Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

By Matt and Karen Smith

Personal Journals Society & Culture Places & Travel

What's Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast about?

In Dear Bob and Sue, authors Matt and Karen Smith share stories of their travels to all of the U.S. National Park as well as other spectacular public lands. From adventures gone awry to memorable moments and Q&As from readers, get to know the couple behind the books and get inspired to go on some adventures of your own.

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Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast episodes:

04.18.2024
#157: Celebrating National Park Week
Each year, the National Park Service celebrates National Park Week in April. And this year, they’ve planned events from April 20th through April 28th. In this episode, we highlight some of the activities that will happen during National Park Week, give...
04.04.2024
#156: Mailbag: Visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · An overview of some...
03.21.2024
#155: Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks Road Trip
One of the most frequent questions we get from travelers is how to plan a visit to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton NPs in a single road trip. In this episode, we cover all the details you’ll need to do...
03.07.2024
#154: Mailbag: Visiting Virgin Islands National Park and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · News about a faster...
02.29.2024
#153: The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in Our National Parks
Long before the National Park Service was founded, the U.S. Army was put in charge of protecting America’s national parks. One of the groups that played a crucial role in fulfilling this invaluable service to our country was the Buffalo...
02.26.2024
#152: Dry Tortugas National Park Update
Dry Tortugas National Park is in a category of its own: pre-civil war fort, 70 miles out to sea with nothing else around it, incredible history, beautiful tropical keys with campsites, and right in the path of the most powerful...
02.22.2024
#151: Hiking in the Palm Springs Area
This episode is a companion to our previous release, #150: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park. So many travelers to this magical part of Southern California spend time in both Joshua Tree NP and Palm Springs that these back-to-back episodes would...
02.15.2024
#150: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
Welcome to our journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of America's national parks! Today is part one of a two-part series about Southern California's desert playground, where we explore the magical and rugged terrain of Joshua Tree National Park. Located about 130...
02.08.2024
#149: Mailbag: Digging for Diamonds in an Arkansas State Park and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Our thoughts on visiting...
01.25.2024
#148: Hiking Safety Tips from a National Park Ranger
Who knows better what could go wrong while hiking in a national park than the people whose job it is to rescue hikers? That’s why we connected with a national park ranger to hear first-hand tips about hiking safety. In...
01.19.2024
#147: The Best of Big Bend National Park
A national park that started out as a state park more than 90 years ago, Big Bend is often called Texas’ gift to the nation. With over 1,200 square miles of pristine land, this park has a wide range of ecosystems,...
01.04.2024
#146: Mailbag: How to Get Started Camping and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · We reveal our ambitious...
12.21.2023
#145 Unique Experiences in the National Parks
For many visitors, hiking is their go-to activity in the national parks; it is for us. But there are so many other activities the parks have to offer. In this episode, we talk about a dozen or more things you...
12.07.2023
#144: Five Perfect Days in Saguaro NP and Southern Arizona
As the temperatures drop up north, it’s time to start thinking about warm-weather escapes. In today’s episode, we have the perfect destination for you: Saguaro National Park and a whole bunch of other incredible public lands in Southern Arizona. Join us...
11.30.2023
#143: Mailbag: Where to See Moose in the National Parks, and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Glacier NP announced their...
11.22.2023
#142: 20 Incredible Things to See and Do in Southern Utah, Outside the National Parks
Southern Utah is home to five must-see national parks, but if you’re traveling to this part of the American Southwest, you won’t want to miss the other incredible things to see and do. In this episode, we take you to 20...
11.16.2023
#141: Utah’s Remote and Remarkable Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Find a comfortable seat and sit back as we take you with us on our boat tour to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, located just steps away from Lake Powell in a remote corner of southern Utah. On a recent road...
11.02.2023
#140: Northern California / Southern Oregon National Park Loop
Listeners frequently ask us to create episodes about road trip itineraries, and in this episode, we outline a stunning 8-day driving loop through public lands in northern California and southern Oregon. On this journey, you’ll visit three national parks and...
10.26.2023
#139: Ghost Towns of the National Parks
It’s that time of year again, so get ready to be scared out of your wits! Just kidding, but we do have a fun lineup of stories in this episode about ghost towns in the national parks. While you can...
10.19.2023
#138: Mailbag! Van Life, Demoted National Parks, and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · A change to the...
10.12.2023
#137: The Appalachian National Parks Road Trip Loop
Buckle up, folks, for another road trip loop! In this episode, we’re taking you on an epic trip through the heart of Appalachia to four national parks and a national park service scenic byway. We’ll travel to national parks in five...
10.05.2023
#136: Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada, is a stunning example of the diverse beauty of the American Southwest. In this episode, we talk about why you'll want to put a visit to this park in your wish bucket...
09.28.2023
#135: Mailbag: Our Favorite National Park Campgrounds, and More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Recommendations for public lands...
09.14.2023
#134: Wrangell - St Elias National Park and the Road to McCarthy
Hugging the eastern border of Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a breathtaking example of raw and untamed nature. At a staggering 13.2 million acres, it holds the title of the largest national park in the United States....
09.07.2023
#133: Sand in Our Shoes: Sand Dune National Parks
