Exploring the National Parks

Let’s head out to Death Valley for some fascinating fun facts! This national park protects an extreme landscape that will surprise you at every turn. From the sand dunes to the extremely hot and dry climate, visiting Death Valley will transport you into the bizarre and beautiful. What you see may seem like it’s straight out of a movie, but Scout's honor, all of the fun facts we are sharing today about this national park are true! In this episode, we discuss: What makes this park the hottest place on earth The shocking amount of precipitation that this park gets each year Why this is the lowest place in North America The mind-bending phenomenon that happens in this park How Death Valley became the first and only national park to return lands to the Native Americans Death Valley is truly unlike any other park, and we hope you get a chance to get out there and experience it for yourself. Don’t forget your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know which of the Death Valley extremes you’re most excited to experience. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

How do you go to the bathroom while you’re out hiking? Surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we get! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to handle bathroom breaks on the trail. Tune in for some handy tips on relieving yourself in the great outdoors—with a sprinkle of potty humor! In this episode, we discuss: Key things to keep in mind when peeing outdoors The cardinal rule for peeing and pooping in nature Rules that will keep you out of a bad situation Our best tips for managing poop while out on the trail We hope these bathroom tips keep you prepared for your next adventure—and that they give you the tools you need to only get dirt in your shoes and nothing else! Don’t forget your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and find the photo of my ziploc bag system. Leave your questions in the comments, or drop some extra potty jokes for John to enjoy! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

We have a confession: Death Valley wasn’t even close to the top of our travel bucket list. But once we arrived, we were blown away—it exceeded every expectation! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this underrated gem. If Death Valley isn't on your radar yet, we encourage you to bump it up because you’ll be shocked by how cool this park actually is! In this episode, we discuss: The special connection between Death Valley and Star Wars The best time of year to visit for an unforgettable experience How to see what Earth truly looks like at Death Valley Where to find the most breathtaking views in the park Our favorite hiking trails you can’t miss The one spot that should be at the top of your must-see list What you’ll find in the main hub of the park Hidden gems on the northern side of the valley What to know if you’re hunting for the famous “racetracks” of Death Valley Where to find the iconic Star Wars sand dunes We hope you enjoyed exploring this uniquely amazing park with us! We are determined to get you to visit this park because it truly is incredible. Don’t forget your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and check out the Star Wars locations at Death Valley and tell us which you are most excited to see! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

We give a lot of love to the big national parks, but we also love visiting smaller and off-the-beaten-path sites run by the NPS. In today’s Small Park Spotlight, we are taking you on a tour of Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawai’i! Most of us know the history of what happened at Pearl Harbor, but immersing yourself in the events of December 7, 1941, is an unforgettable experience. Standing in this place, you can feel the bravery, courage, and valor that this site now represents. It's a place that leaves a lasting impact, and we're excited to explore its significance with you today! In this episode, we discuss: The history of Pearl Harbor What you can do at this national memorial The ultimate can’t-miss sight at Pearl Harbor We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Pearl Harbor. This is an incredible small park to visit—an experience you'll never forget. It’s one of those sites that fills you with pride, both as an American and knowing that our National Park Service is preserving the story of the brave men and women who fought and died here during World War 2. Pearl Harbor – We Will Never Forget. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

If you’re excited about volcanoes, this Exploring the National Parks episode is for you! Today, we're diving into six fun facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This ever-changing park is a must-see, where you can witness both destruction and creation in action. Join us as we explore the unique features that make Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park truly extraordinary! In this episode, we discuss: What makes the plants and wildlife at this park so unique How people got to Hawai’i a thousand years ago What makes the islands of Hawai’i so fascinating What the Hawai’ian Hotspot is and how it created the national park we love today Where you can find the largest active volcano on the planet Where you can find the most active volcano on earth We hope you are blown away by all of these cool facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (and that you get a chance to get out there and see everything for yourself). After all, where else do you experience two of the most incredible volcanoes on the planet?! This park constantly changes, so there is always a reason to return. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! We want you to pull up Google Maps and look at the satellite view of Mauna Loa! You will be blown away by what you see. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to hit the trail in Acadia National Park? Come hiking with us as we share our favorite tips for hiking the famous Beehive Trail in Acadia! The Beehive Trail is one of the most iconic trails in any national park. It is short but adventurous, and we are excited to dive into what makes this trail so amazing. In this episode, we discuss: Why Acadia National Park is actually like Neverland What makes the trails at this park so cool Where to park and how to get to the trailhead Some things you need to remember when hiking the Beehive What you need to know if you are considering taking kids on the Beehive Trail Our best tips for navigating this trail and seeing the best views We hope you enjoy this episode all about the famous Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park. It is one of the most incredible trails you can hike in any national park, and we can’t wait for you to experience it yourself! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Look at our picture of the iron rungs on our Facebook and Instagram page and tell us – would you hike this trail? Or, if you have, is it a trail that you enjoyed? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Aloha friends! Today’s episode takes us on a journey across the ocean to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park! This park protects some of the most active volcanoes in the world – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It's crazy that you can get this close to these epic volcanoes when you visit this national park! Join us as we explore our favorite spots in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park together. In this episode, we discuss: Where to go if you want to see the lava lake Why this park is constantly changing Where to stay and what to eat while visiting this national park Ash’s favorite shave ice stop on the Big Island Can’t miss sights along the Crater Rim Drive What is so cool about these volcanoes, specifically How you can witness the building process of the Hawaiian Islands This park isn’t a huge national park, but it is constantly exploding and expanding. We hope you get the chance to experience Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park soon! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Would you visit Hawai’i Volcanoes during the big eruptions in hopes that you get to see the lava? Or are you more comfortable visiting when things are a little bit quieter? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s go on an adventure! This summer, we took a road trip through some of our favorite parks, plus we added in a few places we had never been to before. And now we want to take you along with us on this epic driving route! Join us on a 10-day journey through the Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky National Parks as we share all of the fun things you can do with your family in this area. In this episode, we discuss: Our favorite things to do in Nashville The best activity to do in Townsend (plus what to beware of!) Navigating the craziness of Gatlinburg Highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Everything we loved about Blue Ridge Parkway Eating our way through Asheville Why the Biltmore is a must-see Exciting tours of Mammoth Cave There you have it—our 10-day summer road trip to some incredible national parks! We hope you enjoy this journey and that this episode gives you ideas for your own road trip through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! This road trip covered Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Mammoth Cave. Which one is your favorite? Bonus points if you share pictures! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going to dazzle you with some fun facts about Mount Rainier National Park! This mountain has thrumming energy, but it is hard to properly explain the feeling you get when you experience Mount Rainier National Park. Whether you are hiking on the mountain or seeing it from afar, this volcano draws attention! We are thrilled to dive in today and share some of the fun facts that make this national park so impressive. In this episode, we discuss: Where this mountain ranks amongst the other mountains in the U.S. How old this mountain really is (the answer will surprise you!) Why Mount Rainier is considered such a hazardous volcano Why this mountain is one of the most glaciated peaks in the Lower 48 The surprising number of climbers that actually make it to the top of Mount Rainier These fun facts will absolutely enhance your next visit to Mount Rainier, or if you haven’t been yet, they will inspire you to put a trip to this phenomenal national park on your calendar! We absolutely love Mount Rainier National Park, and every time we see this mountain, we feel elevated and awe-struck! We hope you get the chance to visit soon, too! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! When you think of Mount Rainier, do you think of looming danger or an exciting adventure? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are back with another Mail from the Trail episode! We are diving into your burning questions about the national parks. Join us as we discuss hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, hiking trip necessities, how we decide which parks to visit, and more! In this episode, we discuss: How to hike Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and the best time to do it The must-have necessities for safe and fun hiking trips The national parks we haven’t been to yet and why Thank you so much for all of your questions today! We really appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions, send us some mail from the trail by going to our podcast page. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions! In this episode, we mentioned a couple of things that you might want to look at: The 10 Essentials for Hiking and the Master Reservation List. Check out the full show notes here.

As one of the most intriguing and *potentially* deadly volcanoes in America, Mount Rainier has been on people’s radars for a long time. So today, we're thrilled to be delving into the wonders of the one and only Mount Rainier National Park! This incredible mountain and its surrounding area was created as the fourth national park in the United States! And after our first visit, it quickly earned a spot in our top five favorite national parks. Towering majestically over the surrounding cities, Mount Rainier is impossible not to love! So join us as we explore everything that makes this park such a phenomenal place to visit. Sights to see and things to do on the Paradise side of Mount Rainier The best places to see waterfalls in Mount Rainier The healing power of nature The biggest mistake people make when visiting this park Tips for hiking our favorite trail in the park Other trails and sights in the area What you can’t miss on the Sunrise side of the park How to get to the most epic viewpoints Where to stay when you visit We hope you enjoyed exploring Mount Rainier with us! This national park will blow you away, and we hope you get a chance to get out there soon. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Sunrise or Paradise?! Paradise or Sunrise?! We are posting photos so you can see what each area looks like, and you can tell us which one you prefer - even if you haven’t been there yet! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Today, we are going on an adventure in Ash’s favorite national park—Grand Teton! We’re hiking through Cascade Canyon, the most popular longer trail in the Tetons. Join us as we visit Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and even Lake Solitude along the Cascade Canyon Trail! Whether you’re going for a multi-day backpacking trip or a quick hike, you will love the Teton views from up here! In this episode, we discuss: The best season for hiking this trail How to see the “Disneyland” of Grand Teton Helpful tips to keep in mind while hiking this trail All of the must-see spots in Cascade Canyon The animals you can see while hiking this trail The two forks in this trail and what you need to know about each We hope you enjoy exploring the gorgeous Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park. It truly is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike, and there are so many beautiful and iconic views on this trail. Click over to Dirt In My Shoes to start planning your next epic vacation to Grand Teton National Park! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Are you Team North Fork or Team South Fork?? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are headed back to one of our favorite National Parks — Mesa Verde! We are diving into the fun facts about this park and focusing on the people who lived here. The incredible human history in this area is what this park is all about, and we are so excited to share it with you! Join us as we take a deep dive into the Ancestral Puebloans who called Mesa Verde home. In this episode, we discuss: The surprising number of cliff dwellings in this national park The number of tribes that have special ties to Mesa Verde The largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde The insanely cool things that archeologists have found in this park The magic and the mystery of this park This park protects the heritage of our country in a sacred and beautiful way, and it’s up to us to learn about it and how we can preserve it. We hope these fun facts will help you cherish this amazing place as you explore it with your family and friends! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Do you think Long House is the *actual* largest cliff dwelling in North America? Or do you stand by the NPS and vote for Cliff Palace? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and cast your vote! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time to drive one of the most epic roads in any national park – Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our insider tips for this gem of a scenic drive. The Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts right through Glacier as it travels deeper into the park’s majestic mountains! We’re talking all about our favorite viewpoints and activities along this drive, as well as insider tips and fascinating facts you’ll want to know before you go. In this episode, we discuss: Fascinating fun facts about this road Helpful things you need to know if you are planning to drive this road The stops and sights you don’t want to miss Campgrounds and trails you’ll want to check out Where you can see Bird Woman Falls in all its glory (John’s obsessed!) The Red Bus Tour Why everyone loves Logan Pass The easiest way to see a glacier in Glacier Hiking to St. Mary Falls The phenomenal view that’s hard to find The best places to get parking We hope you enjoy driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road with us in spectacular Glacier National Park! Before you go, be sure to check if reservations are needed to enter this area of the park. If you need a day-by-day plan for your trip and hope to avoid the crowds, or if you need help getting your reservations, pick up your Glacier Itinerary here. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and tell us which stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is your favorite or which one you are most looking forward to! Check out the full show notes here.

We are exploring Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park in this episode of Exploring the National Parks. This unique national park is for anyone who loves history, especially the fascinating story of the people native to the Southwest! Mesa Verde is a sacred homeland to 26 different Native American tribes, and it protects the heritage of these incredible people. It represents such an important part of our history as Americans, and we are so excited to dive into this truly special and sacred national park with you today! In this episode, we discuss: The amazing architecture you’ll see in this park Some helpful reminders for the drive when visiting this park What to skip while you’re in this park and what you can’t miss The must-see sights on the Mesa Top Loop What makes the Cliff Palace Loop the best part of the park Our top favorite tour to take in Mesa Verde Where to get the best tacos in Mesa Verde Construction to watch out for Why we love Long House The gateway towns to check out near Mesa Verde We hope you get the chance to visit Mesa Verde! It’s such an incredible park to visit with so much history. Plan to visit for a couple of days, and be sure to get your advanced reservations if you want to tour the cliff dwellings! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and check out our photo of the Balcony House ladder. Would you climb it?! Leave a comment and let us know. Check out the full show notes here.

You may not have even heard of this park, so you’re in for a real treat! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our favorite fun facts about Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. This park is more of a blend between a national historical site and a national park because it has both natural beauty and significant historical landmarks. Cuyahoga Valley is a unique smaller park that many people don’t know much about. Join us as we discuss what makes this park so cool! In this episode, we discuss: What makes the bedrock layers at this national park so interesting The fascinating history of the canal How this park helped Ohio become one of the most populated states in the country How the river in this park became a catalyst for a major environmental movement The surprising number of active farms within the Cuyahoga Valley boundaries We hope you love hearing about this incredible national park! It’s truly like going back to simpler times when you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and we hope you get the chance to visit it soon! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which of these fun facts surprised you the most? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our top 5 favorite classic Yosemite Valley views. Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit! In this episode, we discuss: The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite Valley The most popular viewpoint in Yosemite Ash’s favorite Yosemite Valley view The best 360-degree experience in Yosemite Valley The most fun and unique way to see the beautiful valley We hope you enjoy hearing about our favorite Yosemite Valley views. If you can get to all five on your next visit to Yosemite, you’ll have some amazing photos to remember your trip by! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! If you have been to Yosemite, what is your favorite Yosemite Valley view? Bonus points if you share photos! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Need help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite? Grab one of our Yosemite National Park itineraries! Check out the full show notes here.

We are doing something new on the podcast! We want to start interviewing some of the coolest people on the planet – park rangers! For our very first interview, we are talking to Ranger Ryan Cooper, who works for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. His job is to map the Lewis and Clark Trail, so he’s basically a modern-day explorer! Today, he is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work as a park ranger, sharing fascinating stories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and diving into his other passion: delicious BBQ. In this episode, we discuss: How Ryan became a park ranger What he does on a day-to-day basis in his job Cool information about the Lewis and Clark Trail The unique artifacts that have been found by archeologists on this trail The fascinating history of the expedition The coolest part about Ryan’s job The best BBQ along the Lewis and Clark Trail We hope you enjoy this conversation with Ryan! If you want amazing BBQ restaurant recommendations, be sure to follow Ryan on Instagram @bbqtourist. You can also check out The Smoke Sheet at bbqnewsletter.substack.com. Let us know if you know of anyone who works for the national parks that we should interview! We are always looking for fun and interesting people to connect with. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Please let Ryan know that you appreciate him coming on the podcast over on his Instagram page! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio! This national park is so incredible because it was an important area for the development of the wild frontier. It also sparked a crucial environmental movement and opened up discussions on the importance of the natural environment. You don’t usually hear much about this national park, even though it sees millions of visitors each year! We wanted to explore Cuyahoga Valley with you today so that you can discover this spectacular national park. In this episode, we discuss: The Canal Exploration Center Our favorite thing to do at this national park The gateway towns in this area The accessibility of this park Our favorite restaurants in the area The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Cool trails you’ll want to check out The haunted bridge you can’t miss We hope you enjoyed learning all about this lesser-known national park! Cuyahoga Valley is such a unique park, and we highly recommend making a trip to see it for yourself. Remember to complete your task for this week! Would you rather ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or bike the Towpath? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a mailbag episode! We are diving into some of the questions we have gotten from you guys about the national parks and sharing our best tips and suggestions. Join us as we share our favorite camping tips, the best trails for solo hiking, park ranger Ash, and more! In this episode, we discuss: What Beginner Campers Need 101 How to find the best affordable camping equipment How to plan your meals while camping Where to find the best campsites Where to find the best hiking trails for solo hiking How and why Ash became a park ranger The trips we have coming up on the East side of the Mississippi We hope you enjoyed hearing the answers to some of these listener questions today. If you have any questions about national parks, family travel, outdoor activities, us, or anything in between, please visit dirtinmyshoes.com/podcast to leave us a message. We’ll answer them in an upcoming Mailbag episode! Check out the full show notes here.

Join us as we journey back to Alaska for some fascinating Glacier Bay fun facts! Ash, who worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay National Park, and John, who loves Glacier Bay and enjoys learning and sharing his discoveries, are here to share our unique experiences and surprise you with facts that make this park so extraordinary! From advancing glaciers, tidal waves, scientific research, rebounding land, and fascinating wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to be on your bucket list after this podcast episode. In this episode, we discuss: What makes these the fastest-moving glaciers in the world The location of the largest tidal wave recorded in history Why this park was claimed by the government… for science How Glacier Bay went from a rocky landscape to a rainforest in record time The coolest thing about the wildlife in this park We hope you enjoyed learning more about why Glacier Bay is such an unbelievable park. We also hope you can visit Glacier Bay and see it all for yourself sometime soon! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which one of these fun facts surprised you the most? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s that time of year again — time to start thinking about Yellowstone National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we discuss the amazing wildlife that can be seen in Yellowstone. The wildlife in this park is incredible. It’s the North American Safari! Join us as we explore the top spots in Yellowstone to see wildlife, with a sprinkle of wildlife-themed dad jokes along the way! In this episode, we discuss: The unmatched spot in this park to see the best wildlife Where to find the most buffalo The best spots to see wolves Our favorite places to see grizzly bears The one place to go if you want to see some elk The different types of birds you can see in the park Where to see the fastest animals in North America The best times of year to see these animals We hope you enjoyed hearing about the wildlife in Yellowstone. This park is packed full of amazing wildlife, and we hope you get the chance to see it this year! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Have you had a wildlife encounter in Yellowstone? Tell us about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring a park that is near and dear to our hearts – Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska! Ash worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay and has so many amazing experiences to share about living in this part of Alaska! This national park has tidewater glaciers, massive mountains, and wildlife galore, so we’re excited to explore Glacier Bay with you! In this episode, we discuss: Our special connection to this national park The unique route you need to know about if you want to visit this park The thing that makes Glacier Bay so cool The best place to see humpback whales in this park The incredible wildlife in this area The best way to see this park Our favorite spots in Glacier Bay What you can expect with the weather in this area The cool thing about the glaciers in this national park What to do at Bartlett Cove Our favorite trails in this national park What you need to know if you plan to go fishing in Glacier Bay We hope you love this episode and learning about all of the incredible sights that Glacier Bay has to offer! This park is truly phenomenal so we hope that everyone gets a chance to visit. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What wildlife are you most looking forward to seeing in Glacier Bay? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s hit the road and travel to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking you on a journey through our home state. This epic 10-day Utah National Parks road trip is a family favorite, and we can’t wait to show you our favorite spots. Join us as we share a really cool sample itinerary that you can enjoy with your family while exploring Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion! On the episode’s itinerary: The best location to start this road trip How many days to spend at each national park to see everything The food you don’t want to miss during your road trip Can’t miss hikes at each national park The route we recommend you take to see all 5 Utah National Parks Where to find the best scenery in these parks Other stops and towns en route that you don’t want to miss How to expand your trip by adding a couple of days We hope you enjoy hitting the road with us on this epic 10-day road trip through The Mighty 5 Utah National Parks! If you want more detailed help on what you see in these parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our itineraries for each park. Remember to complete your task for this week! Of all the movies we mentioned in this episode that were filmed in the Mighty 5 area of Utah, which one is your favorite? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head back to Olympic National Park for some fun facts! There is so much to share about this unique national park that it was kind of hard to narrow it down to just five. Olympic has so many distinct ecosystems and areas that are so different from the others in this park, and we are excited to dive into what makes this park so special! Join us as we discuss: Where the rocks at Olympic National Park come from The surprising number of glaciers you can find in this park The plants and animals in this area that you won’t find anywhere else The shocking amount of rain this park gets each year The last place in this park explored and mapped in the lower 48 We hope you love learning these fun facts as much as we do! Olympic is such an incredible park, and we hope you get the chance soon to get out there and explore it for yourself. If you need any help planning your trip, get your itinerary for an hour-by-hour schedule in Olympic! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which national park would you have loved to discover before the explorers did? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Curious about potential future national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into emerging candidates that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore seven key locations where people are advocating for national park status! Join us as we discuss: What has to happen for a new national park to be established Seven locations that may become national parks in the future What makes these locations so cool Things to do at each of these parks The fascinating history, nature, and archeology you can find in these parks The benefits of having a national park designation We hope you enjoy learning about these potential national parks with us! If you need any help planning your next national park trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which of these locations would you vote for to be the next national park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Olympic National Park! This huge national park has so much diversity and unique qualities that we can’t wait to explore with you all. Plus, it’s Ash’s turn to nerd out because Forks, Washington, home to a certain sparkly vampire and werewolf from Twilight, is one of the gateway towns to this park. Join us as we discuss: Everything you need to know about Port Angeles The best way to see Hurricane Ridge and Mount Olympus Our favorite trails in the area The things that can make or break your trip to this park Why we love visiting Lake Crescent Where you can find good waterfalls Our experience in the hot springs at Olympic National Park Must-see stops in Forks, Washington, for Twilight lovers What you need to know about lodging while visiting this area The best beaches in this park What makes the rainforest so amazing The huge Roosevelt elk you can see in the area We hope you enjoy exploring Olympic National Park with us! If you need any help planning your next trip, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get your Olympic National Park itinerary! Read the full show notes here.

Want to explore the national parks but on a tight budget? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Visiting the national parks is actually a great option for you if you love to travel but don’t have a ton of money to spend on it. We are sharing all of our top tips for traveling to the national parks while spending as little money as possible! Join us as we discuss: The benefits of an annual pass When to travel for the most savings Why we love camping in the parks How to save on meals in the national parks Ways to save on gas when traveling to national parks Taking advantage of all of the free activities in the parks Days you can visit the parks for free The benefits of visiting the smaller national parks or national monuments We hope you enjoyed these money-saving tips that will help you travel to the parks on a budget! If you need any help planning your trips to the parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What is your favorite tip for visiting the national parks on a budget? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time to learn some fun facts about Arches National Park! This is one of the coolest parks to visit, so we are so excited to jump into these truly fascinating fun facts about this national park. From the geology to the wildlife to the stars in the sky, we are covering everything that makes this park so incredible. Join us for this exciting episode! Join us as we discuss: The crazy number of natural arches this park has The cryptobiotic crust you’ll find in this park The fascinating wildlife you’ll find here What makes this park an International Dark Sky Park The human history of this park We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get the chance to get out there and explore this exciting and inviting park soon. There is an Arches adventure waiting for you out there! If you need any help, we have a ton of trip-planning information over at DirtInMyShoes.com. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and share which national park you would like to explore and what adventure you would want to have there. Let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are getting a little nerdy! We have been making lists of the national parks by size, visitation, and date established on Dirt In My Shoes. Today, we’re sharing some interesting information on the first five National Parks that were established. As National Park enthusiasts, we think everyone should know what the first five national parks were! So, let’s explore the first five national parks and learn some interesting history along the way. Join us as we discuss: The interesting history leading up to the establishment of the national parks The first five national parks that were established in the U.S. The key people involved in establishing these national parks Fascinating historical events surrounding these parks The establishment of The National Park Service We were so surprised by some of the parks on this list and the history behind it all. We hope you loved this episode and enjoyed nerding out over national park history with us! If you want to see the full list, you can find it here. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! We want to know which national park surprises you the most according to when it was established. Head to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s explore Arches! We visit this national park at least once a year, and we never run out of things to do because there is just so much to see in the area. Whether it’s the well-known sights or the hidden gems, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re discussing it all. This park is truly iconic, and we hope this episode helps you plan your next trip! Join us as we discuss: Our favorite arches in the Devils Garden Where to go for a quiet place to experience the arches The popular arch that Ash is not a fan of Our tips for visiting Fiery Furnace Important things you’ll want to remember before visiting this park Where to get the best view of Delicate Arch The best places to experience the sunset in the park Other great areas in the park to see non-arch formations Parts of the park to explore if you have a Jeep What to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Moab Arches entrance reservations We hope you get the chance to explore this incredible park yourself this year! To see the best of the park without getting stuck in the crowds, you’ll find a full Arches National Park Itinerary on the Dirt In My Shoes website. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and show us what you like to wear when you’re out exploring the national parks. (This has a funny tie-in with the town of Moab, which we discuss near the end of the episode.) Check out the full show notes here.

Which national park campground is the best? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a full-on WWE-style smackdown! We each picked our top five favorite campgrounds, and we are going to battle it out to see who came up with the best options. We were full-time RVers for three years, so we are very familiar with the national park campgrounds, and we are excited to dive into it today! Join us as we discuss: - The national monuments we both put on our lists - The things we love about each campground we chose - The most unique campgrounds we have stayed at - Some fun and elusive campgrounds you want to check out - Campgrounds you need to put on your bucket list We hope you enjoy this National Park Campground Smackdown episode! Camping is one of the best ways to stay in the parks without spending a ton of money, so we highly recommend it! If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes, leave us a comment, and tell us about your favorite campground in the National Parks! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing 5 fun facts about Big Bend National Park! We recently shared our favorite activities and places to stay in this park, and today we are sharing some incredible fun facts. Known as a geologist’s paradise and nightmare, we are so excited to share all of the things that make this place so cool. Join us as we explore this chaotic and fascinating park! Join us as we discuss: - The massive events this park has been a part of in the last 340 million years - The one thing Big Bend has that other national parks don’t - What makes the fossils at Big Bend so unique - The vast amount of species living in this national park - What makes the human history in this park so fascinating From the plants, animals, and geology to the human history, there is so much to appreciate about this one-of-a-kind national park. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and participate in our poll. We want to know what part of Big Bend you are most excited to see! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s a brand new year, and in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing what you can expect in the national parks in 2024! Granted, things will change throughout the year, but this is an overview of how things are looking for the 2024 season. I know many of you are planning your trips right now, so our goal is to give you as much insight as possible into what you can expect this year in the parks. Join us as we discuss: - What you need to know about park reservations this year - What to know if you are planning to camp in the parks - Parks with upcoming construction closures you’ll want to know about - How to prepare for wildfire season in the parks Remember, the parks are always changing, so it’s best to check the official NPS website often. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. If you know that you're visiting a national park in 2024, go and look at the official NPS site for that national park so you know what you need to do before you go. You can also head over to Instagram and join Ash for a Q&A session where you can ask all of your national park questions! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas. Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You’re going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together. Join us as we discuss: - What makes this lonesome park so special - Our favorite sections of Big Bend - The closest gateway towns to Big Bend - Tips for visiting Mexico while you’re at this park - The incredible mountains you can see in the area - Where to stay while visiting Big Bend - Our favorite trails to hike - The unexpected wildlife and fossils you’ll find in the area - The most stunning canyon you’ll find in Big Bend - Our favorite restaurants in the area We hope you love hearing all about Big Bend. If you are thinking about visiting this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your trip. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Go to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page to join in on the fun! Check out the full show notes here.

This is our last podcast episode of 2023, and we are Florida dreaming! Today we are sharing our favorite fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is incredible for many reasons and might be one of the most exciting fun facts episodes we’ve ever done! This national park has a colorful history, and even though it can be challenging to get to, it’s well worth the trip. Join us as we discuss: - Florida’s fascinating origin story - How biology is actually the geology of this park - The story of how Dry Tortugas was discovered - Why there is a surprising number of sunken ships in this national park - The history behind why you can find the largest masonry fort in the Western hemisphere in this park We hope you enjoyed this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Dry Tortugas is definitely one of the most fascinating parks we have been to, and its history is rich with pirates, ships, and treasure. Check out the full show notes here.

Raise the mast! Swab the deck! Arrr mateys, do you love pirates? If so, you’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! We are exploring a park that surprised us in every way - Dry Tortugas National Park! We have been to many historical parks, but this one was so much cooler than we expected. Everything about this area will amaze you, and we are excited to share this incredible park with you. Join us as we discuss: The only two ways to get to Dry Tortugas (and our traumatic experience getting there!) The fascinating history behind Fort Jefferson and the amazing sights to see Why this is one of the best places to go snorkeling and see coral and fish Our experience visiting Key West and what we loved about it The interesting things to see and stories you can hear in this area Though our first trip was bumpy, we can’t wait to get back – it was such a gorgeous location to visit! Add Dry Tortugas to your bucket list, and get ready to have adventures on the high seas! Check out the full show notes here.

