add our updated comments. Today, we take you back to the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, one of the most concentrated regions of alpine splendor you’ll find anywhere in the national park system. From our favorite hikes to the various lodging options, we give you all the information you need to plan your visit to this special place. The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · How we determined the order in which we would visit all the national parks, · Have we ever seen a Bigfoot, and do we think he (she) is real, · Where might you go to experience a white Christmas in a national park, · Why posted trail distances are always different than what your GPS app says, · Best national park-themed baby names, · And more! A couple of links we promised to share: · Patterson – Gimlin Bigfoot footage · Clallam Transit bus information to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic NP · Link to Karen’s Bigfoot BELIEVER t-shirt at Dirtlander.com The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A trip to Stehekin, tucked away in a valley in the North Cascades National Park complex, feels like a visit to an island. But instead of being completely surrounded by water, this remote village is hemmed in by spectacular alpine backcountry, making it impossible for cars or trucks to drive into or out of town. Once frequented only by Native Americans on their trek through the mountains, this peaceful valley has been the site of sparse but consistent settlement since the late 19th century. With the National Park Service protecting the pristine area surrounding the few parcels of private land, the area feels like a land time forgot. In this episode, we talk about our recent visit to Stehekin, what we did, where we stayed, and a bit of history about this unique area. We also provide information about other overnight accommodations in the area, transportation options, and a tip about where to find what we think are the best cinnamon rolls in the state of Washington. Join us for all this and more! Here’s a link you might be interested in: · Lake Chelan Boat Co. The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to not one but two of the world’s longest cave systems. Both in the National Park system, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are must-see destinations. Located just 20 minutes away from each other, these two caves are different in so many ways. One features the world’s largest concentration of rare boxwork formations and the other glitters and sparkles with calcite crystals. In this episode, we talk about what makes each cave unique, how they were discovered and developed more than a hundred years ago, and some important things to know before you go. The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State parks are a special kind of public land, beloved by locals but often as spectacular and exciting as their national park cousins. In episode #30, we featured six of our favorites, but our list of fabulous state parks is too long to end there. Here, we talk about five more must-see public lands. From towering waterfalls you can walk under to breathtaking views of the churning ocean below, these places are worth visiting on your next road trip. In this episode, we cover these five state parks: · Silver Falls SP, Oregon · Deception Pass SP, Washington · Babcock SP, West Virginia · Makoshika SP, Montana · Cathedral Gorge SP, Nevada The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since its completion in 1936, the Beartooth Highway has thrilled millions of visitors with jaw-dropping views of one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the lower 48 states. It seems fitting that a road built 90 years ago to take travelers to and from Yellowstone National Park would be as spectacular as the park itself. In this episode, we talk about the stretch of highway that Charles Kuralt once called “the most beautiful roadway in America.” This 68-mile section of U.S. Highway 212, which runs between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana, climbs to almost 11,000 ft at Beartooth Pass, providing road trippers with panoramic views of several stunning mountain ranges, and of course, Beartooth Peak. This scenic drive has become one of our favorite activities whenever we’re in the area, and no trip to Yellowstone National Park is complete without experiencing this amazing and unique landscape. That is, during the few summer months in which the highway is cleared of snow and open to traffic. The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Which national parks were more than we expected when we visited them, · How to fit more passport stamps in your passport book when the pages fill up, · What activities to do and sites to visit in a camper van on the way from Dead Horse Point State Park to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, · Tips for snagging an NPS lodge cancellation when they’re all booked up, · What are the chances the Quinault Lodge in Olympic NP, whose rooms are not airconditioned, will be too warm at night for sleeping in June, · Whether Mount Rainier NP will impose a timed-entry reservation system and if it will go into effect in 2023, · Do we think it’s still worth visiting Mesa Verde if you can’t get tickets for the ranger-led tours, · What are our biggest regrets when we look back at our journey to all the national parks, · And more! A link we promised to share: · Find the Expander Pack for your National Parks Passport here The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Bison symbolizes a bygone era when the Great Plains, with their millions of acres of tallgrass prairie, were undisturbed by railroads, fences, farmland, and towns. While we nearly squandered this extraordinary natural resource into extinction, instead of becoming a forgotten footnote about a lost wonder, our national mammal is thriving in numbers not seen in over a hundred years. Today, the tale of the bison is one of the greatest success stories in American history. Yet the story could have ended very differently if it weren’t for the efforts of a small number of people who took it upon themselves to protect this magnificent species and bring them back from the brink of disaster. In this episode, we take you to several public lands where bison are protected and free to roam and share a few stories about the people who helped save them. As a complement to our Episode #13: The Great American Bison Road Trip, we talk about new places we did not cover in our previous episode, places you’ll want to consider adding to your itinerary as you explore our incredible public lands. The places we discuss in this episode include the following: · Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma · Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas · Antelope Island State Park, Utah · Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (NIGH-oh-brare-ah), Nebraska · The Bison Range (formerly known as The National Bison Range), Montana · Catalina Island, California · Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas Thank you to all our supporters on Patreon! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural marvels. In this episode, we've chosen twelve stunning destinations that are also relatively easy for most people to experience. While there are many more beautiful sights to behold in the US beyond our list, the places we've included here are ones we feel everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Join us as we give you an overview of each place, provide tips and suggestions for making the most of your visit, and share a few of our experiences visiting these beautiful sights. The places we discuss in this episode include the following: · Grand Canyon - Arizona · Horseshoe Bend - Arizona · Antelope Canyon - Arizona · Delicate Arch, Arches NP - Utah · Yosemite Valley - California · The Largest Sequoias Trees in Kings and Sequoia NPs - California · Devils Tower National Monument - Wyoming · Crater Lake, Crater Lake NP - Oregon · Going to the Sun Road, Alpine Section, Glacier NP - Montana · Mount Rainier, Sunrise Area, Mount Rainier NP - Washington · Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, Bryce Canyon NP - Utah · Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming Thank you to all our supporters on Patreon! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Visiting Channel Islands National Park, what to do, where to stay, · Hiking suggestions for Voyageurs National Park, · Whether we ever organize group hikes, · Advice for women who hike solo in public lands, · Gear that women can use to assist with peeing outdoors, yep, you read that correctly, · And more! A link we promised to share: · A list of hiking trails in Voyageurs National Park The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Started in 1933 during the Great Depression as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal Program, the CCC was created to put young men back to work. However, this 9-year program did more than provide employment during difficult economic times. It was instrumental in improving our national parks and forests and establishing hundreds of state parks. Many of the facilities we enjoy today are the result of the incredible work done by the CCC. In this episode, we talk about some of the CCC’s many accomplishments, give you a glimpse into what life was like as a member of the corps, and talk about a program that honors the members of the CCC for whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Links: · Here is the website where you can find a list of all the CCC Worker Statues · And, follow this link to learn about the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Thank you to all our supporters on Patreon! Our Patreon account is now up and running with many bonus audio and video episodes. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to visit our online merch store at www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s unlikely that anyone has had a more significant positive impact on our U.S. public lands than Teddy Roosevelt, which is why it’s fitting that he has a national park named after him. Tucked into the Badlands of North Dakota, the park celebrates and memorializes the life of this remarkable conservationist. In this episode, we discuss Roosevelt’s experiences as a young man living in North Dakota, his prodigious record of creating and protecting public lands, and his role in helping save our National Mammal, the bison, from near extinction. We also talk about the various units of the park, activities you’ll want to consider doing in each, and information about where to stay and the best times of the year to visit. Link to the book about Roosevelt’s adventure in the Amazon after he was President: The River of Doubt by Millard, Candice (Amazon may pay us a marketing fee if you use this link to purchase this book.) Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Navajo Nation is home to one-of-a-kind natural wonders and irreplaceable cultural treasures. It’s also where you can find several parks worth putting on your bucket list. In this episode, we share our experiences and suggestions for making the most of your trips to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Navajo National Monument, all on Navajo land in northern Arizona. While Monument Valley is run solely by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, the others are managed jointly by the National Parks Service and the Navajo Nation. And as a bonus, we discuss what to look forward to if you add a visit to Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, also a must-see National Park Service site about a half hour south of Canyon de Chelly, in Ganado, Arizona. Thank you to all our supporters on Patreon! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · How to tell if a trail or road has steep drop-offs before starting your trip, and how to stay calm when you’re afraid of heights in these situations, · Tips on how to keep track of your bucket list items and where the phrase “wish bucket” came from · Suggestions on footwear for hiking the Sliding Sands trail in Haleakala National Park · Where to find accessibility information about trails, sights, and facilities in the national parks, and a few suggestions as to the most accessible parks in the NPS system, · And more! A few links we promised to share: · Where to find info about accessibility in the national parks · A list of the most and least accessible national parks from the AgingInPlace.org website · A link to info about the America the Beautiful Access Pass The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fun doesn’t stop at the end of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Our road trip continues, so grab some extra snacks on Whidbey Island and head west with us as we travel to Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks. The first stop is Olympic National Park, where you can explore alpine peaks, moss-covered rainforest trails, or rugged beaches along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Better yet, take your time and experience them all. After Olympic, we’ll drive through Washington’s state capital, Olympia, before heading east to the most majestic active volcano in the lower forty-eight, Mount Rainier. Here you’ll have opportunities to marvel at the historic park buildings near the southwest entrance before winding your way up the park road to Paradise. This mile-high area of the park is laced with spectacular hiking trails, each with stunning, close-up views of Rainier. The drive continues to other regions of the park that you won’t want to miss, including the equally stunning Sunrise area, where hiking above the tree line will give you full-on views of Mount Rainier from fresh angles. Here’s a link to the map of the loop that Karen promised Matt would draw. Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. This 440-mile route winds through the heart of Washington State's Cascade Mountains, revealing an abundance of natural beauty that is truly awe-inspiring. From the shore of Lake Chelan to the rugged peaks of North Cascades National Park, the landscape is both spectacular and diverse. But the Cascade Loop is more than just a showcase of nature's wonders. We'll tell you about charming small towns along the way that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Places like Leavenworth, with its Bavarian architecture, sausages and lively festivals, and Winthrop, with its Old West charm and cowboy spirit. Plus, Matt will take you on a culinary tour of the bakeries along the route and explain the differences between cinnamon rolls and morning buns. In this episode, part one of our two-part series on the scenic drives through all three national parks in northwest Washington, we discuss the logistics and highlights of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Here’s a link to the map of the loop that Karen promised Matt would draw. Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Whether Devils Tower is worth the 2-hour drive when visiting the Black Hills, · Advice on an Alaska bucket-list trip, · Rules about e-bikes in the national parks, · Which tour tickets to buy at Carlsbad Caverns, · Which hotel is best to stay at outside Bryce Canyon National Park, · And more! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situated in both North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is a natural wonderland that seems too good to be true. It's a place where misty mountains rise from the forest floor, and crystal-clear streams cut through verdant valleys. With over 500,000 acres of rugged terrain, it's easy to get lost in the park's boundless beauty. In this episode, we discuss our favorite things to see and do when visiting the park and other highlights you'll want to put on your bucket list. Whether you're looking for stunning vistas or quiet solitude, the Smokies have it all: spectacular vistas, rushing streams and waterfalls, historic structures, and quiet groves of old-growth forest. It's no wonder it's the most visited national park in America. Here are links where you can find more information related to this episode: · The Park It Forward program, · Info about LeConte Lodge and how to make reservations, · Info about the Blue Ridge Parkway, · And you can check out Great Smoky Mountains NP’s website here Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link for more information about how to join. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isle Royale National Park is a serene, isolated wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior, making it the least-visited national park in the contiguous United States. Despite its remote location, those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, fascinating wildlife, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In this episode, we delve into the details of visiting Isle Royale, including transportation options, various activities to experience, and the best time of year to visit. We also discuss the available accommodation options, the ideal length of stay, and provide insights into the rich history of the park. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Isle Royale National Park has something to offer. Here are links where you can find more information about Isle Royale National Park: · On this site you can learn more about the project to study the wolves and moose on the island · The park’s webpage with links to all the transportation options for getting to and from the island · Information about the Isle Royale Queen IV boat from Copper Harbor, MI · Check out the park’s entire website here Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · A listener asks our opinion on whether to spend a weekend in Olympic NP or Shenandoah NP (the title of this episode is a clue to our answer), · Suggestions about which of the three Washington national parks would be best to visit when you have an extra two days on route to an Alaskan cruise, · Would we recommend a blow-up air mattress or cots for a family of four just getting started camping, · Which place is most likely to become the next U.S. national park, · Should parents bring snake gaiters for their young sons on a trip to Big Bend NP, · And more! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many consider Chaco Culture the crown jewel of the ancient Puebloan ruins in the American Southwest. It's a must-see add-on to any adventure in the Four Corners area. The sixteen archeological sites in the park tell a story of a bustling civilization where thousands of people lived from about 850 to 1250 A.D. But much is still left to be discovered about their lives and why they abruptly left to find shelter elsewhere among the cliffs of the desert. In this episode, we talk about our visit to Chaco, a bit about the history of the place, some of the activities you might want to consider when there, and much more! Here are links where you can find more information about Chaco Culture National Historical Park: · If you want to see historic photos from Pueblo Bonito, check out the website Chacoarchive.org · Here’s a link to the NPS Museum Management Program page about Chaco Culture · Check out the park’s NPS site here · UNESCO’s online description of Chaco also has links to more information · And did you know that Chaco Culture is featured on a U.S. Quarter? Check it out on the U.S. Mint’s website Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alaska is home to eight national parks, each unique and stunning. And if visiting them is on your bucket list, planning your trips may seem daunting. It was for us. Alaska is wild and beautiful, and its parks are nothing like those in the lower 48. Only three of the eight can be accessed by roads, and two are above the Arctic Circle. In this episode, we share what we learned from visiting these parks. We talk about how to get to each of them, what time of year you might want to visit, and give suggestions for activities you’ll want to consider. All this and more! Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We used to think that winter was for hunkering down inside and planning for warm-weather activities in the parks. But that all changed one day when we rented snowshoes in Yellowstone on a zero-degree February day. After an exciting day experiencing the uncrowded backcountry covered in a deep blanket of snow, we were hooked. The scenery was breathtaking, and we had several wildlife encounters that would not have been possible in warmer months. Now, we make a point to snowshoe at least a few times each winter in our incredible public lands. In today’s episode, we talk about some of the basics of getting started snowshoeing and suggest trails to explore in twelve national parks that are great for this outdoor winter activity. Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · How much time to spend and what to do when visiting White Sands NP, · A brief overview of Hot Springs National Park, including how the park service has re-purposed a few of the park’s historic original bathhouses, · Short discussion about the national parks on the east coast, · Answering a few questions from one of our younger listeners, and · Discussing whether our books are appropriate for children Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an inspiring conversation with 92-year-old Grandma Joy and her grandson Brad, who are on a journey to visit all 63 national parks. After taking her on a camping trip seven years ago in Smoky Mountains National Park so she could see the mountains for the first time, Brad realized Grandma Joy was the perfect travel partner. Their next adventure was a 4-week road trip to visit 21 national parks, and they’re still going strong. With only one national park left to visit, their story of adventure and discovery is not just inspiring, it's a lesson in the power of gratitude. What a perfect message for a Thanksgiving Day episode! Here are a few helpful links about some of the topics in this episode: · Follow Brad and Grandma Joy’s travels on Instagram here · Or check out their Facebook page here · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two hundred years ago, a 4,000-foot-thick glacier covered what is now Glacier Bay National Park. Since then, the massive glacier has receded, leaving us a spectacular bay and landscape to explore. Sitting a mere 50 miles west of Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, the park is now home to a diverse array of fantastic wildlife both in the sea and on land. Easier to get to than you might think, Glacier Bay NP is best visited in the summer months when you can stay at the lodge and take an all-day, park-led boat tour through the bay. In this episode, we talk about our experiences visiting the park and provide tips and tricks to help you plan your visit. Here are a few helpful links about some of the topics in this episode: · Glacier Bay Lodge’s website where you can find information about the lodge and book a boat tour through the park · Video on the park’s website about the Huna Tribal House dedication · Link to our 2022 Annual Gift Guide · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year? We’re here to help you fill out your holiday shopping list before that last-minute panic sets in. And while you’re at it, you might even find an item or three to suggest to Santa for yourself. In this episode, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite travel-related items that make perfect gifts. And once the holidays are over, you can revisit this list throughout the year when you need that perfect gift idea for the outdoorsy person in your life. Below are links to all the items we mention in this episode. You can also find these items on our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. Please note that we may be paid a marketing fee if you buy a product through one of the links below but doing so does not affect the price you pay. Any fees we earn from these links help support our podcast. Thank you! - Darn Tough Socks - GAIA GPS Premium - S.O.L. Fire Lite Fuel Free Rechargeable Lighter - Crocs - Teva Re Embers - Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel - Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack - Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket - Just Go Travel Studios - RUMPL Blankets - Kindling Cracker - Solo Stove Products - Dirtlander.com - Kahtoola MICROspikes - Swiss Army Camper Knife - Work Sharp Knife Sharpener - RTIC Soft Pack Cooler - Carhartt Beanie - Nalgene Water Bottle - UBeesize Phone Tripod with Wireless Remote - Books Dear Bob and Sue Dear Bob and Sue: Season 2 Dear Bob and Sue: Season 3 Dories, Ho! - America the Beautiful Pass - Passport To Your National Parks (passport stamp book) - Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System - Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier - Jetboil Flash Cooking System - Yeti Products To help support our podcast, consider subscribing to our Patreon account here. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Radiating out from the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in southeastern Utah is a landscape full of spectacular canyons, unusual rock formations, and some of the most challenging backroads anywhere in America. Separated into four distinct districts, Canyonlands NP has something for everyone, from easy-to-access canyon overlooks to breath-taking hikes of all degrees of difficulty. The park even has one of the most photographed natural arches in the southwest. In this episode, we cover all this and much more! Here are a few helpful links about some of the topics in this episode: · The National Park Service’s overview of the park’s districts · Information you’ll need if you’re considering driving the White Rim Road · OARS Cataract Canyon raft trip description · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the historic national park lodges could talk, they’d tell us chilling stories about strange things happening over the years within their walls. From the sound of mysterious parties coming from deserted ballrooms to presidential rocking chairs moving by themselves, we’ve pulled a few of our favorite ghost stories from the history books to share with you during this spooky time of the year. In this episode, we take you to several lodges where unexplained happenings keep guests and caretakers on the lookout for figures from the past around every corner. Here are links about some of the places we mentioned in this episode: · Tour the Stanley Hotel and learn about its spooky past · Our blog post about the Belton Chalet and the ghost who lives there · The story of Elizabeth who haunts the Oregon Caves Chateau · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trail to Kanarra Falls in southwestern Utah has it all: beautiful scenery, a pristine creek running through a slot canyon, and a picturesque waterfall. It’s just the right length at about 3.5 miles roundtrip and is only moderately strenuous. This is why it’s become a hugely popular destination for outdoor adventure seekers. In this episode, we talk about our experience hiking this trail in October 2022, how we got our permit, and a little history of this popular site. We even talk about how the town of Kanarraville now keeps this special place from being over-loved and the heroic efforts they undertook to replace the iconic log bridge that once provided hikers a way up the falls before a flood washed it away. Here are links about some of the places we mentioned in this episode: · Where to apply for permits to hike to Kanarra Falls · Story about installing the new Kanarra Falls ladder · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

South Dakota might not be the first place you think of as a vacation destination, but the Black Hills and surrounding areas are packed with incredible sights and activities. In this episode, we take you to the epicenter, Custer State Park, where you can see bison roam, hike some world-class trails, and take a scenic drive through granite spires and narrow tunnels. From there, we explore other fascinating public lands that are a short distance to a couple of hours away, including several national park service units. And as a bonus, there's not just one History Channel segment in this episode; we share multiple captivating stories about the adventurous people who previously explored these public lands. Here are links about some of the places we mentioned in this episode: · Custer State Park · Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival (at Custer State Park) · Badlands National Park · Wind Cave National Park · Jewel Cave National Monument · Mount Rushmore National Memorial · Devils Tower National Monument · Crazy Horse Memorial · Minuteman Missile National Historic Park · Bear Butte State Park · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Our favorite wildlife sightings while visiting the national parks, · Our opinion on hiking and backpacking with portable solar chargers, and · What to consider when choosing the right hiking boots for your feet. Our Patreon account is now up and running with bonus content. Follow this link to check it out. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now is the perfect time to plan a winter trip to Everglades National Park. While the park's rainy season is typically April through November, the other months are a great time to visit. In this episode, we talk about hiking trails we enjoyed and some other park activities you might want to try, such as airboat tours, nature photography tours, kayaking, canoeing, and Matt's favorite, slough slogging through the wetlands. But the fun doesn't stop there. We dive deep into the sawgrass marsh with a close look at its reptile population as Karen explains the differences between alligators and crocodiles and discusses an alarming challenge the park is facing: an exploding population of Burmese pythons. Here are the links we mentioned in this episode: · Everglades NP website where you can find info about guided tours · Everglades National Park Institute for info about additional tours · Link to our Patreon account Intro video · Where to subscribe to our Patreon account · And, check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another road trip! The Grand Circle Tour is a driving itinerary that takes you to some of the most amazing natural wonders in southern Utah and northern Arizona. Travel along with us in this episode as we start in Las Vegas, travel northeast through Utah, loop down to southwestern Colorado, and come back to Utah before making a few stops in northern Arizona on our way back to Las Vegas. This tour is a general guide; you can customize it to your liking. You can also begin and end it from any point on the loop if Las Vegas is not your starting point. So, buckle up and get ready for an incredible ride. Below is a list of the places we talk about as we travel along the Grand Circle Tour: · Start in Las Vegas · Valley of Fire State Park · Zion National Park · Bryce Canyon National Park · Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument · Capitol Reef National Park · Goblin Valley State Park · Moab (Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Dead Horse Point SP) · Monticello, Utah (Canyonlands NP, Bears Ears NM, Natural Bridges NM) · Hovenweep National Monument · Mesa Verde National Park · Four Corners · Bluff, Utah · Valley of the Gods · Moki Dugway · Goosenecks State Park · Monument Valley · Page, Arizona (Antelope Canyons, Horseshoe Bend) · North Rim of the Grand Canyon · Kanab, Utah (Buckskin Gulch) · Zion National Park · Back to Las Vegas Here is a link to a map of the route. Subscribe to our Patreon Account Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once summer vacation season ends and kids go back to school, the parks are a little less crowded, making fall the perfect time to visit our incredible national parks. In this episode, we took our fall travel suggestions from Episode #50 and added a few more comments about the best parks to visit as the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn. Check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Which national parks you might want to visit sooner rather than later if you're concerned about how escalating natural disasters will change them forever. · Our favorite waterfalls we've visited during our travels · Whether backpacking in Olympic National Park during November to celebrate a special anniversary is a good idea - and a couple of Plan B options just in case, and · Where's an excellent place to watch the sunset in Acadia National Park for a couple of park lovers who aren't exactly morning people. Don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you prefer hiking through forests, deserts, or to the top of mountains, this list covers them all. It wasn’t easy narrowing the list to just ten, but these are the hikes we find ourselves doing over-and-over again when we visit the national parks. And as a bonus, we offer alternatives to each of these trails in case you’re looking for easier options or just want more hiking suggestions near these great hikes. Check out our fun and inspiring apparel at Dirtlander.com Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Some of our favorite hikes in Big Bend National Park · Our thoughts on which parks are good for pre-teens · Budget-friendly suggestions for visiting the parks · How we plan for a road trip Link to a government site that displays wildfire and air quality info · Which apps we use to store and remember information about hiking trails Link to AllTrails, which we use to research specific trails and read recent trail reports Link to GAIA GPS, which we use to navigate and record our hikes · How to keep your lunch cold while hiking Link to insulated lunch bags we use to keep our lunch items cool while we hike · And more! Also! Please check out our online merch store Dirtlander.com. Here you’ll find fun and inspiring shirts and merchandise. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breathtaking trails through narrow canyons lie hidden in the vast desert landscapes of the Southwest. These slot canyons, as they’re called, often have walls so close that you can reach out and touch both sides of the canyon – at the same time! And in places, you might even have to squeeze through the tightest passages sideways. Why would anyone want to do this, you might ask? Because the scenery in these canyons is jaw-dropping, to say the least. In this episode, we’re taking you to the Southwest to explore some of our favorite slot canyons in Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Southern California. Enjoy! Also! Please take a gander at our new merch website: www.dirtlander.com. There you’ll find our original “20252” designs, (Smokey Bear’s zip code if you didn’t already know) and other fun, outdoor travel-related gear. Other links: · Upper Antelope Canyon - Ticket info · Lower Antelope Canyon - Ticket info for Ken’s tours - Ticket info for Dixie’s tours · Buckskin Gulch - The Bureau of Land Management’s site where you can find more info about Buckskin Gulch Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · National Park Passport Stamp Book Where to buy your very own book Here’s a link to the National Parks Travelers Club · How we avoid buying all the tchotchkes and souvenirs on our trips. Spoiler alert: we don’t. · Planning a camping trip when flying to your destination. · How to deal with photographers taking the best spots for capturing incredible images in the national parks. · How much time to budget when visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park · Suggestions about which national park to visit for a few days that’s close to the Alabama/Tennessee border. Mount Leconte Lodge · Tips on how to get started backpacking. · How can foreigners volunteer in the national parks when traveling to the US. The International Volunteers in Parks Program Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might think that a seashore park is just sand beaches, but Point Reyes also has open grasslands and forested ridges that are home to 1,500 species of plants and animals. And for humans, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, like hiking, boating, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. In this episode, we talk about some of these activities and why you should add Point Reyes to your list of parks to visit. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · A brief description of the Garmin InReach satellite messenger device. · Shower/bathing options for a listener planning a two-week camping trip to the California parks. · Must-see things to do and see for a listener's upcoming trip to Joshua Tree and the Channel Islands. · Which parks have a shuttle from a regional airport to the park. · Where we would go if we had 5-6 days to spend in Southern Utah. · Which month is best to visit Denali National Park. · And hiking hat suggestions from Karen, who always looks so cute in her Instagram photos. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When visiting Grand Canyon National Park, one of the world's seven natural wonders, should you visit the North Rim, the South Rim, or both? In this episode, we talk about what makes both rims of the canyon unique, and explain the differences in infrastructure, scenery, number of visitors, etc. We share information about lodging, camping, hiking trails, scenic drives, and some wildlife sightings unique to each rim. While the South Rim is where most people go to experience the Grand Canyon, you won’t want to miss the less-developed, rugged scenery of the North Rim. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is devoted to Smokey Bear, the beloved spokesanimal of the United States Forest Service, who spreads awareness about how to prevent accidental, human-caused wildfires. We discuss how and why the Smokey advertising campaign started more than 70 years ago, how Smokey went from an animated bear to a living, breathing animal, and where to visit the Smokey Museum and Historical Park, plus the largest Smokey statue in the country. All this and more! Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#81: Our Favorite Ranger-led Tours National Park Service sites across the country offer a wide variety of ranger-led tours, and in this episode, we talk about some of our favorites. From Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska to Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida, we've been on some fantastic ranger-led tours: on boats, in archeological ruins, caves, and canyons. These tours have been quite an education, and we’ll share some of what we’ve learned, as well as all the details about how you can partake in these tours during your visits to the parks. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our Mailbag episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, road trips, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we share suggestions about visiting Redwood National Park. We also talk about which parks allow you to spread cremated ashes, where to stay when visiting North Cascades National Park, scenic roads you might want to check out in Glacier National Park besides Going to the Sun Road, and solo traveling in your 60s. All this and more! Links: · To see all our books on Amazon.com, follow this link. · If you purchase one of our books through this link, you will not pay a higher price, but Amazon will pay us a small marketing fee. This fee helps support our podcast. Thank you! Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#79: Mailbag: Pinnacles National Park, and much more! In our Mailbag episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, road trips, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we share suggestions about what to do in Pinnacles National Park if you only have one day. We also answer questions about which national parks let you take your dog on the trails, what is in our emergency road kit, and how to maneuver the ferry to Olympic National Park. All this and much more! Links: · To see all our books on Amazon.com, follow this link. · If you purchase one of our books through this link, you will not pay a higher price, but Amazon will pay us a small marketing fee. This fee helps support our podcast. Thank you! Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home to one of the deepest and narrowest canyons in the world, this park in west-central Colorado is a must-see destination, even if you only spend a half-day peering down into the canyon at the roadside lookouts. In this episode, we talk about some of these scenic overlooks, plus hiking trails, both maintained and unmaintained, where to stay when visiting the park, and when to visit. All this and more! Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take you to Capitol Reef National Park, one of the most diverse national parks in Utah: it has incredible hiking trails, scenic drives, backcountry dirt roads, fruit picking, slot canyons, petroglyphs, and pies. There are many things to love about Capitol Reef, and we cover all of them, including some fun lodging options just outside the park. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Mailbag! episode, we share some of our hiking suggestions in Saguaro National Park and the surrounding area, how to determine if you’re ready to tackle a 10- to 15-mile hike, and how to practice shooting bear spray before you hike in bear country. Plus, we offer suggestions regarding a listener’s Utah park itinerary. Links: · To see all our books on Amazon.com, follow this link. · If you purchase one of our books through this link, you will not pay a higher price, but Amazon will pay us a small marketing fee. This fee helps support our podcast. Thank you! Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices