Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

Who hasn’t stared in awe at the Milky Way and been lost in wonder thinking about the billions of stars that make up our galaxy? In this episode, we’re talking about a special category of public lands called Dark Sky Parks. These are areas that have been certified by the International Dark-Sky Association as being excellent places to stargaze. Join us as we share our stories about stargazing in the parks and provide information about how to find some of the darkest night skies in the US. Links: · National Parks Traveler article: Your Search For The National Park System's Darkest Skies Leads To Utah · International Dark-Sky Association website 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

With majestic peaks in every direction, wildlife roaming the valleys, and some of the most incredible hiking trails in the country, it’s no wonder that Colorado’s Rocky Mountain is one of the most-visited national parks. In this episode, we discuss some of the best things to do inside the park, as well as in the town of Estes Park, just outside the park. And we’ll go over important details about the day-use reservation system, which you’ll need to secure before you even get to the park. 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’re heading to the Northeast part of the country in this episode, to Acadia National Park in Maine. Called the Crown Jewell of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia has a diverse array of rocky coastlines, granite mountains, lakes, ponds, meadows, and forests. It also has a ton of things to do: · Scenic drives along historic motor roads · Hiking some of the 158 miles of trails · Exploring 45 miles of carriage roads on bikes or horseback Plus, beaches, lighthouses, and the infamous popovers at Jordan Pond House. We talk about all this and much, much more. 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 some ideas about what to do if you see someone breaking the rules in a national park. We also answer a question about when we use our trekking poles and when we leave them at home, and give our opinion on a listener’s national park itinerary. All this, and much 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

Join us for a thrilling ride as we take you on some of our favorite white-knuckle drives. These are roads we’ve discovered during our travels that have spectacular views but maybe not as many guardrails as we’d like. From winding, narrow paths over remote mountain passes to hairpin turns snaking up and down sheer cliffs, we’ll tell you about twelve must-see scenic drives so you can decide for yourself if you want to give them a try. 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 on a trip to California, to one of the country's oldest and most popular national parks, Yosemite. Home to soaring granite domes, some of the world's biggest and oldest trees, and a few famous waterfalls, Yosemite offers world-class natural wonders and recreation opportunities. In today's episode, we'll give you an overview of the park's different areas, including some of our favorite hikes, lodging options, and much 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

Today we’re taking you with us to one of the Mighty Five National Parks in Utah: Zion. In this episode, we share with you our version of how to spend 2.5 perfect days in the park. We talk about some spectacular hikes, a great place to watch the sunset, when’s the best time to visit the park, and much 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 our mailbag episodes, we answer questions from listeners about traveling, hiking, public lands, outdoor gear, and whatever else is on their minds. In this episode, the questions are about travel: how we decide where to go each year, how long it takes us to pack for a road trip, how to pack lightly when flying, how to plan for an impromptu trip, 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 today's episode, we're discussing some of our favorite things to do and see in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. We talk about the scenic drives in the park, some of the best photography spots, and a few of our favorite hikes. Plus, we share tips about lodging options in and around the park, how many days to plan for your trip, and when to visit. And it wouldn't be a complete episode if we didn't include a little bit of park history. Please 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

Arches is a red-rock wonderland of fins, spires, pinnacles, and arches -- 2,000 of them! Throw in some great hiking trails and a very scenic drive, and you’ve got a lot of choices of things to see and do throughout the park. In this episode, we narrow down the list, share ten of our favorites, and give some tips and advice about making the most of your experiences visiting them. We also provide some updated information about the park’s new reservation system so you can plan ahead and get your entry pass before you get to the park. Please 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

#65: How to Plan Your National Park Trips Planning a road trip can be as much fun as the trip itself. The anticipation and excitement ahead of time are some of the best parts of the experience. But the planning can also be overwhelming and confusing, especially when going to a place you’ve never visited. In this episode, we discuss how we plan our trips to the national parks and other public lands. We also talk about some of the items you’ll want to take with you on your trip, as well as rules and etiquette that you might not be aware of when visiting the parks. Please 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 traveling, hiking, public lands, outdoor gear, and whatever else is on their minds. In this episode, we answer questions about Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska, Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana, and Great Basin National Park in Nevada. We also talk about some of the travel-related non-fiction books that have inspired us to travel. 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

Today we’re talking about Christmas trees. Specifically, everything you need to know about the program run by the National Forest Service, where you can buy a permit online and head out to your national forest to cut down your own Christmas tree. In this episode, we share our Montana experience in December as we wandered through Flathead National Forest with a permit in hand, looking for that perfect Christmas tree for our stay in a national forest cabin. Please 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 island of Maui has more to offer than lounge chairs on the beach and tropical drinks. It's home to Haleakala National Park. With a 10,000-foot summit, the park is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean or hike down into its seven-mile-wide crater. In this episode, we cover the highlights of visiting this stunning park, including tips about trails and directions to its sea-level district on the island's east end. Please 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 talk about our recent 700-mile road trip through Northern Arizona, the perfect week-long tour of some of the most iconic sites in the American Southwest. Starting in Sedona, we worked our way northeast, visiting a couple of national parks, a half dozen other National Park Service sites, and a few Navajo Tribal Parks. Join us as we take you to stunning overlooks, one-of-a-kind cultural treasures, slot canyons, a petrified forest, and many more jaw-dropping public lands. Please 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

Bryce Canyon National Park has something for everyone: hikes, jaw-dropping overlooks, scenic drives, a historic hotel, good pizza, and a cave. And with a bit of planning, you can do it all in one perfect day. We’ve been to this park many times, and each visit feels like we’re seeing the place for the very first time. In this episode, we suggest an itinerary for one perfect day, but stay as long as you’d like in this truly magical landscape. And there’s more. Check out the companion blog post on our website: One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Please 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

Shake up your Thanksgiving routine by celebrating in a national park. Many of the park lodges and restaurants offer traditional Thanksgiving feasts. And what could be better than spending the long holiday weekend in a beautiful outdoor setting rather than battling shoppers for a deep-discount, big-screen TV? In this episode, we talk about many of the places in the national park system that you might want to consider for your Thanksgiving adventure. Please 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

What could be more magical than watching new land being formed as lava flows from the mouth of a volcano? Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects and celebrates this beautiful site as its boundary extends from the Pacific Ocean to nearly the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa. Tucked along the southeast edge of the Big Island, this lava-belching landscape has been a national park for over 100 years. In this episode, we talk about the top ten things you’ll want to be sure to do when visiting the park. And check out our companion blog post about the Top Ten Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – click here. Please 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

Give the gift of adventure. In this, our annual gear and gift guide, we talk about the gear we use, love, and in some cases, absolutely can’t live without. Whether you are looking for holiday gift ideas toward the end of the year or need gear suggestions in any season, this episode is a great starting point. Check out our companion blog post with links to many of the items we discuss. The links on our website are sponsored. Any commissions we earn from them go a long way to making this podcast possible. Thank you for your support. Special offer! And as a bonus to our listeners, GAIA GPS is offering 20% off a one-year subscription to their app when you follow this link. Please 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 thinking about visiting our nation’s 63rd national park, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia? Then you’re in luck. In this episode, we talk about our recent visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with our dear friends Bob and Sue. And we’ve arranged it into a three-day itinerary to give you a starting point for planning your visit. You can find links to many of the places and activities we discuss in this episode on our blog post about New River Gorge National Park – click here. Please 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

Did you know that Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the longest known cave system in the world? Here’s another fact you might not know: many people think the cave is haunted. Join us for this episode as we give an overview of Mammoth Cave National Park, and Karen regales Matt with frightening and sometimes ghoulish stories from the past about the caverns below south-central Kentucky. Link to the National Park Service webpage: Top Ten Tips for Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park Please 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 traveling, hiking, public lands, outdoor gear, and whatever else is on their minds. In this episode, we’re talking about the America the Beautiful Pass, how to get started backpacking, and our thoughts on how to balance work and travel. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on a future episode, email us at [email protected]. Links we discus in the episode: · Where to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass online. · A description of all six types of passes. · More info about the Annual Pass · More info about the Military Pass · More info about the 4th Grade Pass · More info about the Senior Pass · More info about the Access Pass · More info about the Volunteer Pass · Resource for renting backpacking equipment · Great site for renting backpacking equipment in the Pacific Northwest · Backpacking checklist from REI 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 The Subway is one of the least traveled yet most spectacular in Zion National Park. Over countless years, water has carved a unique, tube-like slot canyon along the Left Fork of North Creek. If you’re lucky enough to win the permit lottery to hike this trail, you have two options for getting there: top-down and bottom-up. In this episode, we talk about our experience hiking the bottom-up route and tips about having a safe and enjoyable hike. Link to Zion NP’s webpage where you can find more about how to get a permit to hike to The Subway. Please 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

Starting at the shore of Lake Powell in northern Arizona, Antelope Canyon stretches for over twenty miles as it snakes its way south through pristine Navajo land. Over millions of years, water and wind carved several incredibly beautiful sections of the canyon. In this episode, we discuss four of the areas that you can visit to experience these wonders of nature up close. Links to where you can find more information about the tours we talk about: Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Antelope Canyon X Tour Please 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 traveling, hiking, public lands, outdoor gear, and whatever else is on their minds. In this episode, we’re talking about road trips, train trips, bears, and ticks. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on a future episode, email us at [email protected]. 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 get a lot of questions from people asking us what parks they should visit during specific times of the year. On today’s episode we’re going season to season, talking about which parks are great to visit during the winter, spring, summer, and fall. We cover all 63 national parks, taking into account factors like their weather, accessibility, wildflowers, fall foliage, crowds, and much more. Grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes. You might learn a few seasonal travel tips that’ll come in handy when planning your next spring break destination, summer vacation, or fall getaway. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: · The only national park that closes in the winter · The one piece of the U.S. that is below the equator · Our favorite park to snowmobile in · Best national parks to view the brilliant fall colors · Which park you can tour while on a beer train excursion · The park you’d visit if you also wanted to attend the International Chili Championship · Which parks you can visit in the winter for a tropical getaway · And our list of national parks that are great to visit in any season. Links to more information: · The Kula Cloth · Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (link to the beer train) · 54th Annual CASI Terlingua ​International ​Chili Championship Where to learn more about our books and travels Check out our Twitter account Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From historic hotels to jaw-dropping vistas to spectacular hiking trails, Glacier has it all. Because of its mountainous terrain, activities and sights are clustered in several unique areas of the park and along the central park road corridor. A visit to this magnificent place feels like going to several national parks, all nestled around the Continental Divide. It would take a lifetime to see and do everything that Glacier National Park has to offer, and in this second episode of our two-part series on the park, we talk about our favorites. If you haven’t listened to the first part of this series, please check it out here. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: · Why it’s so important to do advanced planning before visiting Glacier NP · The best time to visit · Recent changes to the park’s system for entering the park – you may need a reservation · Why you might want to park your car and take the hikers’ shuttle · Overview of the historic lodges and hotels in and around the park · Some of our favorite hikes in each area of the park · Where to get the best huckleberry bear claws in Montana · And much more! Links to more information: Glacier NP’s webpage about their shuttle system Glacier NP’s webpage about planning your visit Where to learn more about our books and travels Check out our Twitter account Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park is one of the most visited and beloved destinations in the National Park System. In this part 1 of 2 episodes on the park, we discuss one of its most unique aspects: their backcountry chalets. Ten chalets dotted the park back more than a hundred years ago, providing visitors a place to rest between day-long horseback rides. Today, three of the ten original chalets still exist and operate as places where travelers can spend a night or two while exploring the park. In August, we hiked up to Granite Park Chalet, along the Highline Trail, and spent a couple of nights in this historical site. Join us as we talk about how we planned the trip and our experience in the backcountry of this magnificent park. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: · Why the Great Northern Railway built the backcountry chalets · What happened to all of them · Which ones still exist · Planning a visit to stay at one of the remaining chalets · Why you’ll need a reservation/ticket for Going to the Sun Road · Tips and tricks regarding the park’s shuttle system · The story of our visit to Granite Park Chalet in August 2021 Links to more information: Glacier NP webpage about their shuttle system Glacier NP webpage about their backcountry chalets Granite Park Chalet’s website Sperry Chalet’s website Where to learn more about our books and travels Check out our Twitter account Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years while we explored the national parks, we also found a lot of unique and authentic places to eat, and today we’re sharing some of our favorites. In this mid-summer bonus episode, we provide a sampling of great restaurants, bars and bakeries. From donut shops to breweries and steakhouses, we discuss where you can get some delicious food while you’re visiting the parks. It’s always fun to find your own hidden gems when traveling, but if you find yourself at a loss for where to dine, we have some suggestions for you to try. Some of the places and areas of the country we cover in this episode: Pizza, pizza, beer and quesadillas in Moab, Utah Pizza and noodles in Springdale by Zion NP Covered wagons, pizza and pie in Torrey, Utah by Capitol Reef NP A place to buy socks and dinner in Escalante, Utah It’s all about the huckleberries in Glacier NP in Montana In and around the three NPs in Washington state Black Hills and Badlands NP in South Dakota Donuts and barbeque in Estes Park, CO by Rocky Mountain NP The best trailer pizza in Terlingua, TX, near Big Bend NP A breakfast spot in Joshua Tree, CA A brewery in Flagstaff, AZ, not far from the Grand Canyon Links to more information: Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our country’s national parks are frequently referred to as “America’s Best Idea,” for good reason. There are 423 National Park Service sites that protect everything from natural wonders to historical sites to endangered animals. Every one of them has something unique and special to offer visitors, but on this episode, we showcase our favorite 25 national parks. If you’re not planning to visit every national park, these are the ones we think you should visit in your lifetime. What are some of the parks that made our list? The crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast A park that contains 2,000 sandstone arches A park that’s beloved for its fruit orchards and its mini pies to go The largest park in the lower 48; it’s also the hottest, driest and lowest park A park where visitors walk amongst brown bears A park where you can see the largest trees by volume in the world The park that’s referred to as the Alps of America A park that has multiple ecosystems A park with the highest road and the highest Visitor Center in the U.S. Links to more information: A list of all the NPS sites Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The southwest corner of South Dakota has an incredible variety of National Park Service sites to explore, and one of our favorites is Badlands National Park. From its mixed-grass prairie to its jaw-dropping geologic rock formations, this is a must-see park. In this episode, we talk about ways to explore the area on foot, by driving along the scenic road and by stopping at the numerous overlooks. You’re likely to spot the resident wildlife: bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and lots of prairie dogs welcoming you to the park. Plus, we offer suggestions on where to stay and how much time to allot for your visit. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: Other amazing public lands to explore near Badlands NP Why there’s a chance you could find a million-year-old fossil in the park How Badlands got its name When and how bison were returned to the park How black-footed ferrets were saved from extinction Our favorite hikes in the park What it was like to stay in a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge Why Wall Drug is worth a visit One perfect day in Badlands National Park Links to more information: Book a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge NPS Badlands National Park website Book a tour at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Learn more about Wall Drug Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time again for our monthly mailbag episode where we answer questions from our listeners about national parks and other public lands, as well as questions about gear, hiking trails, and a broad range of travel-related topics. Some of the questions/topics we discuss in this episode: What kind of backpacks we use on our hikes Whether or not mosquito headnets really work Why we don’t use hydration bladders in our backpacks Which parks are good for small children Why we each have our own passport stamp books Whether or not we’ll be heading back to the Chilkoot Trail again this summer Driving a remote and rugged dirt road in Capitol Reef National park Advice and tips for older hikers Links to more information: Road conditions in Capitol Reef National Park Where to buy Permethrin Insect Repellant for clothing Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only a three-hour drive from Seattle, North Cascades National Park looks like you’ve traveled all the way to Switzerland. With its 300 glaciers and soaring mountain peaks, North Cascades is a wilderness park best explored on foot during the summer months. We discuss our favorite hikes, as well as a unique park lodge in the tiny town of Stehekin that can only be reached by boat, seaplane, or on foot. And we share a story about a frightening night we spent in a remote backpacking campsite. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: The three NPS units that make up the North Cascades park complex Where the Visitor Centers are The best time to visit for hikers Why this is one of the least visited national parks Where we like to stay when we visit the park Our favorite hike in the national park How to get to North Cascades Lodge in Stehekin Fun things to do and see in the Stehekin area What happened to us during our backpacking trip to Stehekin Links to more information: Book a room at North Cascades Lodge in Stehekin Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third episode of our series about volcano parks in the Pacific Northwest we’re featuring Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, which has one of the most stunning scenes in any national park: a sapphire-blue lake situated in the middle of a collapsed volcano’s caldera. Reaching a depth of almost 2,000 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest and most pristine lake in the country. What is there to do in this park besides gaze in awe at this incredible view? A lot, actually. On this episode we talk about the wide variety of activities available, plus lodging options in the park, and the best seasons to visit. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: Where the only place to swim in the lake is located Why there is no limit or license needed to fish The different boat tours available Who the Old Man of the Lake is Why Matt wants to be a trolley captain Our favorite hikes in the park What gives the lake its deep blue color Things to do in the park in the winter Links to more information: Check out Crater Lake’s webcam Book a room at Crater Lake Lodge Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising more than 14,000 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. In this episode we discuss this active volcano and the incredible national park that surrounds it, one of the oldest parks in the national park system. With 97% designated as wilderness, we share tips on how to visit some of the developed areas, with information about what to see, where to stay, when to go, and our favorite hiking trails. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: Why it’s called Mt. Rainier and the controversy surrounding its name How to visit the park in the winter Why you might want to wait until July for your summer visit What the five different developed areas of the park are like What it’s like to stay in Paradise Inn, one of the great lodges of the West Our favorite hike in the park Information on summiting Mt. Rainier Other things to do and see in the park Links to more information: Check out the current road status in Mount Rainier National Park Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the most difficult day hike we’ve ever done? Without question it was climbing to the top of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in WA state. Mount St Helens is part of the Cascade Range: 13 volcanoes that lie in an 800-mile chain from British Columbia to northern California. Seven of these thirteen volcanoes have erupted at least once in the past 200 years, one of those being the most catastrophic and deadly volcanic event ever experienced in the United States: the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. In this episode we’ll discuss the details surrounding the eruption, as well as our grueling hike to the rim of the volcano. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: What happened in the months leading up to the eruption What kind of devastation the blast caused Why so many people died as a result of the eruption Why the area was made a national monument Tips as to how to prepare for your climb to the rim of the volcano What it was like to stand on the edge of the crater Other things to do and see in the park Links to more information: Link to a video of Mount St. Helens’ eruption Where to get a Mount St. Helens climbing permit Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for our monthly mailbag episode again, where we answer questions about national parks and other public lands, as well as gear, camping and a broad range of travel-related topics. Some of the questions/topics we discuss in this episode: What NPS sites turned out to be more than we expected Whether or not you need a campsite reservation in Olympic NP in the summer Have we been recognized by fans during our travels In which parks did the cost to get there outweigh the experience How many days does it take to see Congaree NP What are some ways to visit the ocean parks What has been our most difficult day hike These questions and more on this episode of Mailbag! Links to more information: Link to boat tour to Channel Islands NP Link to boat tour to Dry Tortugas NP Link to boat tour Biscayne NP Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s in your backpack? To prevent emergencies from happening while you’re hiking, and to deal with any that might arise, it’s important to include items from the Ten Essentials list. The National Park Service encourages all hikers to know what the Ten Essentials are, and to carry some version of them in their backpack. In this episode, we’ll discuss each of the ten categories, and give suggestions about what we like to carry with us on day hikes. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include: What forms of navigation you could bring in addition to a paper map What first aid items we’ve used the most What a ferro rod is and why you should practice using it Why you should carry duct tape What the 3-in-1 tool is that Karen never leaves home without Why we always pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches What are some ways to sterilize water along a trail What items we pack that are not on the Ten Essentials list What is Karen’s 11th Essential Links to more information: The National Park Service Ten Essentials Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alaska’s eight national parks contain some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the NPS system, but two of them, Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, consist of nothing but millions of acres of wilderness. There are no roads, no trails, no campsites and no services of any kind. In this episode we talk about our adventure to these two remote parks, the last parks on our original national park journey. Join us as we travel to these places that few visitors ever see, above the Arctic Circle. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include: Where these parks are located What the options are for tourists who want to visit them Why we saved these two parks for last Where we stayed and what it was like How it felt to climb into a small plane again What our park visits entailed Why Matt tipped our pilot extra Who we met that had a big impact on us How much this trip cost Links to more information: The Bettles Lodge website Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most beautiful state parks in the country, Utah’s Dead Horse Point State Park, offers jaw-dropping views and incredible hiking trails. You can also rent one of nine yurts for a camping experience that combines the fun of tent camping with some of the luxuries of a hotel room. In this episode, we’re coming to you from inside one of those yurts, and we’ll discuss what it was like spending the night here, plus everything you’d want to know about the park and our experience driving the nearby, infamous Shafer Trail. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include: What is the Shafer Trail and what kind of a vehicle do you need to drive it Why we had to race to the top of Canyonlands to find a park ranger How Dead Horse Point got its name What are the yurts like on the inside Why Karen thinks the parking lot bathrooms by the yurts would be a nice place to spend the night Why Dead Horse Point is known for its sunrises and sunsets What the campgrounds are like at Dead Horse Point Links to more information: How to reserve a yurt at Dead Horse Point State Park Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for our monthly mailbag episode again, where we answer questions about national parks and other public lands, gear, camping and a broad range of travel-related topics. Some of the questions/topics we discuss in this episode: Is it a good idea to visit all four Colorado national parks in one trip? What happens after you spray a bear with bear spray? What kind of shoes are best to hike in for water crossings? What are some good parks to visit if you only have a long weekend? Where are the best places in the Southwest to stargaze? These questions and more on this episode of Mailbag! Links to more information: Link to Rocky Mountain NP fire closures Link to Dark Sky Parks Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Mexico has so many natural and historical wonders you’ll have to visit several times to see them all. But if you have a free week, might we suggest that you start in Albuquerque and make a big loop the way we did a few years back. Whether you do this trip yourself or simply join us on this episode as we recount our experiences, you’ll agree that Land of Enchantment is a fitting nickname for New Mexico. Some of the sites we discuss in this episode include: Bandelier National Monument – could this be our next national park? Santa Fe – why this is such a magical place Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument – a must-see natural wonder White Sands National Park (was a National Monument when we visited it) – why this site is no longer a premier spring break destination for college kids Smokey Museum and Historical Park – what is it exactly that makes Karen want to hold Smokey’s hand Carlsbad Caverns – we can’t talk about New Mexico without mentioning its most famous cave system Albuquerque – in search of The Chicken Brothers and the Walter White residence Petroglyphs National Monument – you can walk your dog and see thousands of examples of ancient rock art at the same time Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account More info about the Smokey Bear sites Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we set out to visit all of the national parks, we drove past countless national monuments on our quest to check all the parks off our bucket list. Thankfully, in the years since we completed our original goal, we’ve retraced a lot of our road trip routes, adding stops at many of the incredible monuments that we missed on our first go-around. While national parks often get most of the headlines and visitors, our country’s 129 national monuments are every bit as remarkable, each in their own way. Established by either Congress or the President, these sites protect our historic places, cultural ruins, and natural, wilderness areas. In this episode, we talk about five of our favorites. The national monuments we discuss in this episode: Devils Tower (Wyoming) - why you may or may not want to visit in early August Cedar Breaks (Utah) – what ancient beings live on the rim of this monument Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Utah) – what’s so spooky about this place Natural Bridges National Monument (Utah) – it was the first what? Chiricahua National Monument (Arizona) – why you might want to stay in your RV or tent at night when visiting this amazing place Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who hasn’t dreamed of seeing the tallest peak in North America close up? Denali, at 20,308 feet in elevation, and its namesake national park are breathtaking to behold. In this episode, we share stories from our two visits to Denali and explain how visitors get into the backcountry on the only road through the park. During our first trip, we let the driver of our green transit bus worry about keeping his wheels on the road so we could focus on taking in the stunning landscape and wildlife. And on a subsequent visit, we booked a Fourth of July stayover at a backcountry lodge only to realize that there would be no fireworks—because it never gets dark. As a bonus, we open with a discussion about the new National Park Service app. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: What do Alaskans do when a moose dies in their front yard—or backyard. A little history of the park Why private vehicles are only allowed to drive to milepost 15 in the park. When and how to get a permit for a once-a-year opportunity to drive farther into the park. Everything you’d want to know about the transportation system in the park. What’s the 30% club and how to become a member. What it’s like to stay in the backcountry lodge in the park. What park activities are available to visitors in the winter. Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Denali NP website Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first all-mailbag episode. Thank you for all the questions and comments you’ve sent to us about our podcast. We thought we’d try something new and dedicate an entire show to answering your questions. It was a lot of fun recording this episode; we hope you enjoy it. Some of the questions/topics we discuss in this episode: What are the transportation options to Isle Royale National Park? How do we stay in shape? Why didn’t we take the pottery chard we found in Grand Canyon NP to the park headquarters? Do we ever do outdoor adventures with our adult children? What’s it like to go to the top of the Gateway Arch? Have we ever thought of creating videos? Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Links to ferry info to Isle Royale NP Ferry from Copper Harbor Ranger III Sea Hunter III Voyageur II Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we take you with us on a journey to six of our favorite state parks as we talk about what makes each of these parks unique and why we think they’re astounding. With more than ten thousand state parks spread across the country, our list of favorites is long, and we may have to record several episodes about these smaller, but just-as-spectacular public lands. On our original trip to all the national parks, we had little time to visit them, but since then, we’ve made it a point to see as many as we can. Consider this episode a mere sampling of the hidden treasures that await you. (And, no, we are not partial to parks with “Smith” in the name. But they do get our attention.) The parks we discuss in this episode: Custer SP (South Dakota) Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP (Northern California) Valley of Fire SP (Nevada) Antelope Island SP (Utah) Goblin Valley SP (Utah) Smith Rock SP (Oregon) Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saddle up, partner! Apologies for the corny opening, but—spoiler alert—more horse-related puns are awaiting you in this episode. We’ve taken many treks into wilderness areas in the past ten years, yet most of them have been of the two-legged variety. On this adventure, we let our four-legged friends do the hard part, carrying us (and our stuff) deep into the Pasayten Wilderness of north-central Washington state. As it seems with most of our exploits, there were a few bumps in the trail that we didn’t anticipate. But by the time we ended our four-day, three-night trip, we were ready to do it all over again. We just needed a few days for our butts to stop aching. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: What it was like to ride a horse for the first time in 25 years The curious suggestions we got from friends as we were preparing The unique characteristics about each of our horses The magnificent setting of our camp and the details of camp life Why our horses deserted us and how we got them back How it felt to wake up in a frozen tent in August Our amazing daytrips And, it wouldn’t be a Matt and Karen adventure without a guest appearance from an oh-too-familiar slithery companion Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking a wish out of Karen’s bucket, in 2016 we braved the hike down into the Grand Canyon to Havasu Falls with our friends John and Lolly. Fortunately, we both scored lodging in Supai Village, on the Havasupai Indian reservation, so we didn’t have to carry packs full of camping gear with us. Havasu Creek's waterfalls are a natural wonder that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. If you Google photos of Havasu Falls, rest assured that the turquoise blue water in those pictures are what you’ll see as you’re standing there in person, looking up in awe. In this episode, we describe our trip to see the falls, including the hike down and back, and our stay at the lodge in the remote village by the falls. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: Where the heck is Havasu Falls? Hint: Not by Lake Havasu Why it took us a couple of tries to do this trip How a last-minute medical emergency almost stopped us for a second time Where the trailhead is for the hike down Description of the hike to Supai Village Seeing the jaw-dropping falls in person Staying at the lodge in the village Tips for how to get a reservation at the lodge What we would do differently if we went back Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we talk about some of our favorite hikes in the national parks. It took us a couple of tries to record this one because we had too many on our original “favorites” list. (We may have to do a follow-up episode someday to talk about all of the other jaw dropping trails we left out.) So grab your notebook because we provide a ton of information about must-do hikes in many of the most popular national parks. If you’re like us, you’ll want to hike many of these trails multiple times. Just be sure you take plenty of water, bear spray, and a headlamp. Do not forget your headlamp! And at the end of the episode, we answer a question from our mailbag. Some of the hikes we discuss in this episode: Devil’s Garden-Primitive Loop – Arches NP Chesler Park-Joint Trail Loop - Canyonlands Fairyland Loop - Bryce Canyon Gower Gulch-Golden Canyon - Death Valley Giant Forest Loop Trail - Sequoia And many, many more... In the mailbag segment we talk about whether we have any plans to hike long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trails Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite its not-so-enticing name, Death Valley National Park is one of our favorite destinations, especially in the winter months. Being the lowest, driest, and hottest place in North America, you might be surprised that it also has 11,000+-foot, snow-covered peaks. In this episode we talk about some of the best places to see in the park and give some suggestions for what to do if you only have a few days to visit. And at the end of the episode, we answer a biting question from our mailbag. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode: How the park got its name When is the best time to visit Where to stay, eat, and get gas in the park The best places in the park to watch the sunset Some of our favorite hikes Spectacular backcountry drives Whether aliens visited the Racetrack (you’ll have to listen to the episode to understand what this means) Links to more information: To see photos from our travels, visit our Instagram account, or TikTok account Visit the park’s website for more park information For backcountry travel, you might want to rent a Jeep from Farabee’s Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices