Exploring the National Parks

Dirt In My Shoes

Join Ash and John from Dirt In My Shoes as we explore America’s National Parks! We’re taking you around the national parks and talking about our favorite things, fun facts, adventures, and trip planning. Expect big laughs and fantastic information as we tour the parks together. Let’s start exploring! read less

Our Editor's Take

Exploring the National Parks is a travel and adventure podcast. Hosts Ash and John have credible experience and knowledge as outdoor explorers. The podcast offers real advice and engaging stories about America's national parks. Ash is a former park ranger and has worked in the National Park Service. Here, she shares insider tips for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Her years of experience come from working in national parks in Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming. John complements Ash's pro tips with his own outdoor hiking travel experiences.

As cofounders of Dirt In My Shoes, Ash and John started the Exploring the National Parks podcast in 2022. It reflects their genuine love for nature. It also shows their commitment to guiding visitors around America's iconic landscapes. The show does not only feature interviews and stories. It can be a tool to plan a worry-free trip to any national park. Listeners may feel they are on a guided tour while hearing Ash and John's facts about each area.

Exploring the National Parks helps listeners understand the life of a park ranger. Ash shares her stories from her previous workdays in the parks. These tales give insight into the effort needed to maintain these landscapes. The show also supports those who like to explore outdoor paths. They also explain how the National Parks Service got started, and the first places to get that national park designation.

Ash and John rate hiking trails in national parks based on their own experience. That can be useful information for both first-time travelers or experienced hikers. They also suggest the best time to visit each park, the ideal visit duration, and activities to try.

A strength of this weekly travel podcast is its hosts' credibility. Ash and John provide reliable guidance and sound advice in an hour-long show each week. Listeners get more than fascinating stories and experiences. They get practical advice and tips from professionals about their favorite national parks. This could be valuable for those seeking a nature podcast. New episodes of Exploring the National Parks drop weekly.

read less

Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Start Here

78: 5 Best Iconic Yosemite Valley Views for First-Time Visitors

78: 5 Best Iconic Yosemite Valley Views for First-Time Visitors

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our top 5 favorite classic Yosemite Valley views. Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit! In this episode, we discuss: The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite ValleyThe most popular viewpoint in YosemiteAsh’s favorite Yosemite Valley viewThe best 360-degree experience in Yosemite ValleyThe most fun and unique way to see the beautiful valley We hope you enjoy hearing about our favorite Yosemite Valley views. If you can get to all five on your next visit to Yosemite, you’ll have some amazing photos to remember your trip by! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! If you have been to Yosemite, what is your favorite Yosemite Valley view? Bonus points if you share photos! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Need help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite? Grab one of our Yosemite National Park itineraries! Check out the full show notes here.

Episodes

78: 5 Best Iconic Yosemite Valley Views for First-Time Visitors

78: 5 Best Iconic Yosemite Valley Views for First-Time Visitors

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our top 5 favorite classic Yosemite Valley views. Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit! In this episode, we discuss: The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite ValleyThe most popular viewpoint in YosemiteAsh’s favorite Yosemite Valley viewThe best 360-degree experience in Yosemite ValleyThe most fun and unique way to see the beautiful valley We hope you enjoy hearing about our favorite Yosemite Valley views. If you can get to all five on your next visit to Yosemite, you’ll have some amazing photos to remember your trip by! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! If you have been to Yosemite, what is your favorite Yosemite Valley view? Bonus points if you share photos! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Need help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite? Grab one of our Yosemite National Park itineraries! Check out the full show notes here.