Wondering how to get your kids to happily hike in the national parks with you? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our top tips for hiking with kids. We have been hiking with kids for many years, and we love how it forces us to slow down and really appreciate the parks even more. Join us as we share our favorite strategies for hiking the national parks with little ones! Join us as we discuss: How to choose the right trail length for kids How to get your kids to sleep better while on vacation Why the gear you get for hiking with kids matters Our go-to trick to keep our kids going on trails How to make hiking extra fun with storytelling Our favorite games to play on the trails What you should never hike without We love taking our kids on the trails with us because it is a great way to teach them the value of hard work and the reward that they can get at the end of a hike! If you want some help planning your next trip to the national parks, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get hour-by-hour itineraries for the parks (they are kid-friendly). Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are California dreamin’ with some Joshua Tree National Park fun facts. If you are looking for a warmer park to travel to this winter, Joshua Tree is the perfect location to check out. This is definitely one of those parks that you will appreciate more if you learn something about it first! Join us as we discuss: The geological forces that created this park a hundred million years ago The fascinating fact about the tectonic plates you are standing on in Joshua Tree The two entirely different desert ecosystems that meet in Joshua Tree Why we really don’t know how old Joshua trees are Where the name of this park comes from The plant species used by the native people of the area We hope this episode helps you appreciate this amazing park even more! It may not seem like much at first glance, but the beauty of this park really is in the details. For help planning your trip to Joshua Tree, check out this list of 8 things you can’t miss on your first visit. Check out the full show notes here.

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our favorite places to eat in the national parks, but with a Thanksgiving twist. Get ready for our favorite poultry, berries, and pie recommendations as we eat our way around the national parks. Join us as we discuss: Where to find the best poultry and berry sandwich you’ll ever have The most amazing pies you’ll find in the parks The topping you definitely don’t want to put on your Thanksgiving rolls this year We hope this episode makes you hungry, and we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! The biggest sale of the year is here! Starting on Black Friday, all of the Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries are on sale for 20% off. This is the perfect time to solidify your national park trip plans for next summer! Get your itinerary here (and don’t forget to use the coupon code parks23 for 20% off through November 28, 2023). Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head to California to explore a park that is amazing to visit this time of year- Joshua Tree National Park! This incredible park has some truly unique trees that will make you feel like you stepped straight into a Dr. Seuss book. Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see if you are in this area of California! Join us as we discuss: Where to actually find the Joshua Trees Tips for exploring the Mojave Desert The date shake you can’t miss when visiting this park Rock climbing adventures in Joshua Tree The culture shock you might get in this park How to find a little solitude during busier times of the year Our favorite trails in the park Tips if you are visiting with your kids The best restaurants in Joshua Tree The vibe and culture of Joshua Tree National Park is definitely different from other parks, but it is absolutely worth a visit! The trees are incredible and unique, and rock climbing is a must! If you need help planning your trip to Joshua Tree, make sure to visit dirtinmyshoes.com to get started. Check out the full show notes here.

Thinking about going somewhere fun this winter to break up the long, cold days? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Today, we are sharing our favorite national parks to visit in the winter if you are looking to escape the snow. These are some of our favorite warm-weather escapes, and we are excited to share them with you today! Join us as we discuss: The hottest and driest park that is best to visit in the winter The national park that we could visit every single winter One of our favorite parks to visit in the south The best national park in Utah to visit in the winter Where you can go in the winter and see some unique trees The park we weren’t expecting to love in the winter The perfect Hawaii national park getaway We hope you enjoyed hearing about our favorite national parks to visit when we need to get away from the cold. We visit at least a few of these parks pretty much every winter, and we hope you get a chance to do the same this year! If you want some help planning your trip to any of these national parks, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com to get started! Check out the full show notes here.

Ready to learn some interesting facts about Zion National Park? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, John is taking the reins and sharing some Zion fun facts! This is a very popular national park that sees millions of visitors every year, so we are excited to dive into the history of the park and everything that makes it such a magical place to visit. Join us as we cover: A fascinating fact about the rock layers in Zion and the Grand Staircase Where the Navajo Sandstone came from The amazing history behind all of the rock layers and the rivers in the area The destructive, creative, and life-giving force behind the Virgin River The wildlife inside this park, despite the overall lack of water in the area The surprisingly large amount of ferns you can find at Zion What happened in 1776 that put this area on the map The interesting human history in Zion We hope you loved this episode and learning about Zion National Park! It is truly a magical refuge, and we hope you get to get out there and visit the park soon. If you are ready to plan your trip and want some help, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get our Zion Itinerary! Check out the full show notes here.

Halloween is right around the corner, and today we are talking about some supernatural and paranormal fun in this episode of Exploring the National Parks! We are sharing our favorite creepy stories from around the national parks that we all know and love. These parks are incredible, and they have some pretty insane stories associated with them as well. So gather around the campfire with us for a haunted national parks tour! Join us as we cover scary stories from: Yosemite National Park Yellowstone National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mammoth Cave National Park We hope you had fun exploring the eerie side of the national parks with us! If you are ready to plan your next trip to the national parks, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com to get started! Check out the full show notes here.

