Exploring the National Parks

Who’s ready to learn some Rocky Mountain fun facts?! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some fun facts about this park that you won’t find on the NPS website. John did some digging and found some fascinating facts, particularly about the rocks and mountains in this park. Let’s discuss what makes this national park so special! Join us as we cover: How old these rocks really are Punny jokes you can make in Rocky Mountain to impress your friends your and family The magma that brought the amazing colors in the rocks The Boulder Creek Batholith “The force” that’s raising the Rocky Mountains How this area of Colorado really wanted to be like Kansas Why John considers Rocky Mountain the “Reluctant National Park” The parts of this park that are considered tundra The fascinating human history of this national park We hope you enjoy these Rocky Mountain fun facts! The magic of this park is in the small details, and it truly is an incredible place to visit. If you are looking for help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your Rocky Mountain Itinerary! Check out the full show notes here.

Fall is here! The national parks are absolutely incredible this time of year because the crowds die down, the air is crisp, and the colors are vibrant. In this episode, we are sharing our top 10 favorite national parks to visit in the fall! *Disclaimer – this episode is heavy on the Lord of the Rings references. If you are like Ash and can only handle so much, you can read through the full show notes instead for the list of our favorite fall parks :) Join us as we cover: Our top pick for national parks in the West this time of year The national park with the best personality The park where you can see the most fantastic fall colors The most overlooked national park that is perfect for a fall trip Why fall is the best time to be in Zion National Park Why Shenandoah is a must-see in the fall months The park that you might not think of visiting in the fall, but you definitely should A small but mighty national park to visit in the fall months A park that is simply otherworldly this time of year Where you can see the Northern Lights in September We hope you enjoy this episode and are able to get out and see some of these parks this fall because the colors are truly so beautiful! If you need help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to check out our national park itineraries and other trip-planning resources. Check out the full show notes here.

Ready to get Rocky Mountain high? We are heading over to Colorado for this episode of Exploring the National Parks! We recently got back from visiting Rocky Mountain National Park again, and we had such an amazing time. Join us as we share some of our favorite spots, hikes, things to do, and more! Join us as we cover: Everything you need to know about the Bear Lake area The hike that you can’t miss at this park Why you should be taking the afternoon thunderstorms very seriously How to prepare for possible altitude sickness All of the incredible hiking trails you can check out at this park The food in Bear Lake…or lack thereof! The famous creepy hotel you can visit during your trip Places to camp in Rocky Mountain and the best places to see elk The star of Rocky Mountain National Park - The Trail Ridge Road What to keep in mind when it comes to elevation in Rocky Mountain The insanely cool krummholz trees you can find in this park The best side of the park for seeing moose What we love about Grand Lake The trail where you get the most bang for your buck Hitting the trail in Rocky Mountain is where you really see the magic, so we hope you get a chance to get out there and see it for yourself! Any extra time you can spend seeing mother nature in action is humbling, especially while you’re in these mountains. If you are ready to start planning your trip to Rocky Mountain, we have you covered. Head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about food in the national parks! One of the top requests we have received on this podcast is to talk about food. So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about three of the most memorable places to eat in the national parks. Join us as we cover: Where you can find the most heavenly blackberry butter Where to get a hearty mountain man breakfast The “famous” ice cream you should pass on There are so many amazing places to eat in the national parks, and some not-so-great options as well. We hope these recommendations help you discover some delicious food on your next trip! If you need help planning your next national park vacation, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the fun facts of Acadia National Park! This park is probably cooler than you think, so we are excited to share what makes it such an incredible park (aside from the gorgeous views!) with you. Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating history that shaped this national park into the awe-inspiring location that it is today. Join us as we cover: The massive amount of geological history missing from this park The three major unconformities in Acadia The fascinating science behind one of the most striking features of this park How glaciers shaped this park into what it is today John’s theory of how this park ties into Greek mythology The human history of Acadia The moment when things started to change historically in this park The story of how Acadia became a national park and how we can give back Thanks for joining us for these Acadia fun facts! We hope this inspired you to finally plan that trip out to Acadia because it is just magical! If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn about a few more of our favorite places to cool off in the national parks? This is part two of the best swimming holes that the National Parks have to offer. This isn’t an all-inclusive list – we truly love so many swimming places in the parks! But today, we are sharing three more of our top favorite places to cool off after a long hike. Let’s discuss the best places for a swim during your next trip! Join us as we cover: The swimming spots with the best views in Grand Teton The can’t-miss swimming spot in Redwood National Park Where to swim in the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest We hope you enjoyed hearing about the best refreshing places to take a swim and cool off in the national parks. If you want more ideas, make sure you listen to part one of the best swimming holes in the parks. If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s take a trip to Ash’s favorite national park on the East Coast - Acadia National Park! If we’re being honest, Acadia is unlike anything you can see in the West. In this episode of Exploring the National Park, we are exploring this magical national park and all of the things that make it such an incredible place to visit. Join us as we cover: Our favorite spots to visit in Acadia Why we love the Beehive Trail The family-friendly mountain hike with incredible views A fun way to experience the power of the ocean The Carriage Roads you can utilize in Acadia Why you haven’t fully experienced Acadia if you haven’t tried the popovers The most famous mountain in Acadia and when you should try to see it Everything we love about Bar Harbor The other things you need to eat at this national park How to find Acadia’s best-kept secret Where to find the nicest campground in the park and see an area most people don’t see We hope you enjoyed this episode all about Acadia National Park! This seaside national park is truly unique and beautiful. In addition to all the big adventures you can have here, be sure to try the lobster, the blueberries, and the popovers! To hear our funniest story from our time in Acadia, listen to the funniest stories episode here. If you want help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

There’s never a dull moment when you’re hiking out in the national parks! In this episode, we are sharing Volume Two of our funny stories in the national parks, and this one centers around our most hilarious moments while hiking! Let’s dive into some of our funny and embarrassing moments from the trails. Join us as we cover: The time we got punked while whale-watching The lengths we went to in order to find a “hair carrot” in Theodore Roosevelt National Park The muddy puddle that was actually the lake we were looking for We hope you enjoyed these funny stories! It’s so fun to look back on our adventures and misadventures in the parks. And hopefully, this summer, you’ll be able to go out on some hiking trails in the national parks and have some of your own adventures! If you need help planning your next trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s head to the top of Angels Landing! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are covering one of the most epic and well-known hikes in the whole national park system, Angels Landing in Zion National Park! This trail has quite a reputation, and it does not disappoint. Join us as we give you all the details and share why this trail is one you can hike with your whole group (yes, everyone!) and a must-do if you are visiting Zion. Join us as we cover: Why this trail is the most popular in the park What you need to know about hiking this trail What to do if you don’t want to hike the full trail Chicken’s Landing The incredible views you get at the top of this trail Don’t let this trail scare you away! No matter if you hike part of the way or go all the way to the top, it is incredibly rewarding and the views truly can’t get any better. Just getting on this trail will change your whole perspective of Zion National Park. If you need help planning your trip to this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

If you love to be in the water as much as we do, this episode is for you. We are sharing a few of our favorite swimming holes in the national parks! This is not a complete list, just a few of our top favorite places to cool off while visiting some incredible parks. Join us as we cover: The best jumping dock (in the world? Yes, probably!) Snorkeling on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere The disappearing creek Add these swimming spots to your bucket list! They are family-friendly and will add an extra dose of adventure to your next national park vacation. It’s summer, so go out there and have fun with your family! If you need help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Today, we are sharing some funny stories from our adventures! We’ve spent a lot of time camping in the national parks, and we are sharing our most humorous moments from those camping trips in this episode. Join us as we cover: The Beetle Armageddon of Sequoia Kings Sitting in our skivvies in Big Bend Nuclear bananas and radioactive mice in North Cascades We hope you enjoyed Volume One of our funny stories from the national parks! Despite these wild stories, these incredible parks make all the crazy (and gross) experiences worth it. Join us next week for more national park fun, and head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your next trip! Check out the full show notes here.

How do you become a park ranger? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are answering this question! As a former park ranger, Ash has some insight into what it takes if you want to get started in the park service. Join us as she walks through the process of becoming a park ranger for anyone who wants to begin an exciting new career! This episode covers: The different types of park rangers Special hiring programs A cool and unique park ranger job that could help you get your foot in the door The quintessential park ranger job A great entry-level position in the park service Reasons to start out at a smaller park Admin positions you can get in the parks The wildlife and science techs that work in the parks The park police that help keep people safe Different hiring programs you can check out How to become a volunteer in the parks Where to find job listings and when to apply for them Tips for the hiring process There are a lot of different ways to find your way into the career that you want, and we hope this episode was helpful! We really want to make park ranger jobs accessible to everyone. Be sure to check out usajobs.gov to find the available job listings for the different parks! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time for some fun facts about Grand Teton National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring everything that makes this national park amazing. Even though Ash was a park ranger at this park, she doesn’t know a whole lot about the geology of this incredible national park, so listen in as John teaches us about the Tetons! Join us as we cover: The youngest mountain range in North America The geological history of this incredible park The cool type of rock you’ll find in this park Why we love Mount Moran The magma of Grand Teton The most interesting mystery of this park The cool thing about the Teton Fault What the glaciers tell us about Grand Teton The 61 species of mammals in this area and the one that impacted this park the most The fascinating human history in Grand Teton How Grand Teton became a national park The conservation history and natural history of this park are absolutely fascinating – it’s a place that really gets into your soul. We hope you get a chance to visit it soon! Check out the full show notes here.

We are firm believers that the national parks are a people-watching phenomenon, and you will see things there that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. (And we aren’t talking about nature - we’re talking about stupid behavior!) In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing some of the wildest things that we have seen in the parks. Join us for National Park Visitor Bingo and Two Truths and a Lie as we share the good, the funny, and the bad! Join us as we cover: National Park Visitor Bingo The craziest things we see every time we are in the parks Two Truths and a Lie The people who put the wild in wildlife The things people do for social media Why the buffalo is the king of beasts Sports in the parks Yes, the water in Yellowstone is boiling Dumb things the park service has done Many of these things are funny, but the way that we interact with these national parks has a big impact, so it’s important to know what to do and what not to do! Be sure to pick up your National Park Visitor Bingo Card and see the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are journeying to Ash’s favorite national park -- Grand Teton! Grand Teton is smaller and lesser-known than Yellowstone (its famous neighbor), but it’s gotten a lot more visibility lately and many people are discovering the magic of this gorgeous national park. Join us as we cover: The special connection Ash has to Grand Teton The movie that was filmed in this park The road where you’ll find the best Grand Teton views Where to stay in the Grand Teton area Ash’s crazy moose stories The road that takes you to the main viewpoints and mountains John’s favorite memory of Grand Teton as a kid Why Grand Teton is a great place to go rafting Our favorite place to eat at this national park Why we love Paintbrush Canyon Jenny Lake (and the monster you might need to watch out for) The best description of Cascade Canyon The trail that gives you the most bang for your buck The most magical moments we have had in Grand Teton There are so many different things you can see in Grand Teton National Park and, in our opinion, it’s one of the greatest national parks you can see in the west. If you are looking for some help planning your trip to Grand Teton, pick up an itinerary – we’ve got you covered! Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever visited South Dakota? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring one of our favorite places to visit in this state – the Black Hills! We could honestly spend so much time here because we just can’t get enough. You will never run out of areas to explore in the Black Hills, and today, we’re talking all about our favorite places to go and things to do if you’re visiting this area of South Dakota. Join us as we cover: The understated beauty of Wind Cave National Park What we love about Jewel Cave Things to do in Custer Wildlife sightings and scenic drives in Custer State Park Why the Crazy Horse Memorial is a must-see Other cities nearby that you can visit Our favorite town in the Black Hills The old west experience in Deadwood Why we love Devils Tower in Wyoming There you have it! This list of places will give you a nice well-rounded experience on your trip to the Black Hills. If you need help planning your trip, we’re here for you! You can find everything you need to make your dream trip a reality at DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing five amazing fun facts about Badlands National Park! If you haven’t been here, you will want to start planning your trip when you hear about how cool this park is. Let’s dive into the history and wonder of Badlands! Join us as we cover: The geology of Badlands National Park Why you don’t want to miss this national park The paleontology and fossils you can find in this area The fascinating facts about the grasslands in this park The three major wildlife reintroductions in Badlands The human history in this park How water shapes the Badlands Badlands National Park will absolutely surprise you, and you’ll appreciate what you’re seeing so much more after learning these fun facts. You can find a full itinerary for Badlands and the other South Dakota parks at DirtInMyShoes.com! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s explore Mount Rushmore! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are focusing on the iconic and historic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. We’re sharing some fun facts about Mount Rushmore and the different things you can do there beyond just parking, seeing the mountain, and leaving. Join us as we dive into this amazing, historical location! Join us as we cover: The goblin-like name of the sculptor of Mount Rushmore The difference between the completed sculpture and the original design The size of the heads of the presidents Why this site was constructed How this mountain got its name What the creator was famous for before doing Mount Rushmore Why they chose the people they did for this mountain Fun things to do at Mount Rushmore There you have it! Mount Rushmore is such an amazing historical site and there is more to do here than just looking at the mountain. We hope you found this episode helpful and that you are excited to plan your next trip to Mount Rushmore. If you want to check out the new itinerary for Mount Rushmore and the other South Dakota parks, head over to Dirtinmyshoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s take a trip to Badlands National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into all things Badlands so that you can plan your next trip to this amazing national park. South Dakota is one of our favorite places to go on family vacations because there is so much for everyone to do no matter who you are or what you like. So we are so excited to take you along today as we explore Badlands! Join us as we cover: What Badlands actually is Hikes in Badlands that you can’t miss What it’s like to camp in Badlands and why you need to spend time looking at the stars Stops to make while in this park The open hike policy at Badlands The best overlooks and viewpoints in this park The effects of lighting on this park The off-the-beaten-path stops you can make at Badlands Why your trip isn’t complete without a trip to Wall Drug The fascinating stop you’ll want to make in this area We hope you enjoyed this episode all about Badlands! This is such an underrated but incredible park and we know you’ll have so much fun on your next trip! If you want to check out the new itinerary for Badlands and the other South Dakota parks, you’ll find it at DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s road trip to the national parks in the Canadian Rockies! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are heading up north to talk about the best Canadian national parks in the Rockies. You’ll want to set aside a couple of weeks for this trip because you definitely won’t run out of fun things to do! This road trip covers five different Canadian National Parks, and we are so excited to dive into them with you today. Join us as we cover: Why this trip is the perfect addition to your trip to Glacier Where to begin this road trip in Canada The boat tour with the best views in Waterton National Park Where to go for a full Canadian experience Our favorite hike at Waterton Lakes The killer ants you need to watch out for The best stops in Waterton What we love about Banff National Park Our favorite things to do in Banff One of the most incredible drives we’ve ever done What we love about the Icefields Parkway Why Jasper National Park is a must-visit park The wildlife you’ll find in Jasper Our favorite areas in Yoho National Park Tips for getting reservations for Lake O’Hara Other sites to see on your trip We hope you enjoyed our tips for this epic road trip through the Canadian National Parks! These national parks are incredible; we know you will have so much fun if you decide to take this trip. If you want to learn more about Banff and Jasper, you’ll find can’t-miss articles for these parks on Dirt In My Shoes! Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn some fun facts about Glacier National Park? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the amazing history and interesting geology of Glacier. This park is one of the best places to get outside and have an adventure, and you’ll love it even more if you know these five fun facts! Join us as we discuss the geology, history, and other amazing facts that make this park the incredible national park it is. Join us as we cover: How this park was formed Why the Lewis Overthrust is so cool What ancient algae tells us about this area The impact glaciers have on the area Why they named it Glacier National Park How climate change is impacting the glaciers Where the precipitation from this park goes The different ecosystems you can find in Glacier The fascinating human history in this area The most important people involved in the preservation of the park We hope you enjoy these fun facts about Glacier National Park and that it enriches your next trip to this incredible place. If you’re ready to plan your trip to Glacier National Park, head over to YouTube to see our trip-planning videos. You can also check out our itinerary to make planning your trip a breeze! Check out the full show notes here.

