Exploring the National Parks

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 backpacking trip you can't miss and why it was one of the highlights of our year The number one most incredible thing we did this year- a jaw-dropping experience that left us speechless! Thank you so much for joining us on this journey through 100 episodes of Exploring the National Parks! We hope you loved this special episode and feel inspired to make some of these adventures your own in the coming year. And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Have you ever won the lottery for the synchronous fireflies? If so, we want to hear all about it! head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your experience with us! 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.

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 pick up during your visits We hope you enjoy this Q&A episode! If you’re not already following us, head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and connect with us there! 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.

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 and how this park is twice as wide as it should be The most fascinating thing about the rain and snow in this park A crazy fact about the last remaining glacier in Nevada  The rare phenomenon that you can find in Great Basin What makes the Bristlecone Pines in this park so special A bonus fun fact about something Great Basin has that other national parks don’t We hope you enjoy this episode all about Great Basin! We want to hear from you— which Eevee evolution (or fun fact) excited you the most? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! And don’t forget, it’s Black Friday season at Dirt In My Shoes! This is the only time of year our itineraries go on sale, so if you’re planning a trip to a national park next year, this is the perfect time to snag one. Visit dirtinmyshoes.com and join our email list to be first in line when the sale begins! 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.

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 skip along the way Our favorite foodie stops that are perfect for refueling The coolest hike that you can’t miss on this trip Must-do activities in Death Valley Hidden gems in the Mojave Preserve Top experiences in Joshua Tree This road trip is the ideal winter escape for the whole family, offering the best of each park when they’re at their finest. We hope you get to experience it this year! And now, we want to hear from you! What’s your quirky, off-the-beaten-path family road trip stop? The one only you seem to enjoy?  Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your favorites—we’re building a list! 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.

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 in and around the park The breathtaking sights that make this park so special What to expect when navigating the park’s roads The top trails and our favorite things to do The fascinating history of Great Basin’s ancient trees How to find the park’s glacier and what makes it so cool (literally!) Everything you need to know about exploring Lehman Caves, including how to make reservations Why the stargazing here is some of the best you’ll ever experience Great Basin may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s one of our favorite escapes when we crave peace and quiet. It truly feels like a sanctuary for solitude! We hope this episode inspires you to put it on your bucket list. And don’t forget your task for the week! What is your favorite of the park’s three standout attractions—the caves, the Bristlecone Pine Forest, or the glacier? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!  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.

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 you enjoy our Halloween tradition of sharing national park ghost stories! Have a great Halloween, and be sure to avoid the spirits while you’re out trick-or-treating! 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.

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.