In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Capitol Reef National Park! We love this place because it's basically Utah's Mighty 5 jammed into one incredible park. The things you can see here are truly jaw-dropping! We're not just talking about the scenic drive today; we're digging into the really cool and quirky things that make this park stand out. Join us as we explore the hero story of Capitol Reef. Join us as we discuss… Why this park defies Utah's flat landscape What...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 119
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day the national park way! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing our favorite national parks to visit during the 4th of July. From dazzling fireworks displays in gateway towns to unique park experiences, we'll give you the inside scoop on where to have a truly spectacular and patriotic holiday surrounded by America's natural beauty. Join us as we discuss… John's memories of epic 4th of July celebrations in Jackson Hole The appeal of ce...
Jul 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 118
Ready to rev your engines and explore the best of America's (and Canada's!) national parks? Join us in this episode of Exploring the National Parks as we round up our all-time favorite road trips- perfect for this road trip season! From the stunning peaks of the Pacific Northwest to the iconic landscapes of the Southwest, we're sharing our top tips and must-see destinations. And because every great road trip needs great snacks, we're even pairing each route with a fun potato-themed dish! Join us...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 117
Get ready for a wild and informative journey to one of Utah's hidden gems! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are spilling all the details on Capitol Reef National Park. We'll share our personal experiences, from navigating the park's unique landscape to indulging in some seriously delicious pie. If you're planning a Utah road trip or simply dreaming of stunning red rock scenery, this episode is your ticket to Capitol Reef! Join us as we discuss… Capitol Reef's location in relat...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 116
Get ready to have your mind blown by some Crater Lake National Park fun facts! Sure, it's got that insanely blue water, but this park is hiding some seriously epic secrets. We're diving deep (pun intended!) into the crazy volcanic history of the park, sharing some jaw-dropping facts that'll make you see Crater Lake in a whole new light. Come along as we dive into the science, history, and mythology of one of America’s most stunning national parks! Join us as we discuss: The colossal volcanic eru...
May 21, 2025•58 min•Ep. 115
Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks. From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country! Join us as we discuss: Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack Why your voic...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 114
Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes. We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint. Tune in to hear: Our insider tips for navigating the park's ...
May 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 113
Alright, Yellowstone fans! We're diving deep into the park we all know and love (almost as much as Ash loves scoring Savannah Bananas tickets!) Today, we're getting into the nitty-gritty information you’ll want to know before you go. Forget the fluffy stuff; we're talking real-deal tips and sticky situations to avoid so you can make sure your trip is epic and not a total bison-traffic jam disaster. Get ready for the inside scoop on how to actually ENJOY Yellowstone, even when it's bursting with ...
Apr 30, 2025•39 min•Ep. 112
Join us for a flashback in time as we dive into fun facts about Petrified Forest National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're going back to the desert to take you on a journey through a prehistoric world that was once a lush, tropical paradise teeming with bizarre and terrifying creatures. We’re sharing the top five surprising and fascinating facts about this ancient landscape that will completely change the way you see Petrified Forest National Park and turn it into a m...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 111
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the beauty of Colorado's National Parks! We're sharing an epic 12-day road trip itinerary that takes you through four incredible parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde. We'll be hitting the highlights of each park, sharing tips for planning your trip, and even throwing in a fun van life twist with a curated mixtape of Colorado-based artists. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforget...
Apr 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 110
Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name parks for a minute and talk about this hidden gem that deserves to be more than just a pit stop on your Route 66 adventure. This is such a cool park but it is often overlooked. We're here to spill all the secrets and share why this park is absolutely worth visiting and everything that makes it so cool! Here’s what we’ll cover: The colors of the Painted D...
Mar 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 109
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving deep into the top tips you need to know before you go to Glacier National Park. Glacier is a truly stunning park, but it can be pretty overwhelming to plan a trip there. We'll walk you through everything from understanding the short season to scoring those coveted lodging reservations (hint: book early!). Plus, we'll share our insider strategies for beating the crowds and making the most of your time in this incredible park. Here’s wh...