77: Interview with Ranger Ryan from Lewis and Clark NHT

77: Interview with Ranger Ryan from Lewis and Clark NHT

We are doing something new on the podcast! We want to start interviewing some of the coolest people on the planet – park rangers! For our very first interview, we are talking to Ranger Ryan Cooper, who works for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. His job is to map the Lewis and Clark Trail, so he’s basically a modern-day explorer! Today, he is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work as a park ranger, sharing fascinating stories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and diving into his other passion: delicious BBQ. In this episode, we discuss: How Ryan became a park rangerWhat he does on a day-to-day basis in his job Cool information about the Lewis and Clark TrailThe unique artifacts that have been found by archeologists on this trailThe fascinating history of the expeditionThe coolest part about Ryan’s jobThe best BBQ along the Lewis and Clark Trail We hope you enjoy this conversation with Ryan! If you want amazing BBQ restaurant recommendations, be sure to follow Ryan on Instagram @bbqtourist. You can also check out The Smoke Sheet at bbqnewsletter.substack.com. Let us know if you know of anyone who works for the national parks that we should interview! We are always looking for fun and interesting people to connect with. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Please let Ryan know that you appreciate him coming on the podcast over on his Instagram page! Check out the full show notes here.

76: Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Best Tips + Activities

76: Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Best Tips + Activities

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio! This national park is so incredible because it was an important area for the development of the wild frontier. It also sparked a crucial environmental movement and opened up discussions on the importance of the natural environment. You don’t usually hear much about this national park, even though it sees millions of visitors each year! We wanted to explore Cuyahoga Valley with you today so that you can discover this spectacular national park. In this episode, we discuss: The Canal Exploration Center Our favorite thing to do at this national park The gateway towns in this area The accessibility of this park Our favorite restaurants in the area The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RailroadThe Ohio and Erie Canal TowpathCool trails you’ll want to check out The haunted bridge you can’t miss We hope you enjoyed learning all about this lesser-known national park! Cuyahoga Valley is such a unique park, and we highly recommend making a trip to see it for yourself. Remember to complete your task for this week! Would you rather ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or bike the Towpath? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page! Check out the full show notes here.

75: Mailbag - Camping Tips and Best Trails for Solo Hiking

75: Mailbag - Camping Tips and Best Trails for Solo Hiking

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a mailbag episode! We are diving into some of the questions we have gotten from you guys about the national parks and sharing our best tips and suggestions. Join us as we share our favorite camping tips, the best trails for solo hiking, park ranger Ash, and more! In this episode, we discuss: What Beginner Campers Need 101How to find the best affordable camping equipmentHow to plan your meals while camping Where to find the best campsitesWhere to find the best hiking trails for solo hikingHow and why Ash became a park rangerThe trips we have coming up on the East side of the Mississippi We hope you enjoyed hearing the answers to some of these listener questions today. If you have any questions about national parks, family travel, outdoor activities, us, or anything in between, please visit dirtinmyshoes.com/podcast to leave us a message. We’ll answer them in an upcoming Mailbag episode! Check out the full show notes here.

74: Five Fun Facts About Glacier Bay National Park

74: Five Fun Facts About Glacier Bay National Park

Join us as we journey back to Alaska for some fascinating Glacier Bay fun facts! Ash, who worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay National Park, and John, who loves Glacier Bay and enjoys learning and sharing his discoveries, are here to share our unique experiences and surprise you with facts that make this park so extraordinary! From advancing glaciers, tidal waves, scientific research, rebounding land, and fascinating wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to be on your bucket list after this podcast episode. In this episode, we discuss: What makes these the fastest-moving glaciers in the world The location of the largest tidal wave recorded in history Why this park was claimed by the government… for scienceHow Glacier Bay went from a rocky landscape to a rainforest in record timeThe coolest thing about the wildlife in this park We hope you enjoyed learning more about why Glacier Bay is such an unbelievable park. We also hope you can visit Glacier Bay and see it all for yourself sometime soon! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which one of these fun facts surprised you the most? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

73: Best Places to See Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

73: Best Places to See Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

It’s that time of year again — time to start thinking about Yellowstone National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we discuss the amazing wildlife that can be seen in Yellowstone. The wildlife in this park is incredible. It’s the North American Safari! Join us as we explore the top spots in Yellowstone to see wildlife, with a sprinkle of wildlife-themed dad jokes along the way! In this episode, we discuss: The unmatched spot in this park to see the best wildlife Where to find the most buffaloThe best spots to see wolves Our favorite places to see grizzly bears The one place to go if you want to see some elk The different types of birds you can see in the parkWhere to see the fastest animals in North America The best times of year to see these animals We hope you enjoyed hearing about the wildlife in Yellowstone. This park is packed full of amazing wildlife, and we hope you get the chance to see it this year! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Have you had a wildlife encounter in Yellowstone? Tell us about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

