Exploring the National Parks

By Dirt In My Shoes

Join Ash and John from Dirt In My Shoes as we explore America’s National Parks!

We’re taking you around the national parks and talking about our favorite things, fun facts, adventures, and trip plann... more

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FAQs about Exploring the National Parks:

How many episodes does Exploring the National Parks have?

The podcast currently has 122 episodes available.

Exploring the National Parks episodes:

August 13, 2025122: Best National Parks for Teenagers!
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into a topic near and dear to many parents' hearts: finding the perfect national park for your teenagers!
We're sharing our top picks and strategies for turning those eye-rolls into awe-some moments and Instagram-worthy adventures on epic trails. If you're looking to spark a love for the outdoors in your teens, this episode is packed with our insights and recommendations!
Join us as we discuss…
Why teens can actually be the perfect national park partners
What truly makes a national park "teen-approved" like epic adventures and Instagrammable moments
Why we consider parks like Zion, Mammoth Cave, and Grand Canyon to be prime destinations for an unforgettable teen adventure
How to pick the national park that best suits your teenager's personality and interests
The experiences Denali and North Cascades offer, from wildlife spotting to landscapes that will grab their attention
Our tips for "warming up" teenagers to outdoor recreation, even if they're hesitant at first
Why this list offers fresh ideas beyond the usual suspects and focuses on parks that will resonate with teenagers
We hope this episode gives you plenty of ideas for your next national park adventure with your teens! Remember, the goal is to create memorable experiences that foster a love for the outdoors.
Today’s Task: If you've taken your teenagers to a park they've raved about, we'd love to hear about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages and chime in on our post.
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
Getting ready for a trip to Zion, Denali, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!
Zion Podcast Episodes
Denali Free Resources
Master Reservation List
National Park Checklist
National Park Trip Packing List
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50min
July 30, 2025121: Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park: Best Tips + Activities
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into our most visited Utah park – Bryce Canyon National Park!
Get ready to discover why this smaller park packs a massive punch with its otherworldly hoodoo formations. Tune in to hear our own stories in this amazing park, tips for avoiding crowds, and why even a short visit to Bryce Canyon will leave you spellbound.
Join us as we discuss…
Why Bryce Canyon is our most visited Utah park, and the unique charm that keeps us coming back for more
The stunning, otherworldly hoodoo formations and the Native American legends behind these incredible rock pillars
The best way to experience the main amphitheater, including must-do hikes like the Queen's Garden Trail with its cool tunnels and famous "Queen Victoria" hoodoo
Our favorite viewpoints like Sunrise Point, home to our beloved "octopus tree," and Sunset Point, where you can spot Thor's Hammer and the impressive Wall Street
Tips for visiting, including why commuting to Bryce Canyon is a bad idea due to limited parking, and how our itinerary can help
How you can explore Bryce Canyon year-round, even in the winter, and which trails are safest when icy
We hope you're as excited about Bryce Canyon as we are! It's a truly unique park that offers incredible experiences, whether you have a few hours or a couple of days. You’re going to feel the magic with this park, regardless of how much time you're able to spend there. Don't forget to check out our Bryce Canyon itinerary at DirtInMyShoes.com to make your trip planning easy!
Your task for today: We want to know: which Bryce Canyon amphitheater view are you most excited to see – the close-up hoodoos from Sunrise or Sunset Point, or the bird's-eye view from Bryce Point? Let us know on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Bryce Canyon National Park, check out all of our Bryce Canyon podcast episodes!
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1h 10min
July 23, 2025120: Small Park Spotlight - Walnut Canyon National Monument
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're spotlighting a gem that's easy to miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument.
We’re here to tell you why you should definitely add this spot to your itinerary, especially if you're cruising between the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest. It's small, it's packed with history, and it's got some seriously cool cliff dwellings!
Join us as we discuss…
Why this small park is the perfect pit stop for a dose of ancient history
The epic 60-million-year story of how Walnut Creek carved this canyon (Spoiler: it involves a lot of time and a little bit of water)
Who the Sinagua people were and why they're different from other ancestral Puebloans in the Southwest
What you can do in this small but mighty park
Why this monument has opening and closing hours (it's not just to be annoying, we promise!)
We hope you're ready to add Walnut Canyon to your must-see list! It's an incredible place to experience a piece of Native American history up close. So, hit the island trail, soak in the views, and as always, get some dirt in your shoes!
Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page for more travel planning and ideas!!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest, check out our Grand Canyon Podcast Episodes and Petrified Forest Podcast Episodes!
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13min
July 09, 2025119: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Capitol Reef National Park
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 makes the Waterpocket Fold here so stunning
An insane fact about the Entrada Sandstone in this park (prepare to have your mind blown!)
Why this park is an ancient life hotspot (one of the best in the world!)
A surprising fact about the people who lived here
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Capitol Reef, or as the Navajo people call it, the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow! There is so much to this park if you just look a little deeper, and we hope you get a chance to get out there and explore it soon.
