Exploring the National Parks

138: 5 Incredible Fun Facts about Arizona’s Saguaro National Park

Cactus, sunshine, and desert drama: this is the episode where we go all in on the most iconic plant of the American West. Saguaro National Park is bursting with towering giants and incredible stories of survival, and we’re digging into all of it!
In this episode, we cover:
Why the saguaro cactus is an American icon (and possibly a giant green lightsaber)
What makes saguaros so tough, and why they only grow in certain parts of the desert
The mind-blowing slow growth of a baby saguaro, and how nurse trees help them survive
The park's wild history of cactus rustling and near collapse
How the saguaro population is finally bouncing back
Your task for today: Visit Saguaro National Park’s Facebook or Instagram and thank a ranger! Their work protects plants that won’t even reach full height in their lifetimes, and it’s incredible. 
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-incredible-fun-facts-about-arizonas-saguaro-national-park/ 
Planning your own Saguaro National Park adventure?
Episode 136: Exploring Saguaro National Park: Best Tips + Activities: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/136-exploring-saguaro-national-park-best-tips-activities/
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Saguaro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-saguaro/ 
8 Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/8-day-spring-break-national-parks-road-trip/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

137: The Best National Parks for Wildlife Viewing!

The wildlife showdown is on! We’re covering the best national parks to see animals in the wild. Whether you’re hoping to see wolves in Yellowstone or whales in Glacier Bay, we share our favorite parks for seeing animals across the U.S., from the great plains of Yellowstone to the coastal coves of Glacier Bay. 
In this episode, we cover:
Our favorite national parks for wildlife overall, plus why Alaska is in a whole different weight class
Where to go for specific animals, including black bears, grizzlies, moose, wolves, and buffalo (yes, we said buffalo)
The best parks for sea life, from dolphins and manatees to whales you can literally hear from your room
A rapid-fire list of parks for some surprising creatures, like condors, bats, bighorn sheep, and birds
Your task for today: What wildlife have you not seen yet that you really want to see in a national park? Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/the-best-national-parks-for-wildlife-viewing/ 
Planning your own wildlife viewing adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

136: Exploring Saguaro National Park: Best Tips + Activities

The silhouettes of giant saguaros against a glowing desert sky are the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. If you want one park that delivers pure golden hour magic, spicy Tucson flavor, and a choose-your-own-adventure split right down the middle, Saguaro National Park is it.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Saguaro is basically two parks in one, with a whole city in between, and how that changes your planning.
The best time of year to visit, plus why sunrise and sunset matter here more than almost anywhere else.
Our go-to stops on West Saguaro, including our favorite campground, a tiny trail we do every time, and quick hikes with big payoff.
Our go-to stops on East Saguaro, where the saguaros get huge, the loop drive is paved, and bikers are everywhere.
The Tucson extras that make the trip even better, including Sonoran hot dogs, two museums we love, and one oddly specific RV tip.
Your task for today: Pick your side! Are you a West Saguaro person who wants more solitude, or an East Saguaro person who wants the biggest, oldest saguaros you can find? Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think!
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/136-exploring-saguaro-national-park-best-tips-activities/ 
Planning your own Saguaro National Park adventure?
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Saguaro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-saguaro/ 
8 Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/8-day-spring-break-national-parks-road-trip/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

135: Our Top 3 National Park Experiences in 2025!

What do an erupting volcano, a flooded forest, and the 250th anniversary of American independence have in common? They all made our list of top national park adventures from 2025! This year gave us some unforgettable experiences, and we can't wait to share them with you.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Boston is the perfect place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026
What it’s like to kayak Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park
How we managed to see Kilauea erupting in real time at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Your task for today: Check the USGS or NPS website to see if Kilauea is still erupting, and start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime lava-viewing trip. Or, if volcanoes aren’t in the cards, look up Revolutionary War sites in the national park system to help plan your 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think!
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/our-top-3-national-park-experiences-in-2025/ 
Planning your own 2026 adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

134: Q&A - Recreation.gov Loophole, Hidden Gems, Alaska Parks, and Utah's Mighty Five

Wondering when to visit the Mighty 5 or which parks are best for kids? Trying to figure out if staying inside the park is really worth the price? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is packed with tips and personal stories to help you plan smarter for 2026!
In this episode, we cover:
When it's definitely worth camping inside the park versus staying in a gateway town
How to outsmart (or at least survive) Recreation.gov reservations and what NOT to do
What to expect in Glacier in June vs. July
Our favorite hidden gems in Yellowstone and Grand Teton
When to road trip the Mighty 5, how we travel with kids, and more!
Your task for today: We want to know whether or not you think Exploring the National Parks should be a video podcast! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts!
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/qa-recreation-gov-loophole-hidden-gems-alaska-parks-and-utahs-mighty-five/ 
Planning your own 2026 adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

133: 10-Day Florida National Parks Road Trip!

Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to chase wildlife, island-hop through the Keys, and discover Florida's wildest surprises in these national parks?
Welcome to our 10-day Florida national parks road trip! 
In this episode, we cover:
A full 10-day road trip that visits Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks
Wildlife-packed trails, guided boat tours, and quiet corners of the Everglades you might miss
Snorkeling, lighthouses, and the island-party energy of Biscayne and Boca Chita
Epic journeys through the Florida Keys on your way to Dry Tortugas
The very best spots for manatees, alligators, dolphins, and key lime pie
Your task for today: Tell us which park on this Florida road trip you are MOST excited to explore (Everglades, Biscayne, or Dry Tortugas) over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page!
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/10-day-florida-national-parks-road-trip/ 
Planning your own Florida adventure?
Episode 6: Everglades Favorites: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-6-everglades-favorites/ 
Episode 7: Everglades Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-7-everglades-fun-facts/ 
Episode 8: Everglades Stories: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories/ 
Episode 9: Everglades Trip Planning: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-9-everglades-trip-planning/ 
Episode 58: Exploring Dry Tortugas: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-dry-tortugas/ 
Episode 59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fun-facts-about-dry-tortugas-national-park/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

132: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial world with us and experience the Southeast as it once was through five fun facts! 
In this episode, we cover:
Why Congaree National Park feels like stepping into a primordial world
Record-breaking floods, champion trees, and the raw power of a living landscape
A Revolutionary War swamp fox and a daring fight for freedom near the McCord Ferry
The hidden history of maroon camps and survival in the Congaree wilderness
Your task for today: Watch The Patriot and notice how the swampy, river-filled landscape mirrors the real environments around Congaree. Then start dreaming about your own visit to this wild place! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think.
Planning your own Congaree adventure?
Episode 130: Exploring Congaree National Park: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fascinating-fun-facts-about-congaree-national-park/ 

131: Acadia Trip Report

Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan Pond to the peaceful waves of Schoodic Point, this trip was full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments.
In this episode, we cover:
The absolute chaos of the Jordan Pond parking lot (and how to avoid it)
Why fog and humidity made this one of our trickiest trips yet
Where to find the best lobster rolls outside of Bar Harbor
Mountain summits, hidden gems, and Acadia adventures beyond the crowds
Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that Acadia is still worth the trip, even with its challenges! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes  Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think. Have you ever witnessed a parking lot brawl or cried over the fog in a National Park? We'd love to hear your story!
Planning your own Acadia adventure?Dirt In My Shoes Acadia Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-itinerary/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-trip-report/

130: Exploring Congaree National Park: Best Tips + Activities

The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with our socks knocked clean off!
In this episode, we cover:
Where Congaree National Park is, how close it is to Columbia and Charleston, and why it’s still one of the least visited parks
When to go, including mosquitoes, water levels, and why late March worked so well for us
The boardwalk loop trail from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, side trails, and what you’ll see along the way
How to experience Cedar Creek by kayak or canoe and why we chose a guided tour
Congaree’s synchronous fireflies, plus the lottery and timing compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Your task for today: Make sure to head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know if you’re more excited to see the spiders or the snakes. Bonus points if you have been to Congaree and have stories to share!
Planning your own Congaree adventure?
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/

129: Haunted National Parks (Vol. 3)

Ghostly holiday parties, dancing desert lights, and a low‑tide cave with a mind of its own. Ready to let curiosity win for one spooky night?
In this episode, we cover:
Halloween traditions in and around the parks!
El Tovar at Grand Canyon and the friendly specter of Fred Harvey
Big Bend by night, unexplained lights, and why it can feel like the loneliest park in the lower 48
Acadia’s Devil’s Oven sea cave, low tide, and why the NPS wants you to give it space
Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that there's a lot more to our national parks than meets the eye! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know what you think. What's your favorite spooky story from a national park?
Planning your own spooky adventures?Dirt In My Shoes National Parks Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/haunted-national-parks-vol-3/