72: Exploring Glacier Bay: Trip Planning Tips and Activities

72: Exploring Glacier Bay: Trip Planning Tips and Activities

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring a park that is near and dear to our hearts – Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska! Ash worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay and has so many amazing experiences to share about living in this part of Alaska! This national park has tidewater glaciers, massive mountains, and wildlife galore, so we’re excited to explore Glacier Bay with you! In this episode, we discuss: Our special connection to this national parkThe unique route you need to know about if you want to visit this parkThe thing that makes Glacier Bay so cool The best place to see humpback whales in this park The incredible wildlife in this areaThe best way to see this park Our favorite spots in Glacier Bay What you can expect with the weather in this areaThe cool thing about the glaciers in this national park What to do at Bartlett Cove Our favorite trails in this national park What you need to know if you plan to go fishing in Glacier Bay We hope you love this episode and learning about all of the incredible sights that Glacier Bay has to offer! This park is truly phenomenal so we hope that everyone gets a chance to visit. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What wildlife are you most looking forward to seeing in Glacier Bay? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

71: Epic 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

71: Epic 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s hit the road and travel to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking you on a journey through our home state. This epic 10-day Utah National Parks road trip is a family favorite, and we can’t wait to show you our favorite spots. Join us as we share a really cool sample itinerary that you can enjoy with your family while exploring Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion! On the episode’s itinerary: The best location to start this road trip How many days to spend at each national park to see everythingThe food you don’t want to miss during your road tripCan’t miss hikes at each national parkThe route we recommend you take to see all 5 Utah National Parks Where to find the best scenery in these parksOther stops and towns en route that you don’t want to missHow to expand your trip by adding a couple of days We hope you enjoy hitting the road with us on this epic 10-day road trip through The Mighty 5 Utah National Parks! If you want more detailed help on what you see in these parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our itineraries for each park. Remember to complete your task for this week! Of all the movies we mentioned in this episode that were filmed in the Mighty 5 area of Utah, which one is your favorite? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

70: Olympic National Park Fun Facts - Things You Didn't Know

70: Olympic National Park Fun Facts - Things You Didn't Know

Let’s head back to Olympic National Park for some fun facts! There is so much to share about this unique national park that it was kind of hard to narrow it down to just five. Olympic has so many distinct ecosystems and areas that are so different from the others in this park, and we are excited to dive into what makes this park so special! Join us as we discuss: Where the rocks at Olympic National Park come from The surprising number of glaciers you can find in this parkThe plants and animals in this area that you won’t find anywhere else The shocking amount of rain this park gets each year The last place in this park explored and mapped in the lower 48 We hope you love learning these fun facts as much as we do! Olympic is such an incredible park, and we hope you get the chance soon to get out there and explore it for yourself. If you need any help planning your trip, get your itinerary for an hour-by-hour schedule in Olympic! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which national park would you have loved to discover before the explorers did? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

69: New National Park Contenders

69: New National Park Contenders

Curious about potential future national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into emerging candidates that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore seven key locations where people are advocating for national park status! Join us as we discuss: What has to happen for a new national park to be establishedSeven locations that may become national parks in the futureWhat makes these locations so coolThings to do at each of these parks The fascinating history, nature, and archeology you can find in these parks The benefits of having a national park designation We hope you enjoy learning about these potential national parks with us! If you need any help planning your next national park trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Which of these locations would you vote for to be the next national park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