Mar 12, 2025•48 min•Ep. 108
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into some seriously cool facts about John’s favorite Utah park—Canyonlands! This park often flies under the radar, but we’re here to convince you that it deserves just as much love as the other Utah parks—maybe even more! Sure, it’s right next to Arches, but Canyonlands has its own wild, rugged beauty that makes it absolutely unforgettable. Here’s what we’ll cover: A surprising fact about where this national park is located What makes...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 107
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we interviewed another park ranger! Meet Kelkiyana Yazzie, the Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand Canyon National Park and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. Kelkiyana shares the deep cultural significance of the Grand Canyon to the tribes who have called this land home for generations. She also gives us an insider look at her role with the National Park Service, including what her job involves, the impact she makes, and so much more! Here’s wh...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 106
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re mapping out the ultimate Spring Break road trip! Get ready for a journey through five of the most stunning national parks in the West—all packed into one eight-day adventure. This road trip is filled with amazing sights to see and things to do. Join us as we share how to make it happen this spring break! Here’s what we’ll cover: Where to kick off your road trip for maximum adventure The must-see highlights of Saguaro National Park Perfect pi...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min•Ep. 105
Today, we’re taking you to a hidden gem that deserves to be in the spotlight—Canyonlands National Park! Though it’s often overshadowed by the other national park in the area (ahem, Arches), Canyonlands is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. It’s John’s absolute favorite national park in Utah, and Canyonlands offers something so unique that it rises to the top of our list. Join us as we share why! Here’s what we’ll cover: Why Canyonlands is the ultimate make-you...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 104
We’re heading back to Hot Springs National Park for a deep dive into its fascinating personality and rich history! We’re so excited to share this episode because we’ve uncovered both the heart of Hot Springs and its undeniable swagger ! This park has so much personality, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. Here’s what we’ll cover: The unbelievably cool origin story of the water at Hot Springs How this unique area became a national park The ingenious system designed to cool down the therm...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 103
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Utah to dive into one of our all-time favorite destinations—Zion National Park! We’re sharing five essential tips to help you navigate Zion like a pro and make your trip truly unforgettable. This park can be a bit tricky to explore, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Tune in for must-know advice to make your Zion adventure the best it can be! Here’s what we’ll cover: Why timing is everything when visiting this park The one sea...
Jan 15, 2025•49 min•Ep. 102
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking a deep dive into Hot Springs National Park! As one of the most-visited national parks in the country, Hot Springs is a destination packed with history, relaxation, and unique experiences. Today, we’re uncovering everything that makes this incredible park so special, from its relaxing waters to its other unique experiences. Here’s what we’ll cover: What Hot Springs is and why it is so special What makes this park unlike any other natio...
Jan 08, 2025•49 min•Ep. 101
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—100 episodes! It’s also the final episode of 2024, so we’re diving into some of our favorite national park adventures from this year. Whether you're planning next year's national park bucket list or just dreaming of your next big trip, this episode is packed with inspiration for unforgettable experiences. Here’s what we’ll cover: Our trip to Iceland and the national parks we visited while we were there The backpa...
Dec 11, 2024•58 min•Ep. 100
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back with another Mail From the Trail episode! We reached out on the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram page for your questions, and today, we’re diving into the answers. Here’s what we’ll cover: Our thoughts on the Junior Ranger programs in the national parks The best parks to visit during spring break Where to find the top trails for snowshoeing Our top tips for arrival times and making reservations at the parks The best mementos and souvenirs to ...
Dec 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 99
Happy Thanksgiving! For this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Great Basin National Park to share some fun facts about this amazing place! Great Basin is a destination where you can connect with the past and dream about the future, and we’re so excited to show you why. Join us as we explore what makes this park so incredible and its surprising connection to Pokémon—the original Pokémon, that is! Here’s what we’ll cover: The three ways that you can define Great Basin Why a...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 98
It’s time for another road trip! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we embark on an epic 10-day winter road trip to three unforgettable national parks: Zion, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you, complete with bonus activities from John—for the sake of fun! Here’s what we’ll cover: The best time of year to hit the road for this trip What to explore in Zion National Park during the winter The must-see state park you shouldn’t...
Nov 20, 2024•49 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the most underrated gems in the entire national park system—Great Basin! Hardly anyone talks about this park, but we absolutely love this hidden oasis in the desert. As the state’s only national park, Great Basin is an amazing example of the unique Nevada landscape. So today, we’re diving into why you should make this underrated park your next destination! Here’s what we’ll cover: The best place to stay when visiting Great Basin Our go-to spots for dining...
Nov 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 96
In the spirit of Halloween, we’re sharing some spooky stories written by John, inspired by the national parks! Whether you believe in spirits or not, these tales might just send a shiver down your spine. So gather around the campfire with us and enjoy a few ghostly encounters in your favorite national parks. Join us for stories about: A skinny-dipping ghost at Indiana Dunes National Park The Lady of the Lake at Olympic National Park A creepy ghost town in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park We hope...
Oct 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 95
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 plac...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 94
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 kee...
Oct 09, 2024•41 min•Ep. 93
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 ...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 92
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...
Sep 25, 2024•16 min•Ep. 91
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 ye...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 90
