Exploring the National Parks

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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! 

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

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.