Are you looking for a white-knuckle drive in a national park? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is for you! We are talking about the scariest roads we have ever driven in the national parks. We’ve driven on many roads in the national parks, and a few of them really stand out because of the fear they induced. Join us as we reminisce about our experiences and rank these scary roads! Join us as we cover: The highest paved road in the national park system The road that we don’t have the guts to drive Our favorite road that looks scary but actually isn’t too bad The scariest paved road in the parks The coolest road to drive if you’re looking for adventure The most deceptively scary road we have been on The worst road in any national park! So there you have it – our list of the scariest roads in the national parks ranked! Have you driven any of these roads, or do you have others to add to the list? You can send us a message at DirtInMyShoes.com/podcast and let us know. Safe travels, my friend! Check out the full show notes here.

Have you visited Glacier National Park yet? This is one of the parks that we get the most questions about! So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring this fantastic national park and sharing our best tips for your next trip. We love Glacier National Park, and if you’re looking for mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, and tons of wildlife, we think you’ll love it too! Join us as we cover: Why Going-to-the-Sun Road is the most epic national park drive What you’ll find on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road Why Bird Woman Falls is a must-see Where to find the best hikes in the park What you’ll find on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road The best way to see glaciers Our favorite hikes on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road The most dangerous part of visiting this park Why we don’t like to use the Glacier shuttle Where to find the best huckleberry foods near the park Why you’ll love Many Glacier Where to spot wildlife in the park Our favorite plants to see in the area What to check out at the North Fork Area Bowman Lake and huckleberry bearclaws There are so many incredible things to do in Glacier National Park. While it is busy, there are also plenty of trails that you can go to to get away from the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. If you’re ready to plan your trip to Glacier National Park, head over to YouTube to see our trip-planning videos. You can also check out our itinerary to make planning your trip a breeze! Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever been road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest? This is definitely one of our favorite sections of the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing everything we love about taking this road trip and the incredible national parks you can see along the way. This route spans three states and six national parks so it is definitely one you need to set aside some time for. Join us as we share our best tips for making this road trip unforgettable! Join us as we cover: Where to start with this road trip What we love about Lassen Volcanic National Park Our preferred route to take Why Avenue of the Giants is a must-see Our favorite ways to see the Redwoods Why you should stop at the Trees of Mystery Our favorite stop in Crescent City What you need to see at Crater Lake The Oregon Coast Best places to stop for food The most likely place for you to see a Sasquatch The Twilight tour you can take in Forks Why we love Olympic National Park The best trails in Mount Rainier National Park The best time of year to make this trip Why North Cascades is such an interesting park Where to go at the end of your trip This episode provides a great starting place for structuring your own trip through the Pacific Northwest. We can’t wait for you to get out and explore! Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to learn some cool fun facts about Yosemite National Park? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the nitty-gritty details of Yosemite. This incredible park has such an amazing story – it not only has great geologic history, but it has a fascinating human history as well! Join us as we cover: The granite you can find in this park The cool history of the valleys in this park The mystery of Half Dome Fascinating water facts about this park What makes the Tuolumne Meadows so special The changing landscape The incredible trees you can find here Why fire is required The value of the land Yosemite National Park has played a massive role in the conservation and preservation of beautiful places all over America. This episode will enrich your appreciation for this amazing national park before your next visit! Check out the full show notes here.

Have you ever heard the term “parkitecture”? You’re in for a treat because, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are chatting about all things parkitecture and park lodges. You’ll love learning about the history of parkitecture and why you should be paying attention to it on your next trip to the national parks. We’ll also talk about our favorite national park lodges and some amazing fun facts about them! Join us as we cover: What parkitecture is The history of this style What the CCC did for the parks The best inn in Yellowstone The architects that brought these lodges to life The amazing lodge at Yosemite The unexpected first jester at the Ahwahnee Hotel The must-see hotel in Glacier National Park Preservation efforts The fate of the sawmill at the Many Glacier Hotel Our favorite hotel in Mount Rainier The best place to stay at the Grand Canyon The crazy history of the Crater Lake Lodge All of these lodges built in the “parkitecture” style are so cool and definitely worth checking out. If you want to stay in any of these lodges, we highly recommend it! They really do add to the experience of visiting the parks. Even if you don’t stay in these lodges, you’ll see examples of parkitecture all over the country. These buildings are an amazing part of the history of the National Park Service! Check out the full show notes here.

When you think of a national park that has been on your list forever as a place you want to visit, what do you think of? For us, the answer was definitely Yosemite! Now, having been to Yosemite many times, we never get tired of the soaring granite peaks and massive waterfalls here! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking all about exploring Yosemite National Park. Join us as we cover: Our favorite areas in Yosemite What you need to know about driving to this park The must-see views on the Mist Trail Waterfall season in Yosemite Floating the river Biking through the Valley The gift shops and lodges in the area The underrated but beautiful bridges in the area What we love about El Cap The most iconic view of this park Where you can find Giant Sequoias What you have to see at Tuolumne Meadows Ash’s crazy story from the last time she hiked Lembert Dome The beauty of Yosemite really can’t be overstated. It truly is a must-see and we hope these tips for exploring this park will make your trip memorable! Check out the full show notes here.

Today we want to talk about something incredible that you can see in the parks -- fossils! When we were full-time RVers through the national parks, we noticed some fun themes. In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the theme of dinosaurs and all of the cool fossils you can see in the parks. As the parents of two little boys, we all geek out over stuff like this. We are excited to share our favorite national parks with fossils today! Join us as we cover: Why you need to see Dinosaur National Monument A cool trail nearby to find dinosaur bones The dinosaur bones you can see at Big Bend National Park Some fascinating dinosaur facts Where to find some amazing dinosaur footprints The human history in some of the parks The footprints that were found in White Sands National Park The huge collection of fossils you can see at Badlands National Park Cool instances of people finding amazing fossils Why the Mammoth Site is a must-see Fossils of other “really cool stuff” you have to see What’s cool about the Guadalupe Mountains The fossils you can see in Petrified Forest We hope you enjoy our journey on the “dinosaur train” around these amazing national parks! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s time for some Grand Canyon fun facts! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are taking you along with us as we discuss some of the fascinating facts about the Grand Canyon! Whether or not you have been to the park yet, our goal with this episode is to enrich your knowledge of the Grand Canyon. Join us as we cover: How the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World The universal wonder and awe of the Grand Canyon The elevation changes in this park The staircase of the Grand Canyon The shocking age of the rocks in this park The mystery at the Grand Canyon Why this area is the Reader’s Digest of North America The amazing animals you can see in this park The tribes that have a history in this area Early explorers The human history of the Grand Canyon is ongoing. We are all part of this tradition of visiting it and standing in awe of this incredible place. We hope this episode inspired you to get out to the Grand Canyon if you haven’t already and explore it for yourself. If you want a complete itinerary for your trip, head over to dirtinmyshoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about one of the greatest road trips in America! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about what we consider to be one of the top road trips that you can take -- the Grand Circle. This amazing road trip includes nine western national parks! You get to see some truly cool stuff on this route, and we are so excited to be sharing what we love about it today. Join us as we cover: Where to start when road tripping the Grand Circle Cool things to do in Zion National Park What you have to see at Bryce Canyon Our favorite stops along Highway 12 What we love about Kodachrome State Park What’s so amazing about Capitol Reef National Park Why Goblin Valley is a must-see Why you should check out Little Wild Horse Canyon What to check out if you love Native American art What you need to do at Arches National Park The views in Dead Horse Point State Park The districts in Canyonlands The most underrated park that you need to visit Why we love the Million Dollar Highway The coolest things about Mesa Verde Why you should stop at Chaco Canyon Other off-route stops you might want to check out The amazing fossils at Petrified Forest National Park Why you should spend some extra time exploring the Grand Canyon This epic road trip takes you through four different states and nine national parks. You really get the best of the southwest by traveling along the Grand Circle! Check out the full show notes here

Ready to explore the Grand Canyon? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our favorite hikes and things to do while exploring Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is such an iconic location. It’s known all over the world, even by people who don’t usually visit national parks! It’s on virtually everyone’s bucket list, which is why we are so excited to be diving into this episode and sharing what we love about it. Join us as we cover: Things to see on the South Rim The coolest trails you have to check out Tips for escaping the crowds Our must-see viewpoints Cultural demonstrations you can see in this park Wildlife you can see in the area Our favorite trail in the park Hiking to the bottom What we love about the North Rim What you need to know about the puddles and mud at the Grand Canyon We love both rims of the Grand Canyon – they each have so much to offer. We can’t wait for you to get out there and enjoy this park too. Get on the trail, even just for a second, because it will change the way you see it! Check out the full show notes here.

Let’s talk about volcanoes in the national parks! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about one of the earth’s most powerful forces - volcanoes! We are so excited to dive into this topic and discuss the coolest volcanoes and where you can see them. Join us as we share some of the most underrated places that have the best volcanoes. Join us as we cover: The king of all national parks when it comes to volcanoes Our favorite things to do when we are visiting Hawaii Volcanoes What we love about Mount Rainier The incredible Cascade Mountain Range Fascinating facts about Mount Mazama What we love about Lassen Volcanic National Park The volcano you can drive to the top of in Maui We hope you enjoy this episode! We love visiting these national parks and standing in awe of these fiery giants, and we hope you get the chance to as well. Do you have a favorite volcano site? Let us know! And if you want to hear more about the Yellowstone supervolcano, be sure to check out the Yellowstone Fun Facts episode (#12) to find out more. Check out the full show notes here.

Welcome to the Yellowstone Fun Facts episode! Yellowstone is John’s absolute favorite national park! That being said, he is going to take the lead and share his top fun facts about the “oldest and best’ national park. Yellowstone is mysterious and legendary because it’s a supervolcano! This is a fascinating park, and we are so excited to discuss these fun facts with you today. Join us as we cover: The science behind the supervolcano in Yellowstone The thermophiles in Grand Prismatic The flowers that only live and grow in Yellowstone Why we think Yellowstone is the true American safari The cool thing about the buffalo at this park The unbelievable human history in Yellowstone Yellowstone is such a special place, and it has ignited people’s imaginations for many years. We hope you get a chance to experience Yellowstone yourself so that you can see all of the epic things this park has to offer! Check out the full show notes here.