68: Exploring Olympic National Park - How to Plan the Best Trip

68: Exploring Olympic National Park - How to Plan the Best Trip

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Olympic National Park! This huge national park has so much diversity and unique qualities that we can’t wait to explore with you all. Plus, it’s Ash’s turn to nerd out because Forks, Washington, home to a certain sparkly vampire and werewolf from Twilight, is one of the gateway towns to this park. Join us as we discuss: Everything you need to know about Port Angeles The best way to see Hurricane Ridge and Mount OlympusOur favorite trails in the area The things that can make or break your trip to this parkWhy we love visiting Lake Crescent Where you can find good waterfallsOur experience in the hot springs at Olympic National ParkMust-see stops in Forks, Washington, for Twilight lovers What you need to know about lodging while visiting this area The best beaches in this parkWhat makes the rainforest so amazing The huge Roosevelt elk you can see in the area We hope you enjoy exploring Olympic National Park with us! If you need any help planning your next trip, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get your Olympic National Park itinerary! Read the full show notes here.

67: National Parks on a Budget - Tips for Saving Money

67: National Parks on a Budget - Tips for Saving Money

Want to explore the national parks but on a tight budget? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Visiting the national parks is actually a great option for you if you love to travel but don’t have a ton of money to spend on it. We are sharing all of our top tips for traveling to the national parks while spending as little money as possible! Join us as we discuss: The benefits of an annual passWhen to travel for the most savingsWhy we love camping in the parks How to save on meals in the national parksWays to save on gas when traveling to national parksTaking advantage of all of the free activities in the parksDays you can visit the parks for freeThe benefits of visiting the smaller national parks or national monuments We hope you enjoyed these money-saving tips that will help you travel to the parks on a budget! If you need any help planning your trips to the parks, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get your itinerary. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! What is your favorite tip for visiting the national parks on a budget? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

66: Arches Fun Facts

66: Arches Fun Facts

It’s time to learn some fun facts about Arches National Park! This is one of the coolest parks to visit, so we are so excited to jump into these truly fascinating fun facts about this national park. From the geology to the wildlife to the stars in the sky, we are covering everything that makes this park so incredible. Join us for this exciting episode! Join us as we discuss: The crazy number of natural arches this park has The cryptobiotic crust you’ll find in this parkThe fascinating wildlife you’ll find hereWhat makes this park an International Dark Sky ParkThe human history of this park We hope you enjoyed this episode and that you get the chance to get out there and explore this exciting and inviting park soon. There is an Arches adventure waiting for you out there! If you need any help, we have a ton of trip-planning information over at DirtInMyShoes.com. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and share which national park you would like to explore and what adventure you would want to have there. Let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

65: The First Five National Parks

65: The First Five National Parks

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are getting a little nerdy! We have been making lists of the national parks by size, visitation, and date established on Dirt In My Shoes. Today, we’re sharing some interesting information on the first five National Parks that were established. As National Park enthusiasts, we think everyone should know what the first five national parks were! So, let’s explore the first five national parks and learn some interesting history along the way. Join us as we discuss: The interesting history leading up to the establishment of the national parksThe first five national parks that were established in the U.S. The key people involved in establishing these national parks Fascinating historical events surrounding these parksThe establishment of The National Park Service We were so surprised by some of the parks on this list and the history behind it all. We hope you loved this episode and enjoyed nerding out over national park history with us! If you want to see the full list, you can find it here. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! We want to know which national park surprises you the most according to when it was established. Head to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! Check out the full show notes here.

64: Exploring Arches

64: Exploring Arches

Let’s explore Arches! We visit this national park at least once a year, and we never run out of things to do because there is just so much to see in the area. Whether it’s the well-known sights or the hidden gems, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re discussing it all. This park is truly iconic, and we hope this episode helps you plan your next trip! Join us as we discuss: Our favorite arches in the Devils Garden Where to go for a quiet place to experience the arches The popular arch that Ash is not a fan ofOur tips for visiting Fiery Furnace Important things you’ll want to remember before visiting this parkWhere to get the best view of Delicate ArchThe best places to experience the sunset in the parkOther great areas in the park to see non-arch formationsParts of the park to explore if you have a JeepWhat to do, where to stay, and where to eat in MoabArches entrance reservations We hope you get the chance to explore this incredible park yourself this year! To see the best of the park without getting stuck in the crowds, you’ll find a full Arches National Park Itinerary on the Dirt In My Shoes website. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and show us what you like to wear when you’re out exploring the national parks. (This has a funny tie-in with the town of Moab, which we discuss near the end of the episode.) Check out the full show notes here.

