In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Ranger Megan from Big Thicket National Preserve to explore one of the most misunderstood and wildly diverse landscapes in the National Park System.

When most people hear “National Park,” they picture towering mountains or deep desert canyons. Big Thicket flips that script. Ranger Megan shares her journey with the National Park Service, what brought her to Southeast Texas, and why this preserve left such a powerful first impression.

We dive into why Big Thicket is called the “Biological Crossroads of North America” and what that actually means on the ground. From longleaf pine forests and cypress sloughs to blackwater bayous and carnivorous pitcher plants, the Thicket isn’t just one ecosystem—it’s several, woven together. Megan breaks down how these habitats blend, what strange and surprising species call this place home, and why birders, botanists, and backpackers quietly consider this area a hidden treasure.

We also get practical. What kind of hiking terrain should you expect? Are there paddle trails worth planning a whole trip around? Can you experience multiple ecosystems in just a few hours? Is this place more “boardwalk stroll” or “true wilderness”? (Hint: it’s wilder than most people think.)

Ranger Megan shares underrated trails, hidden gem areas, and what first-time visitors often underestimate about the Thicket. We talk seasonal timing, cell signal realities, trail maps, hazards like snakes and flooding, and why bug spray might be your most valuable piece of gear out here.

On the conservation side, we unpack the real challenges facing Big Thicket today, from invasive species to prescribed burns, and how research and long-term planning are shaping the next 5–10 years of preservation. If you’ve ever wondered how you, as a visitor, can support a place like this, Megan offers simple but powerful ways to help protect it.

Big Thicket may not have the dramatic skyline of the Guadalupe Mountains or the sweeping canyon views of Palo Duro, but what it has is depth. Layer upon layer of life. Subtle beauty. True wildness.

If you’ve never considered exploring a swampy preserve… this episode might just change your mind.

Tune in and discover why Big Thicket isn’t just a stop on the map, it’s an experience you feel.

A Quote from Shaun:

You can't fail if you don't quit. You can't succeed if you don't start.

- Michael Hyatt

Episode Description:

In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we sit down with Shaun, the co-founder of Angry Pika Food Co., to talk about what really goes into building a small, trail-driven food company from the ground up.

Shaun shares the origin story behind Angry Pika, how the name came to be, how his own time on trail shaped the recipes, and the moment he realized this wasn’t just about making good food, but about building something meaningful for the hiking and backpacking community. We dive into the early days, the first recipes that didn’t quite go as planned, and the advice he’d give himself if he could go back to Day One.

From there, we dig into the creative and technical side of backpacking food: how nutrition, calories, and weight are balanced; how new recipes are tested and refined; and why feedback from hikers in the field matters so much. Shaun talks candidly about the products that took the longest to perfect, the ones that resonated most with customers, and the surprising places his meals have been eaten.

We also explore the bigger picture, sustainability, ingredient sourcing, packaging choices, and the realities of running a small business in an industry dominated by large brands. Shaun opens up about the challenges unique to small companies, the importance of collaboration within the outdoor space, and why community support, from family, faith, and fellow hikers, has been essential to Angry Pika’s journey.

Finally, we look ahead. Shaun shares what’s coming next for Angry Pika, how he sees the backpacking food industry evolving, and the legacy he hopes his meals leave behind not just in packs, but in trail memories, morale, and shared moments outdoors.

This episode is about more than food. It’s about passion, perseverance, and why supporting small, family-run businesses that support our hiking and backpacking community truly matters.

Tyler's Quote:

There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Episode Description:

In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we head to the wide-open Texas Panhandle to explore Copper Breaks State Park with Tyler, a ranger with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, whose passion for this rugged and often-overlooked park runs deep.

Tyler shares his journey into state park service and what first drew him to Copper Breaks, from his initial impressions of the landscape to the moments that confirmed this park was something special. We talk about what makes Copper Breaks unique among Texas parks, how it has evolved over the years, and what a “typical” day looks like for a ranger in a place where wind, weather, and wide horizons are part of the job description.

A major focus of this episode is Copper Breaks’ identity as an International Dark Sky Park. Tyler walks us through what it takes to preserve truly dark skies, and what visitors can expect when they look up on a clear night. From Milky Way memories to night-sky programs and the challenges of dark-sky conservation, this conversation captures why Copper Breaks is one of the best places in Texas to experience the night as it was meant to be seen.

We also dive into the park’s deeper history, its connections to the Comanche, how that cultural heritage is interpreted today, and the careful balance between preservation and public recreation. Tyler shares insight into current conservation efforts, the impact of drought and weather on the ecosystem, and the role of volunteers and partnerships in protecting this landscape for future generations.

On the trail side, we cover hiking routes, hidden gems, wildlife encounters, and what first-time visitors should know before setting foot in this remote park. Tyler offers practical safety advice, tips for dealing with the Panhandle’s conditions, and ideas for building the perfect day or weekend at Copper Breaks.

We wrap with a personal reflection on what this park means to Tyler, why it deserves more attention, and what he hopes every visitor carries with them after experiencing Copper Breaks for themselves.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, look up, and discover a Texas state park where history, dark skies, and quiet beauty come together in a way that stays with you long after you leave.

Natalie's Dedication:

To The Kratt Brothers: Thank you for teaching me to love all animals and enjoy their company from a young age.

Episode Description:

In Part 2 of our conversation about Caprock Canyons State Park, Natalie takes us deeper into the spirit of the park, what visitors feel when they first see the canyon walls, how she would define Caprock in just three words, and why this landscape leaves such a lasting impression.

We spend time with the story of the Texas State Bison Herd, exploring how it came to Caprock, what makes it unique, and what daily herd management looks like behind the scenes. Natalie shares how staff balance visitor access with safety, the challenges the herd faces from drought and habitat pressures, and the powerful symbolism the bison hold for the park and for Texas itself, along with a few memorable moments that only come from working this closely with wildlife.

The conversation then moves onto Caprock’s trails and terrain, from the park’s extensive trail system and the historic Caprock Canyons Trailway to favorite overlooks, hidden gems, and recommendations for both first-time visitors and experienced hikers. We also cover trail safety, weather awareness, dog-friendly options, camping opportunities, and what guests should know before heading out into this rugged Panhandle environment.

We close by looking at conservation, how human impact affect Caprock, what the park is doing to protect its ecosystems, and the role visitors play in preserving this place for future generations. This episode is a grounded, thoughtful look at a park defined by resilience, stewardship, and wide-open space.

Part 2 of 2 — available now on Trailblazing Texas Podcast!

Natalie's Dedication:

To my kids: Thank you for showing me that being a creepy crawly loving, strange, awkward, opinionated, and weird person makes a good mom, and it makes creature loving conscious kids.

Episode Description: Caprock Canyons State Park (Part 1 of 2)

I’ve said it quietly before… but in this episode, I finally say it out loud. Caprock Canyons State Park is my absolute favorite Texas State Park, and this conversation explains why.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Interpretive Ranger Natalie, who knows Caprock from the inside out. We start with her journey into Texas Parks & Wildlife, what sparked their career, what led them to this rugged corner of the Panhandle, and how Caprock quickly becomes more than “just an assignment”.

We talk about first impressions and the moments that stop people in their tracks, the scale of the canyons, the silence, the unexpected beauty, and why Caprock feels so different from anywhere else in Texas. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for park staff.

This is a personal one for me. If you’ve ever stood on the rim at Caprock, felt the wind cut through the canyon, or locked eyes with a bison on the trail, you’ll understand.

Part 2 drops next, where we go even deeper into trails, wildlife, visitor tips, and what makes Caprock a place people keep coming back to.

Message From the Host:

Hey friends, With this winter storm rolling through and a lot of us stuck inside, I wanted to drop a little something special for you.

This is a bonus preview from my conversation with Ranger Leah at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about 30 minutes of stories, heart, and why this place means so much to both of us.

Think of it as a small trail treat while we wait out the cold.

And the best part? We’re recording Parts 3 and 4 this Monday, so there’s still a lot more Guadalupe magic coming your way.

Leah's Dedication and Favorite Quote:

I would like to dedicate this episode to my parents - Craig and Lili - who gave me life and love.

To my mentors - Brian and Miguel - who taught me how to be the best ranger I can be.

And finally to anyone who has ever fallen in love with the most beautiful mountains in the world - Guadalupe <3

"The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders." -Edward Abbey

Episode Description:

This one is special.

In Part 1 of this long-awaited conversation, I’m joined by my favorite ranger, Leah, from Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the place I’ve called my heaven on earth for years. And before we even get into trails or terrain, we share a moment that’s raw, honest, and a little emotional. Because this park, and the people who protect it, mean something real to both of us.

From there, we settle into a deeply personal conversation about what it means to serve a place like the Guadalupes. Leah shares how she first found her way into the National Park Service, what drew her specifically to these mountains, and what made her stay. We talk about what a fulfilling day as a ranger actually looks like, the behind-the-scenes work visitors rarely see, and the quiet moments, sounds, smells, and solitude, that make this park feel less like a job and more like home.

