This week, we're chatting about BIG parks. The largest national park overall, Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, and the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., Death Valley, were both unique in their own ways, but they had one thing in common: they outsized the rest. These parks can be tricky to navigate: Death Valley having tons of scenic drives and long roads, and Wrangell being in, well, Alaska, but they are well worth the trek.

Switchbacks Episode #15: Size Matters, ft. Death Valley & Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks

We spent last year exploring, hiking through, and tent camping inside all 59 U.S. national parks. Now we're here to share our experiences, insights, and advice about our year in the national parks.

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Denali National Park, the country's twelfth national park, is home to the highest point in North America, Denali. It's frequently visited by tourists in Alaska, but it requires advanced preparation to visit. By planning ahead, visitors can make the most of their time in this park.

In this podcast, we describe what Denali is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Denali: How much does it cost? How do I increase my chances of seeing the mountain?

For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/denali. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

Music: bensound.com

81. How to Visit Denali National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, the country's eleventh national park, is home to active and dormant volcanoes, hydrothermal features, and beautiful mountain landscapes. It's one of the least visited parks in California, but many people congregate to Lassen Volcanic's main attractions. By planning ahead, visitors can avoid the crowds and see some truly unique sights.

In this podcast, we describe what Lassen Volcanic is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Lassen Volcanic: When is the best time to visit? What are some secrets of the park?

For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/lassenvolcanic. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

Music: bensound.com

80: How to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the country's tenth national park, is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Most visitors go to try and spot some volcanic activity, like lava flows, steam vents, and lava tubes. Hawai'i Volcanoes is located on the island of Hawai'i and is constantly changing and shifting, so visitors should plan ahead before arriving.

In this podcast, we describe what Hawai'i Volcanoes is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes: Will I see lava? Where should I stay? How much time should I spend in the park?

For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/hawaiivolcanoes. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

Music: bensound.com

79. How to Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, the country's ninth national park, is home to spectacular mountain environments, alpine tundra, wildlife, and gorgeous lakes. Most visitors go to drive the Trail Ridge Road or take a hike, and the park is a paradise for those activities. Rocky Mountain is located in north-central Colorado and is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, making and trip to the area well worth it.

In this podcast, we describe what Rocky Mountain is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Rocky Mountain: What is the best hike? How do you avoid crowds? How long should you spend in the park?

For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/rockymountain. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

Music: bensound.com

78. How to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Glacier National Park, the country's eighth national park, is home to mountains, hundreds of lakes, and 26 rapidly-receding glaciers. Most visitors go to drive the Going to the Sun Road or take a hike, and the park is a paradise for those activities. Glacier is located in Montana along the Canadian border, and is half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first in the world of its kind. 

In this podcast, we describe what Glacier is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Glacier: How do you see the glaciers? When should you visit to avoid crowds but not get caught in bad weather?

For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/glacier. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

Music: bensound.com

Switchbacks Episode #15: Size Matters, ft. Death Valley & Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks

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