Exploring the National Parks

115: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Crater Lake National Park

Get ready to have your mind blown by some Crater Lake National Park fun facts! Sure, it's got that insanely blue water, but this park is hiding some seriously epic secrets. 
We're diving deep (pun intended!) into the crazy volcanic history of the park, sharing some jaw-dropping facts that'll make you see Crater Lake in a whole new light. Come along as we dive into the science, history, and mythology of one of America’s most stunning national parks! 
Join us as we discuss:
The colossal volcanic eruption that made Crater Lake one of the largest explosions the Cascades has seen in a million years 
Why the eruption left such a mark on the native people that they considered the area too sacred to even look at  
The massive eruption that was so large that the volcano literally lost 8,000 feet off its peak
The mystery of the lake so deep, it holds the title of the deepest in the entire United States
The shocking purity of Crater Lake's legendary blue water
We hope you enjoyed learning all about Crater Lake National Park with us! We barely scratched the surface of this incredible park, but we hope you get a chance to get out there and see this stunning park for yourself. 
For your mission today, tell us: What's calling to you most at Crater Lake? Is it the powerful story of the volcano, the crater left by Mount Mazama, or the unbelievably blue lake? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
 
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
 
And for more information about Crater Lake, check out these Crater Lake Podcast Episodes and Crater Lake Trip Planning Articles.
 
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114: Bear Safety Tips!

Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks. 
From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country! 
Join us as we discuss:
Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack
Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively
We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills. 
Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

113: Exploring Crater Lake National Park: Best Tips + Activities

Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes. 
We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint.
Tune in to hear:
Our insider tips for navigating the park's tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures
What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park
Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers
Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026
The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail
Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it
The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall
We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us!  This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park.
Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know  which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or  do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

112: Yellowstone Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

Alright, Yellowstone fans! We're diving deep into the park we all know and love (almost as much as Ash loves scoring Savannah Bananas tickets!) 
Today, we're getting into the nitty-gritty information you’ll want to know before you go. Forget the fluffy stuff; we're talking real-deal tips and sticky situations to avoid so you can make sure your trip is epic and not a total bison-traffic jam disaster.
Get ready for the inside scoop on how to actually ENJOY Yellowstone, even when it's bursting with visitors, by learning:
The shocking reality of Yellowstone's size and why your "quick drive" is probably a multi-hour adventure
Why booking your lodging 13 months in advance is the golden ticket to staying in the park (and how to snag those glorious cancellations!)
How to ditch the crowds and experience Yellowstone's magic without feeling like you're at a crowded rock concert
Why timing is everything in Yellowstone, and how to avoid the "mushy" in-between seasons 
An important reminder about the wildlife in this park
We hope you're ready to tackle Yellowstone like a pro! If you want some additional help planning your trip to this incredible national park, then head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Yellowstone itinerary! 
Your task for today: We know our community is a wealth of knowledge, so if you have any tips or advice for visiting Yellowstone that we didn’t discuss today, please share! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages at Dirt In My Shoes and share your wisdom with us!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes.

111: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Petrified Forest National Park

Join us for a flashback in time as we dive into fun facts about Petrified Forest National Park! 
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're going back to the desert to take you on a journey through a prehistoric world that was once a lush, tropical paradise teeming with bizarre and terrifying creatures. We’re sharing the top five surprising and fascinating facts about this ancient landscape that will completely change the way you see Petrified Forest National Park and turn it into a must-see national park for you! 
Today, we’ll be discussing:
The shocking difference between the Petrified Forest in the past and how it looks now
Why this park is a crucial window into the dawn of the dinosaurs, thanks to its incredibly preserved Triassic-aged rocks
How this national park protects one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world
The shocking and  massive geological unconformity at Petrified Forest
The fascinating connection this park has to Route 66
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts all about Petrified Forest National Park! If you're ever in Arizona, be sure to visit and see the remnants of a prehistoric time for yourself! 
Don’t forget your task for today!  Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page at Dirt In My Shoes and tell us: What are you excited about? The Triassic-aged rocks, fossils, and dinosaurs? Or are you more excited about seeing the petrified trees? Let us know! 
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

110: Colorado National Parks Road Trip!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the beauty of Colorado's National Parks! We're sharing an epic 12-day road trip itinerary that takes you through four incredible parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde.
We'll be hitting the highlights of each park, sharing tips for planning your trip, and even throwing in a fun van life twist with a curated mixtape of Colorado-based artists. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Here’s what we will cover: 
The perfect road trip route for hitting must-see parks and hidden gems
Highlights of each park so you know exactly what to expect and what not to miss!
The fascinating gateway towns that you can explore on your way
Our best tips for maximizing your time in each park so you don't miss a single breathtaking view
Important things that you’ll want to keep in mind to make the most of your trip
We hope you will enjoy hearing our ultimate itinerary for these four gorgeous Colorado national parks! If you need any help planning your trip, make sure you head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our park itineraries! 
For your task for today, head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know which of these Colorado parks you are most excited to explore! 
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes.