It’s going down! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing the ultimate trail rumble! Join us as we rank our favorite national park hiking trails. Buckle up because there will be some fighting. We both made our own lists, and we are ready to see who comes out victorious! Join us as we cover: An incredible immersive hike A great hike to take during the sunset Trails to see in Sequoia Kings Trails full of adventure and amazing sights A must-see trail in Yosemite Trails we love at Acadia A couple of epic trails in Mount Rainier National Park Our favorite mountain trails It was so hard to rank the trails because there are truly so many amazing ones to see! But we hope you enjoy this fun ranking episode and that it will inspire you to get out on a trail somewhere. What are your rankings? We would love to hear them! Let us know on Instagram @dirtinmyshoes. Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into one of the parks we get the most questions about - Yellowstone! Since everyone starts trip planning after the holidays, we figured this was the perfect time to tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful park in case you’re heading there this year. So come along as we explore Yellowstone! Join us as we cover: What we love about Old Faithful Why Grand Prismatic is so cool Why the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must for your first trip Our favorite viewpoint in the Canyon area Hiking trails you don’t want to miss Food to try while visiting Yellowstone What we think of the “Great One Buffalo” Our favorite things about the Norris Geyser Basin The wildlife you can find in Lamar Valley The differences between the northern and southern loop It’s really amazing how many cool things you’ll see as you drive through Yellowstone! This episode is a helpful introduction to this national park. If you’re wondering what to do now, I have a full Yellowstone itinerary available to help you plan the perfect trip. You can check it out over at DirtInMyShoes.com. We can’t wait for you to make some amazing memories with your family! Check out the full show notes here.

Are you ready to start trip planning for the Everglades? We love talking about trip planning, and we are so excited to help you make your trip happen. This national park is amazing because it’s a great place to visit during the winter when you’re tired of the cold weather. It’s warm, beautiful, and a really cool place to visit! Join us as we talk through everything you need to know about visiting the Everglades so that you can make your trip a reality. Join us as we cover: Where the Everglades is located Must-do activities in this park Crowd levels to expect Travel tips What you need to know about closures The best time to visit How many days to visit Other things to see in the area The best places to stay The coolest ranger programs in this park There is so much for you to try out on your trip to the Everglades! If you want some more guidance on your options, make sure to check out my resources at DirtInMyShoes.com. I created an article that splits up the different activities so that you can choose exactly what you’re looking for. I also have plenty of other in-depth articles about the Everglades to assist you every step of the way! Check out the full show notes here.

Today on Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our top experiences while visiting the Everglades. While it wasn’t a park that was at the top of our list of parks we wanted to visit, we were surprised at how much we enjoyed it. Every time we go back, we try something exciting and new! So join us as we dive into our adventures and misadventures inside this unique and beautiful national park. Join us as we cover: Our confusing tram ride through Shark Valley The somewhat scary airboat tours in the Everglades The surprising Nike Missile Base How we discovered that we enjoy eating alligator nuggets Our adventures watching wild manatees The dolphins in Everglades City Birdwatching in the area The adventure that we are looking forward to going on Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Everglades! We hope you enjoyed this conversation and can have some adventures of your own! For more resources to help you plan your next trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories

Welcome to the fun facts episode all about the Everglades! You may not get the scale or grandeur that you get at a lot of the national parks at the Everglades, but it has some incredible views and wildlife. Join us in this episode of Exploring the National Parks as we share some amazing facts about this beautiful park that you can share with your friends and family on your next trip. Join us as we cover: The surprising reason the Everglades became a national park How it’s actually a giant, slow-moving river The highest point in the Everglades The funniest frequently asked question about this park Interesting facts about crocodiles The human history in the Everglades This is such a cool place in so many ways, from geology to ecosystems, habitats, creatures, and the area's history. We hope you enjoyed this conversation! For more resources to help you plan your next trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode, we are moving on to our next national park – the Everglades! This place is truly incredible. It’s not one of the heavy hitters in the National Park system, but we think it’s because many people don’t realize how awesome it is. It’s one of the most unique national parks in terms of scenery, wildlife, and climate, and we absolutely love being here. There’s so much to do, so today, we are sharing some of our favorite things in this park. Join us as we cover: The best places to eat Where to stay when visiting Our favorite hikes in the area The gift shops you need to check out The coolest animals you’ll see in the area Our favorite plants to see in the Everglades The best sections of this park Must-see viewpoints What makes this such a cool park We hope this episode gave you a great list of things you can be excited about and put on your radar for your trip to the Everglades. We’re excited to dive deeper into this beautiful park with you in the coming episodes! Stay tuned to hear more about why we love visiting this location and our best tips for planning your trip to this park. For more resources to help you plan your trip, make sure to visit DirtInMyShoes.com. Check out the full show notes here.