We also reflect on patrols, unforgettable visitor interactions, and whether that “wow” feeling ever fades when you work in a place this wild (spoiler: it doesn’t). Leah paints a picture of the park not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing landscape that continues to shape her, just as it has shaped me.

Then we turn outward to explore the park itself. Beyond Guadalupe Peak, we dig into lesser-known trails and areas that deserve more attention, the best “bang for your buck” hike that captures the true essence of the Guadalupes, and the magic of The Bowl—one of the most unique ecological pockets in West Texas. We also touch on geology, off-map curiosities experienced hikers whisper about, and how the ancient forces beneath your boots define every step you take here.

This episode isn’t just about a national park. It’s about connection, to land, to purpose, and to the people who protect the places that change us.

Emily's Dedication and Quote:

To my favorite park ranger and grandfather, Ed Day, who served as an interpreter and volunteer at Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument for over 50 years.

Dry words and dry facts will not fire hearts. In drying plants, botanists often dry themselves.

- John Muir

Episode Description: Balmorhea State Park

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we head deep into West Texas to explore one of the most unexpected natural wonders in the state, Balmorhea State Park.

Known for its crystal-clear spring-fed waters, Balmorhea is home to the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world and feels more like a desert oasis than a Texas state park. We dive into what makes this park so unique, from the history and geology behind San Solomon Springs to the rare aquatic life that depends on this fragile ecosystem.

We’ll talk about what visitors can expect when they arrive, the best times of year to visit, camping options, nearby adventures, and how to responsibly enjoy one of Texas’ most special natural resources. Whether you’re planning a swim, a camping trip, or a West Texas road trip, this episode will help you make the most of your visit.

If you think you’ve seen everything Texas State Parks have to offer, Balmorhea might just change your mind.

In part 2 of our conversation with Noah from Mission Tejas State Park, we shift our focus from history into the living, breathing experience of the park today, from wildlife and seasonal beauty to visitor tips, conservation efforts, and what the future holds for this uniquely Texan landscape.

Noah walks us through the kinds of wildlife guests might encounter while exploring the park, the times of year when Mission Tejas truly shines, and what nearby fishing or paddling opportunities can add to a visit. We also dive into the camping options available, whether you’re looking for a quiet tent site, a family-friendly stay, or a basecamp for exploring East Texas.

From there, the conversation turns practical. Noah shares essential advice for first-time visitors, highlights Leave No Trace principles that matter most in a historically sensitive park, explains pet policies, and talks about special programs, events, and reenactments that bring Mission Tejas to life throughout the year. If you’ve ever wondered how to plan the perfect day here, this episode has you covered.

We also pull back the curtain on park operations and conservation, discussing the challenges of managing a site where history and nature intersect, current preservation efforts, and how the public can get involved through volunteering and support. Noah offers insight into how Mission Tejas keeps its stories alive for new generations, and what exciting projects and possibilities lie ahead.

This episode is both a guide and an invitation, to slow down, step into Texas history, and experience Mission Tejas State Park not just as a place on a map, but as a park worth returning to again and again.

If you’ve been on the fence about visiting, Part 2 might just convince you it’s time to go.

Episode Description:

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, I’m joined by Noah, the Interpretive Ranger at Mission Tejas State Park, to explore the people, purpose, and deep history behind one of East Texas’s most meaningful parks.

We start by getting to know Noah, how he found his way into park work with Texas Parks & Wildlife, what drew him specifically to Mission Tejas, and what a “typical day” really looks like for an interpretive ranger. From visitor interactions to behind-the-scenes moments, Noah shares what makes this role so rewarding, along with a few stories that stick with you long after you leave the park.

From there, we dive into the identity of Mission Tejas itself. For those who’ve never visited, Noah paints a picture of the park and its atmosphere, then walks us through its deep historical roots, including the story of the original Spanish mission, its role in Texas’s colonial past, and the importance of El Camino Real de los Tejas. We also talk about how the reconstructed mission is interpreted today and how the park balances preserving history while still offering modern outdoor recreation.

We wrap up this episode by shifting into the natural side of Mission Tejas, its trail system, terrain, and what hikers can expect when they explore the park on foot. Noah shares popular routes, personal favorites, lesser-known spots visitors often miss, and the kinds of wildlife guests might encounter along the way.

This episode is about more than just a place, it’s about stewardship, storytelling, and why parks like Mission Tejas matter.