109: Exploring Petrified Forest National Park: Best Tips + Activities

Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name parks for a minute and talk about this hidden gem that deserves to be more than just a pit stop on your Route 66 adventure. 
This is such a cool park but it is often overlooked. We're here to spill all the secrets and share why this park is absolutely worth visiting and everything that makes it so cool! 
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The colors of the Painted Desert and how they'll make you feel like you're in a Kung Fu movie
The iconic Route 66 pullout, where you can literally stand on a piece of Americana and snap a pic with a vintage Studebaker
The lowdown on Holbrook, Arizona, the ultimate Route 66 town, and why it's basically Radiator Springs in real life (plus, John's genius diner idea!)
The Blue Mesa trail, where you can hike through a landscape of blue badlands and petrified wood (just watch the clock!)
The secret to exploring the Jasper Forest off-the-beaten-path routes and why you need to grab a map from the visitor center
Petrified Forest is a park that demands a little extra attention, but trust us, it’s worth it. There really is something for everyone at this park! And hey, if you’re feeling inspired to open that Route 66/Pulp Fiction/Cars diner, you know where to find us! 
Your task for today: Tell us what you are more excited about when you go to Petrified Forest? Is it the Route 66 experience or the petrified wood? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! 
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

108: Glacier Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving deep into the top tips you need to know before you go to Glacier National Park. 
Glacier is a truly stunning park, but it can be pretty overwhelming to plan a trip there. We'll walk you through everything from understanding the short season to scoring those coveted lodging reservations (hint: book early!). 
Plus, we'll share our insider strategies for beating the crowds and making the most of your time in this incredible park.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The tiny window of time when the park is fully open
How to avoid getting stuck in the off-season with nothing to do
The secret to snagging a campsite or hotel reservation
Why you might need to set your alarm for 4:00 AM (and why it's worth it!)
How to plan your day to avoid the busiest crowds
How to  take advantage of Glacier's world-class mountain hiking trails
There is so much to see and do in Glacier and we hope these tips help you get out there and make the most of your trip! If you need help, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Glacier itinerary. 
Your mission for today: Do you have any Glacier tips that we missed? We want to hear from you! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your top tips for visiting Glacier National Park.  
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

107: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Canyonlands National Park

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into some seriously cool facts about John’s favorite Utah park—Canyonlands! 
This park often flies under the radar, but we’re here to convince you that it deserves just as much love as the other Utah parks—maybe even more! Sure, it’s right next to Arches, but Canyonlands has its own wild, rugged beauty that makes it absolutely unforgettable.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
A surprising fact about where this national park is located
What makes the landscape here so unique
The actual dinosaur swim tracks you can still see today
Some fascinating facts about the park’s current ecosystem
The unexpected group responsible for building much of the park’s infrastructure
If you haven’t been to Canyonlands yet, trust us—you will want to add it to your list! And if you are planning a visit, we’ve got you covered. Head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to grab our brand-new Canyonlands Itinerary and make your trip unforgettable.
Your task for today: Open Google Maps or Apple Maps, switch to satellite view, and zoom in on Canyonlands National Park. Just wait until you see that insane landscape—you won’t be disappointed!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.

106: Interview with Ranger Kelkiyana from Grand Canyon National Park

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we interviewed another park ranger! Meet Kelkiyana Yazzie, the  Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand Canyon National Park and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. 
Kelkiyana shares the deep cultural significance of the Grand Canyon to the tribes who have called this land home for generations. She also gives us an insider look at her role with the National Park Service, including what her job involves, the impact she makes, and so much more! 
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The important work Kelkiyana does at the Grand Canyon
What makes Havasupai Gardens so special 
The movement to restore original names in national parks
The tribes native to the Grand Canyon area
Kelkiyana’s favorite parts of being a Tribal Program Coordinator
How she got her start as a National Park Ranger, plus her advice for aspiring rangers
What makes the Grand Canyon so unique
Whether Kelkiyana would support podracing in the Grand Canyon (you’ll love her answer!)
The best spots in the Grand Canyon, according to a park ranger
South Kaibab vs. Bright Angel Trails—a ranger’s take
The number one tip for visiting the Grand Canyon
We hope you enjoy this conversation with Kelkiyana as much as we did! Hearing her perspective on the Grand Canyon’s cultural and spiritual significance was truly inspiring.
Your task for today: Add the Desert View Watchtower to your list of must-see stops when you visit the Grand Canyon! It’s the perfect place to experience the incredible Native American heritage woven into this iconic park.
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.