Looking for an adventure? We have just the park for you! In this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the incredible Zion National Park. We have been fortunate enough to spend a ton of time in this park, and it’s probably our favorite place for anyone looking for a stunning and high-adventure national park to visit. If done right, this is one of the most memorable places to visit, so we are excited to explore this incredible park with you today! Join us as we cover: Why Zion is such a great place to visit What you need to know about the Zion Lodge Everything you can see and do in this area Where to find the best views in Zion Our favorite things to do in Zion Canyon Tips for how to do this park if you want to bring your kids What you need to know before hiking Angels Landing Our favorite trails in Zion The smaller, lesser-known places to visit in this park The best food in this area Our favorite surprising area in Zion We hope you enjoyed exploring Zion National Park with us. You really can’t go wrong with this park – it will blow your mind! You’ll have some adventures that you’ll never forget. If you are ready to plan your trip and want some help, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get our Zion Itinerary! Check out the full show notes here.

Are you hoping to show your kids the beauty and wonder of the national parks? We are sharing our favorite parks to explore if you have toddlers or young kids in your adventure group! We firmly believe that it doesn't matter how young your kids are, you can have a fantastic time with them in the national parks! Sit back and relax as we share our favorite kid-friendly parks to add to your bucket list. Join us as we cover: What makes a good park for kids? Here’s what to keep in mind The top 9 parks you’ll want to visit with your kids Where to go for epic sand adventures Best places to hike with kids Where to go if your kids want to hunt for fossils The perfect park for trains and animal lovers Gateway towns that you don’t want to miss Kid-friendly activities in each park We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get out there and explore the national parks with your young kids! If you are looking for fun, wholesome family destinations without the work and stress, these parks are definitely for you. Check out the full show notes here.

It’s finally October, which means it is prime leaf-peeping season! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are excited to talk about one of our favorite leaf-peeping parks - Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you are looking forward to learning five fun facts that will enhance your visit to the Smokies, this is the episode for you. Join us as we cover: The fascinating roots of the Great Smoky Mountains The tallest point in the Smokies The life and biodiversity in these mountains The native trees that you can find in this park The rich human history in this area We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Great Smokies! This park is truly life-giving, not only for creatures and plants but for the people as well. We hope you get a chance to get out there and explore these mountains for yourself in the near future! And if you need any help planning your next trip, check out this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary. Check out the full show notes here.

Is there anything more fascinating to us than falling water? We absolutely love waterfalls! So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of the best national parks to visit if you want to see waterfalls and some of the best waterfalls that you can’t miss. If you are ready to go on a waterfall-chasing adventure, this episode is for you! Join us as we cover: The six best national parks for seeing waterfalls Our favorite tall waterfalls The most scenic waterfalls Where to find the most powerful waterfalls Waterfalls with the best colors The splashiest waterfalls Waterfalls with the most adventurous routes We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get to check out some of these amazing waterfalls on your next trip to the national parks. We would love to hear from you! What are your favorite waterfall parks? Leave us a comment and let us know at dirtinmyshoes.com/podcast. And if you love the show, we would love it if you left us a 5-star review! Check out the full show notes here.

Is there a more life-giving place than Great Smoky Mountain National Park? We don’t think there is! This is the time of year this park really shines, so in this episode, we are exploring everything the Smokies have to offer. We know that some of you are heading out there in the next few weeks to see the fall colors, so we are excited to talk about and celebrate this beautiful national park with you! Join us as we cover: Why this park is the most visited national park in America The most popular part of this park that you don’t want to miss Our favorite waterfall hike in this park What you need to know about Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail What we love about Gatlinburg If you only have time for one trail, this is the one you want to do What you need to know about the trails - and how to pronounce them The diverse ecosystems in the park What to check out on the North Carolina side of the park The best way to get Smoky Mountain views We hope you enjoyed exploring this stunning park with us! It is truly amazing, and it deserves all of the hype that it gets. There is so much magic in this park, and we know you’ll love it. If you want some help planning your trip to the Smokies and avoiding the massive crowds, grab your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary before you go! Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are revisiting one of John’s favorite topics- food! This is Volume 2 of our favorite food that you can find in and near the national parks. Food is a huge part of traveling, so we want to make sure you don’t miss any of the delicious eats in the national parks you visit. Join us as we share two great places to eat and one that didn’t quite meet our expectations. Join us as we cover: The restaurant you can’t miss in Astoria The best place to get Sonoran hot dogs in Tucson The donut shop in Shenandoah that didn’t live up to the hype for us We hope you enjoyed hearing about our top three picks in this episode! If you head to any of these parks, make sure to stop in and try it for yourself because, hey, what’s a trip without good food?? For help planning your next trip to the national parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com! And if you want to listen to National Park Foods Volume 1, you can find it here. Check out the full show notes here.