Our country’s national parks protect a huge variety of landscapes, and today, we’re playing in the sand in some of the national parks that feature sand dunes. These unique landforms offer a wide variety of activities, from hiking, saucer-sliding, tranquil...
08.25.2023
#132: Mailbag: Celebrating the National Park Service and Much More!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · The anniversary of...
08.17.2023
#131: Our Favorite Cabins in the National Parks
Nothing makes you feel like you’re in a national park more than staying in a rustic, historic cabin in the woods. (Or on an ocean bluff or the rim of the Grand Canyon.) In this episode, we describe many of...
08.10.2023
#130: Easy Bucket-List National Park Hikes
Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we're diving into the heart of America's most iconic national parks and highlighting some easy bucket-list hikes that are both breathtaking and accessible. Whether you're an avid hiker looking for a leisurely...
08.03.2023
#129: Archive Episode, Top-Rated Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
In our Archive Episodes, we focus on a specific destination or topic we’ve covered in a previous episode, re-play that portion of the show, and add our updated comments. Today, we’re re-sharing our best hiking recommendations in Rocky Mountain National...
07.27.2023
#128: Bug Off: Five Products for Hikers and Campers to Keep Insects at Bay
In this archive episode we’ve pulled together a couple excerpts from previous shows where we talked about our challenges with bugs while hiking and camping. Today, we’ve added additional information about five products we’ve used in the past on our...
07.20.2023
#127: Archive Episode, The Beaches of Olympic National Park
Our Archive Episodes focus on a specific destination or topic we’ve covered in a previous episode. We re-play that portion of the show and add our updated comments. Today, we’re exploring the Pacific Coast beaches of Olympic National Park. Unlike...
07.13.2023
#126: Archive Episode, Gateway Arch National Park
In our Archive Episodes, we focus on a specific destination or topic we’ve covered in a previous episode, re-play that portion of the show, and add our updated comments. Today, we take you back to Gateway Arch National Park, one...
07.06.2023
#125: Archive Episode, The Enchanted Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park
In our Archive Episodes, we focus on a specific destination or topic we’ve covered in a previous episode, re-play that portion of the show, and add our updated comments. Today, we take you back to the Many Glacier area of...
06.29.2023
#124: Mailbag! Our Thoughts on Bigfoot and More
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · How we determined...
06.22.2023
#123: Visiting North Cascade’s Hidden Gem: Stehekin
A trip to Stehekin, tucked away in a valley in the North Cascades National Park complex, feels like a visit to an island. But instead of being completely surrounded by water, this remote village is hemmed in by spectacular alpine...
06.15.2023
#122: The Underground World of Jewel Cave and Wind Cave
The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to not one but two of the world’s longest cave systems. Both in the National Park system, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are must-see destinations. Located just 20 minutes...
06.08.2023
#121: Five Fabulous State Parks
State parks are a special kind of public land, beloved by locals but often as spectacular and exciting as their national park cousins. In episode #30, we featured six of our favorites, but our list of fabulous state parks is...
06.02.2023
#120: The Beartooth Highway
Since its completion in 1936, the Beartooth Highway has thrilled millions of visitors with jaw-dropping views of one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the lower 48 states. It seems fitting that a road built 90 years ago...
05.25.2023
#119: Mailbag!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Which national parks...
05.18.2023
#118: Where the Bison Roam
The American Bison symbolizes a bygone era when the Great Plains, with their millions of acres of tallgrass prairie, were undisturbed by railroads, fences, farmland, and towns. While we nearly squandered this extraordinary natural resource into extinction, instead of becoming...
05.04.2023
#117: 12 US Wonders to See in Your Lifetime
America is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural marvels. In this episode, we've chosen twelve stunning destinations that are also relatively easy for most people to experience. While there are many more beautiful sights to...
04.27.2023
#116: Mailbag! Visiting Channel Islands National Park and More
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Visiting Channel Islands...
04.13.2023
#115: National Parks and the Civilian Conservation Corps
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Started in 1933 during the Great Depression as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal Program, the CCC was created to put young men back to work....
04.06.2023
#114: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
It’s unlikely that anyone has had a more significant positive impact on our U.S. public lands than Teddy Roosevelt, which is why it’s fitting that he has a national park named after him. Tucked into the Badlands of North Dakota,...
03.30.2023
#113: Must-See Navajo Parks
The Navajo Nation is home to one-of-a-kind natural wonders and irreplaceable cultural treasures. It’s also where you can find several parks worth putting on your bucket list. In this episode, we share our experiences and suggestions for making the most...
03.23.2023
#112: Mailbag!
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · How to tell...
03.09.2023
#111: Driving Tour of Washington's National Parks, Part Two
The fun doesn’t stop at the end of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Our road trip continues, so grab some extra snacks on Whidbey Island and head west with us as we travel to Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks. The...
03.02.2023
#110: Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, Part One
Ah, the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. This 440-mile route winds through the heart of Washington State's Cascade Mountains, revealing an abundance of natural beauty that is truly awe-inspiring. From the shore of Lake Chelan to the rugged peaks of North...
02.23.2023
#109: Mailbag! Devils Tower, Carlsbad Caverns, and More
In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this episode, we cover these topics: · Whether Devils Tower...
02.16.2023
#108: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Situated in both North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is a natural wonderland that seems too good to be true. It's a place where misty mountains rise from the forest floor, and crystal-clear streams cut through verdant valleys. With over...

What's Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast episodes:

#157: Celebrating National Park Week

#156: Mailbag: Visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park and More!

#155: Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks Road Trip

#154: Mailbag: Visiting Virgin Islands National Park and More!

#153: The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in Our National Parks

#152: Dry Tortugas National Park Update

#151: Hiking in the Palm Springs Area

#150: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park

#149: Mailbag: Digging for Diamonds in an Arkansas State Park and More!

#148: Hiking Safety Tips from a National Park Ranger

#147: The Best of Big Bend National Park

#146: Mailbag: How to Get Started Camping and More!

#145 Unique Experiences in the National Parks

#144: Five Perfect Days in Saguaro NP and Southern Arizona

#143: Mailbag: Where to See Moose in the National Parks, and More!

#142: 20 Incredible Things to See and Do in Southern Utah, Outside the National Parks

#141: Utah’s Remote and Remarkable Rainbow Bridge National Monument

#140: Northern California / Southern Oregon National Park Loop

#139: Ghost Towns of the National Parks

#138: Mailbag! Van Life, Demoted National Parks, and More!

#137: The Appalachian National Parks Road Trip Loop

#136: Great Basin National Park

#135: Mailbag: Our Favorite National Park Campgrounds, and More!

#134: Wrangell - St Elias National Park and the Road to McCarthy

#133: Sand in Our Shoes: Sand Dune National Parks

#132: Mailbag: Celebrating the National Park Service and Much More!

#131: Our Favorite Cabins in the National Parks

#130: Easy Bucket-List National Park Hikes

#129: Archive Episode, Top-Rated Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

#128: Bug Off: Five Products for Hikers and Campers to Keep Insects at Bay

#127: Archive Episode, The Beaches of Olympic National Park

#126: Archive Episode, Gateway Arch National Park

#125: Archive Episode, The Enchanted Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park

#124: Mailbag! Our Thoughts on Bigfoot and More

#123: Visiting North Cascade’s Hidden Gem: Stehekin

#122: The Underground World of Jewel Cave and Wind Cave

#121: Five Fabulous State Parks

#120: The Beartooth Highway

#119: Mailbag!

#118: Where the Bison Roam

#117: 12 US Wonders to See in Your Lifetime

#116: Mailbag! Visiting Channel Islands National Park and More

#115: National Parks and the Civilian Conservation Corps

#114: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

#113: Must-See Navajo Parks

#112: Mailbag!

#111: Driving Tour of Washington's National Parks, Part Two

#110: Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, Part One

#109: Mailbag! Devils Tower, Carlsbad Caverns, and More

#108: Great Smoky Mountains National Park