63: Favorite Campgrounds in the National Parks

63: Favorite Campgrounds in the National Parks

Which national park campground is the best? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a full-on WWE-style smackdown! We each picked our top five favorite campgrounds, and we are going to battle it out to see who came up with the best options. We were full-time RVers for three years, so we are very familiar with the national park campgrounds, and we are excited to dive into it today! Join us as we discuss: - The national monuments we both put on our lists - The things we love about each campground we chose - The most unique campgrounds we have stayed at - Some fun and elusive campgrounds you want to check out - Campgrounds you need to put on your bucket list We hope you enjoy this National Park Campground Smackdown episode! Camping is one of the best ways to stay in the parks without spending a ton of money, so we highly recommend it! If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes, leave us a comment, and tell us about your favorite campground in the National Parks! Check out the full show notes here.

62: Big Bend Fun Facts

62: Big Bend Fun Facts

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing 5 fun facts about Big Bend National Park! We recently shared our favorite activities and places to stay in this park, and today we are sharing some incredible fun facts. Known as a geologist’s paradise and nightmare, we are so excited to share all of the things that make this place so cool. Join us as we explore this chaotic and fascinating park! Join us as we discuss: - The massive events this park has been a part of in the last 340 million years - The one thing Big Bend has that other national parks don’t - What makes the fossils at Big Bend so unique - The vast amount of species living in this national park - What makes the human history in this park so fascinating From the plants, animals, and geology to the human history, there is so much to appreciate about this one-of-a-kind national park. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram @dirtinmyshoes and participate in our poll. We want to know what part of Big Bend you are most excited to see! Check out the full show notes here.

61: 2024 in the National Parks - What to Expect

61: 2024 in the National Parks - What to Expect

It’s a brand new year, and in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing what you can expect in the national parks in 2024! Granted, things will change throughout the year, but this is an overview of how things are looking for the 2024 season. I know many of you are planning your trips right now, so our goal is to give you as much insight as possible into what you can expect this year in the parks. Join us as we discuss: - What you need to know about park reservations this year - What to know if you are planning to camp in the parks - Parks with upcoming construction closures you’ll want to know about - How to prepare for wildfire season in the parks Remember, the parks are always changing, so it’s best to check the official NPS website often. If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to get started planning! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. If you know that you're visiting a national park in 2024, go and look at the official NPS site for that national park so you know what you need to do before you go. You can also head over to Instagram and join Ash for a Q&A session where you can ask all of your national park questions! Check out the full show notes here.

60: Exploring Big Bend

60: Exploring Big Bend

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas. Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You’re going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together. Join us as we discuss: - What makes this lonesome park so special - Our favorite sections of Big Bend - The closest gateway towns to Big Bend - Tips for visiting Mexico while you’re at this park - The incredible mountains you can see in the area - Where to stay while visiting Big Bend - Our favorite trails to hike - The unexpected wildlife and fossils you’ll find in the area - The most stunning canyon you’ll find in Big Bend - Our favorite restaurants in the area We hope you love hearing all about Big Bend. If you are thinking about visiting this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your trip. Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Go to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page to join in on the fun! Check out the full show notes here.

59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts

59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts

This is our last podcast episode of 2023, and we are Florida dreaming! Today we are sharing our favorite fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is incredible for many reasons and might be one of the most exciting fun facts episodes we’ve ever done! This national park has a colorful history, and even though it can be challenging to get to, it’s well worth the trip. Join us as we discuss: - Florida’s fascinating origin story - How biology is actually the geology of this park - The story of how Dry Tortugas was discovered - Why there is a surprising number of sunken ships in this national park - The history behind why you can find the largest masonry fort in the Western hemisphere in this park We hope you enjoyed this episode of Exploring the National Parks! Dry Tortugas is definitely one of the most fascinating parks we have been to, and its history is rich with pirates, ships, and treasure. Check out the full show notes here.