Exploring the National Parks

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:

We hope this episode inspires you to get out there and have your own adventure in Canyonlands National Park! 

Your task for today is to head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get the BRAND-NEW CANYONLANDS ITINERARY! Yes, it’s finally here! You can get the Canyonlands Itinerary for 25% off with code CANYON25 until February 10th at midnight MST. That’s the cheapest it will ever be, so grab it at this price while you can! 

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’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:

We hope this episode helps you see Hot Springs through a whole new lens—when you dig just a little deeper, there’s so much more to discover!

Now it’s your turn! Are you planning a trip to Hot Springs? Are you more interested in the heart of it and soaking in the healing waters, or are you more drawn to its history and swagger? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to share your thoughts—we can’t wait to hear from you!

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 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:

We hope these tips help you plan an incredible trip! If you’re as excited about Zion as we are, don’t miss our Exploring Zion National Park and Zion Fun Facts episodes for even more insights.

Now, it’s your turn! If you’ve been to Zion, we’d love to hear your best tips for visiting the park. Let’s create a helpful thread for first-timers. Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your Zion experience with us—we can’t wait to hear from you!

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 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:

We hope you loved learning all about Hot Springs National Park! Don’t forget, we’ll be diving even deeper into this park in our upcoming Fun Facts episode, so make sure you tune in.

And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Which bathhouse would you choose? Or, if you’ve already been, what did you love most about your experience? 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 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:

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:

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:

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:

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.