THIS EPISODE IS OUT OF DATE AND HAS BEEN RERECORDED. For the latest (and best) Bryce Canyon episode, click here to listen to #121. Are you ready to plan your trip to Bryce Canyon? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our best trip-planning tips so that you can plan the trip of your dreams to Bryce Canyon. If your love language is trip planning, then this episode is for you! Let’s talk about how you can make your trip to the park a reality. Join us as we cover: Where Bryce Canyon is located Some Bryce Canyon stats How to get to the park Why Bryce Canyon is amazing to visit year-round Our favorite time to visit When to go if you’re looking for unique experiences How many days to stay at Bryce Canyon Where to stay The best activities to do in Bryce Canyon If you’re ready to plan your trip, you want first to decide when you want to go and how many days you want to be there. From there, you just need to make your lodging arrangements, and you’re pretty much set! If you’re looking for help to ensure you don’t overlook anything or make any mistakes that can be avoided, make sure to check out all of my resources at DirtInMyShoes.com. We love trip planning, and we are here to help you in any way that we can! Check out the full show notes here.

THIS EPISODE IS OUT OF DATE AND HAS BEEN RERECORDED. For the latest (and best) Bryce Canyon episode, click here to listen to #121. Welcome back to our next installment about Bryce Canyon! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going to be sharing some of our favorite adventures and misadventures from our time spent in the park. We’re excited to share these stories so that you can laugh along with us and feel like you’re on your own little Bryce Canyon vacation! Join us as we cover: The time we lost my grandpa in Bryce Canyon The time our son belly-flopped into the orange Bryce Canyon dirt How we got a room at our favorite inn for $15 a night Our favorite story about deer The first time we hiked the Peek-A-Boo Loop Hiking in the cold The stars in Bryce Canyon Golden hour in the park John’s scary experience at Calf Creek Falls We hope you enjoy this episode! We loved sharing some of our experiences, adventures, and things that have gone a little awry because we are betting you can relate to a few of them. If you want some help planning your trip, make sure to check out all of the resources we have available at Dirt In My Shoes. Check out the full show notes here.

THIS EPISODE IS OUT OF DATE AND HAS BEEN RERECORDED. For the latest (and best) Bryce Canyon Fun Facts episode, click here to listen to #123. Welcome back to our second episode all about Bryce Canyon! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into all of the coolest things that we love about this park. This episode is full of fun facts and fascinating history, and we are excited to take you along with us as we “geek out” about one of our favorite national parks! Join us as we cover: The coolest things about the Bryce Canyon hoodoos Why hoodoos form Our favorite hoodoos The Grand Staircase Why the night skies are a must-see The Andromeda Galaxy Our three favorite types of trees The explorers that came through the Bryce Canyon area Bryce Canyon legends We hope you enjoy this fun fact episode! There is so much amazing human history and gorgeous scenery in this park, and we love any chance to chat about it. If you want some help planning your trip, make sure to check out DirtInMyShoes.com. We have tons of resources for you there! Check out the full show notes here.

THIS EPISODE IS OUT OF DATE AND HAS BEEN RERECORDED. For the latest (and best) Bryce Canyon episode, click here to listen to #121. Are you planning a trip to Bryce Canyon? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our favorite things about Bryce Canyon. This national park is amazing, and we hope this episode will help you plan and enrich your next trip as we dive into some of our must-do’s in this beautiful park. Join us as we cover: Our favorite restaurants and food The best places to stay Our favorite hikes The best gift shops Animals in the park Coolest plants in the area Our favorite gateway towns The best areas in the park Top viewpoints What makes Bryce Canyon so cool Unique experiences we love at the park As you can tell, we are huge fans of Bryce Canyon! We go any chance we get, so we are elated by the chance to share everything we love about this park with you in this episode. If you want some help planning your trip, make sure to check out DirtInMyShoes.com. We have tons of resources for you there! Check out the full show notes here.

Welcome to the Exploring the National Parks podcast! We are Ash and John, and we are here to make national park planning easy. Thanks for being here for our very first episode! To get things started, we wanted to share some fun things about us that will help you get to know us a little better. Join us as we cover: Ash’s favorite things about being a park ranger The top five adventures on John’s bucket list This episode is light and fun, and we are so excited to share our love of the national parks with you! Tune in to hear some of our funny stories, tidbits, and dream hiking destinations. Check out the full show notes with helpful links at: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-1-about-us/