Today’s Task: What is your home park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page and let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Capitol Reef, check out these Capitol Reef Free Resources.
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1h 5min
July 02, 2025118: 4th of July in the National Parks
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 celebrating Independence Day near national parks
Some of the fantastic gateway towns that offer memorable 4th of July experiences
Our favorite 4th of July experiences in national parks (and what made them so special)
One national park destination we don't recommend for the 4th of July (and why)
Whether you're looking for the perfect place to see fireworks after a day of hiking or simply want to soak in the patriotic spirit amidst stunning landscapes, we hope this episode sparks some ideas for your next 4th of July adventure!
Today’s Task: We'd love to hear about your favorite national park to celebrate the 4th of July! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your top picks in our post.
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
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28min
June 18, 2025117: Favorite National Park Road Trips!
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 as we discuss:
A 10-day adventure through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky
An epic journey through the Pacific Northwest, featuring towering redwoods and fiery volcanoes
A 14-day trip through the Canadian Rockies, complete with jaw-dropping glaciers
A jam-packed Black Hills road trip in South Dakota, where you can experience a ton of amazing sites without spending too much time in the car
A grand tour of the Southwest, hitting nine national parks in 14 days and encountering landscapes so otherworldly, you won't believe they're on Earth
We hope you found this episode helpful and that it inspires you to plan your own perfect road trip this summer! You can find more details on each of these road trips in Episode 87, Episode 21, Episode 25, Episode 29, and Episode 15. And don't forget your potato delicacies!
For your task today, let us know which road trip you’re most excited for! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your pick!
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.
....................................
Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
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30min
June 11, 2025116: Exploring Capitol Reef National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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 relation to Utah's "Mighty Five"
Capitol Reef's mind-bending tilted rock formations that look almost unreal
The Fruita Historic District, the park's hub for history, orchards, and, of course, pie!
Must-hike trails, including Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch
Exploring Capitol Reef's wild side: Unpaved roads and backcountry adventures
Why Capitol Reef deserves more than just a quick stop
Details about our new Capitol Reef itinerary
We hope you enjoyed exploring Capitol Reef with us! This park is an absolute must-visit – add it to your list!
If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and use code REEF25 for 25% off the Capitol Reef Itinerary!
Your task for today: We want to know what you are most excited about for your trip to Capitol Reef. Are you captivated by Cathedral Valley? The Burr Trail? Or the unique Fruita area, where all the Utah national parks seem to converge? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook 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.
....................................
Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Capitol Reef, check out all of our Capitol Reef Podcast Episodes.
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1h 1min
May 21, 2025115: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Crater Lake National Park
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 eruption that made Crater Lake one of the largest explosions the Cascades has seen in a million years
Why the eruption left such a mark on the native people that they considered the area too sacred to even look at
The massive eruption that was so large that the volcano literally lost 8,000 feet off its peak
The mystery of the lake so deep, it holds the title of the deepest in the entire United States
The shocking purity of Crater Lake's legendary blue water
We hope you enjoyed learning all about Crater Lake National Park with us! We barely scratched the surface of this incredible park, but we hope you get a chance to get out there and see this stunning park for yourself.
For your mission today, tell us: What's calling to you most at Crater Lake? Is it the powerful story of the volcano, the crater left by Mount Mazama, or the unbelievably blue lake? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to 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.

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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.

And for more information about Crater Lake, check out these Crater Lake Podcast Episodes and Crater Lake Trip Planning Articles.

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58min
May 14, 2025114: Bear Safety Tips!
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 voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively
We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills.
Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!
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.
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1h 2min
May 07, 2025113: Exploring Crater Lake National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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 tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures
What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park
Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers
Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026
The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail
Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it
The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall
We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us! This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park.
Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our 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.
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54min

FAQs about Exploring the National Parks:

How many episodes does Exploring the National Parks have?

The podcast currently has 122 episodes available.

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