Exploring the National Parks

By Dirt In My ShoesSociety & Culture Science Places & Travel Nature

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Typical duration
59 min
per episode

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Exploring the National Parks episodes

October 23, 202494: Death Valley National Park Fun Facts: 5 Things You Didn't Know
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.
1 hr 10 min
October 09, 202493: How to Pee and Poop Outside While Hiking
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.
42 min
October 02, 202492: Exploring Death Valley National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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.
1 hr
September 25, 202491: Small Park Spotlight - Pearl Harbor National Memorial
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.
16 min
September 11, 202490: 6 Fun Facts About Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
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.
1 hr 10 min
September 04, 202489: Hiking the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
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.
29 min
August 28, 202488: Exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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.
48 min
August 14, 202487: Road Trip! Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky National Parks!
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.
50 min
August 07, 202486: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts About Mount Rainier National Park
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.
1 hr 1 min
July 31, 202485: Mail from the Trail: Rim-to-Rim Trail + Hiking Essentials
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.
37 min