The Great Escape

Planning a trip to Zion National Park and not sure how to fit it all in?

In this episode of The Great Escape, I’m walking you through exactly how to spend 3 days in Zion — from the must-do hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows to scenic drives, underrated areas, and how to structure your days so you don’t burn out halfway through your trip.

This is a straightforward, real itinerary you can follow — no overwhelm, no guesswork.

We’ll cover:

• The best way to plan your 3 days in Zion
• How to balance big hikes with easier experiences
• What most people miss (and why you shouldn’t)
• Tips for making the most of your time in the park

If you want a trip that feels organized, exciting, and actually doable… this is it.

🎯 Grab your Zion Trip Planner: www.greatescapepodcast.com

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? Before you go, make sure you’re not making these common rookie mistakes.

In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast, I break down the 10 biggest mistakes people make when visiting Zion — from not understanding the shuttle system to missing out on key hikes, underestimating crowds, and failing to plan ahead.

These are the mistakes that can turn an incredible trip into a stressful one...and I’ll walk you through exactly how to avoid them so you can experience Zion the right way.If you want to save time, reduce stress, and make the most of your trip, this episode is for you.

Zion Planner + Free National Park Starter Guide:
www.greatescapepodcast.com

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? The shuttle system is one of the most important — and most confusing — parts of visiting the park.

In this episode, I walk you through exactly how the Zion shuttle system works, including the difference between the Zion Canyon shuttle and the Springdale shuttle, all 9 stops inside the park, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time (or a very long walk back).

Whether you're planning to hike The Narrows, Angels Landing, or just explore the canyon, this episode will help you feel confident navigating Zion.

If you want help planning your trip, grab my Zion National Park Planner or download my free National Park Starter Guide at:👉 www.greatescapepodcast.com

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow The Great Escape for more national park guides, travel tips, and outdoor adventures.

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? This episode is your complete first-timer guide to doing it right.

Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. — and one of the easiest to mess up if you don’t plan ahead. In this episode, I walk you through everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, how the shuttle system works, where to stay, what hikes require permits, and the biggest mistakes to avoid.

We’ll cover:

• Best time to visit Zion
• How many days you need
• Where to stay (Springdale, Hurricane, or inside the park)
• Angel’s Landing + permit system
• Hiking The Narrows
• Shuttle logistics and parking tips
• Family-friendly options and easier hikes

If you want to plan your Zion trip once and do it right, this episode will give you the foundation.

🎯 Download your free National Park Trip Planner:
www.greatescapepodcast.com

Angel’s Landing is one of the most famous — and dangerous — hikes in Zion National Park.With a narrow ridge, steep drop-offs, and a permit lottery, many visitors wonder: Is Angel’s Landing worth the risk?In this episode, I share exactly how to hike Angel’s Landing safely — including how the permit lottery works, what the chains section is really like, and what to do if you don’t get a permit.• How the Angel’s Landing permit lottery works• How dangerous the hike actually is• What to expect on the chains section• Gear and timing tips• Backup hikes if you don’t get a permitPlanning a Zion Trip?🎒 Get the FREE National Park Starter Guide and your Zion National Park Planner at https://www.greatescapepodcast.comWatch Next:Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park➡️ Episode 62#AngelLanding #ZionNationalPark #UtahHiking #NationalParks #HikingTips

Planning your first hike in The Narrows at Zion National Park? In this episode of The Great Escape, I cover everything you need to know to hike The Narrows safely and confidently — from permits and shuttle access to water depth, gear, best time of year, and how long it really takes.

Whether it’s your first slot canyon hike or you’re just planning a weekend adventure, you’ll learn the top mistakes to avoid and insider tips so your day in The Narrows is epic — not a flop.

🎒 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Zion National Park Planner – map your trip day-by-day

• Free National Park Starter Guide – perfect for first-time visitors

  Grab both at www.greatescapepodcast.com

Next up in the Zion mini-series: Angels Landing — chains, lottery, and how scary it really is.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to visit a national park… but which one should I choose?” — this episode is for you.

🎯 Grab your free National Park Starter Guide atgreatescapepodcast.com

Today I’m breaking down six of the best national parks for first-time visitors — parks that are easier to navigate, don’t require extreme hiking experience, and still deliver that unforgettable “this is why people love national parks” feeling.

We’re covering:• How to get there• The best time to visit• What it costs• Where to stay• How difficult the hikes really are• What first-timers should know

The parks included:– Great Smoky Mountains– Grand Canyon– Rocky Mountain– Shenandoah– Olympic– Joshua Tree

Whether you want iconic views, mountain lakes, desert magic, or something low-stress and family-friendly — this episode will help you pick the right park for you.

Trying to plan a national park trip and already feel overwhelmed?In this episode, I break down a simple, repeatable system for planning your first national park vacation — without overplanning, overspending, or spiraling.👇 Grab the FREE National Park Starter Kit:Download it at thegreatescapepodcast.comIt walks you through the exact framework we cover in this episode.You’ll learn:• The 3-Decision Rule• The best time of year to visit• How far in advance to book (3-6-12 rule)• When you need permits & reservations• How to build a simple itinerary• What to pack (and what you don’t need)• How to avoid crowds🎒 What to Pack for a National Park Trip (affiliate link):https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WEY63URP7VG9?tag=thegreatesc00-20Next up: Episode 61 — Best National Parks for Your First Trip.Subscribe for simple, realistic national park planning advice.#NationalParkTrip #NationalParkVacation #NationalParkPlanning #TravelPlanningTips #OutdoorTravel #AdventureTravel #TravelPodcast

If you’re new to camping and want gear that actually makes it enjoyable — start here.These are my personal camping must-haves after years of trial and error. No survival gear. No fluff. Just beginner-friendly essentials that make camping more comfortable, less stressful, and way more fun.🛒 Shop My Full Camping Gear List (Amazon Affiliate):https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3THOMX94GDYR0?tag=thegreatesc00-20(Using this link supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.)In this video:• Easy setup tent• 3–4 season sleeping bag• LED camping lantern• Two-burner foldable camp stove• Stanley pour-over coffee set• Hammock with straps• Zero gravity reclining chairs• Dog camping essentials• S’mores sticks & moreSubscribe for realistic camping tips, national park adventures, and gear that’s actually worth it.#CampingMustHaves #BeginnerCamping #CampingGear #CampingEssentials #OutdoorLife

In this episode, I’m sharing your realistic, no-fluff ultimate Yellowstone guide to help you plan a trip that’s actually enjoyable — not chaotic, overcrowded, or full of mistakes you’ll regret later.In this Yellowstone travel guide, I cover:• The best things to do in Yellowstone National Park• Must-see geyser basins, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints• Which Yellowstone hikes are actually worth your time• The best time to visit Yellowstone — and when to avoid it• Where to stay in Yellowstone (lodges, campgrounds, and RV parks)• Yellowstone wildlife you can expect to see and how to stay safe• What not to do around bison (seriously)• What to bring to Yellowstone so you’re prepared without overpacking• Altitude, bathrooms, cell service, and park logistics• Visiting Yellowstone with pets — what’s allowed and what’s not• And yes… whether Yellowstone is actually about to erupt 🌋Whether you’re planning your first Yellowstone trip, building a national parks road trip, or just Yellowstone-curious, this episode will help you experience one of the most iconic national parks in the world without the stress.🎒 Yellowstone packing list + affiliate links are in the show notes📍 Full video version with visuals available here on YouTube📩 Questions? Find me on Instagram @the.great.escape.podcastIf you love national parks, adventure travel, and learning how to explore wild places the smart way — subscribe for more guides like this.