Exploring the National Parks

105: 8-Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re mapping out the ultimate Spring Break road trip! 
Get ready for a journey through five of the most stunning national parks in the West—all packed into one eight-day adventure. This road trip is filled with amazing sights to see and things to do. Join us as we share how to make it happen this spring break!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Where to kick off your road trip for maximum adventure
The must-see highlights of Saguaro National Park
Perfect pit stops to make the drive even more memorable
What makes Big Bend National Park a can't-miss destination
An almost endless list of activities to enjoy on this trip
What to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park 
The location of our favorite cave in the world (it’s a must-visit!)
How to make the most of your time at White Sands National Park
We hope you get the chance to take this road trip this spring! It will take you through five national parks in just eight days and is the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather.
Don’t forget your homework for today! Tell us, which one of these five national parks is your favorite? 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.

104: Exploring Canyonlands National Park: Best Tips + Activities

Today, we’re taking you to a hidden gem that deserves to be in the spotlight—Canyonlands National Park! 
Though it’s often overshadowed by the other national park in the area (ahem, Arches), Canyonlands is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. It’s John’s absolute favorite national park in Utah, and Canyonlands offers something so unique that it rises to the top of our list. Join us as we share why! 
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why Canyonlands is the ultimate make-your-own-adventure park
The magic of the Island In The Sky District (and why you have to see it)
Trails you can’t afford to miss
Views that will take your breath away (literally and figuratively!)
Everything you need to know about the Schaefer Canyon Overlook
The terrifying experience that turned into the coolest story ever
The ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers
Best spots for rock climbing enthusiasts
What makes the Needles District so special
Must-know tips for planning your visit
We hope this episode inspires you to get out there and have your own adventure in Canyonlands National Park! 
Your task for today is to head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get the BRAND-NEW CANYONLANDS ITINERARY! Yes, it’s finally here! You can get the Canyonlands Itinerary for 25% off with code CANYON25 until February 10th at midnight MST. That’s the cheapest it will ever be, so grab it at this price while you can! 
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.

103: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Hot Springs National Park

We’re heading back to Hot Springs National Park for a deep dive into its fascinating personality and rich history! 
We’re so excited to share this episode because we’ve uncovered both the heart of Hot Springs and its undeniable swagger! This park has so much personality, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The unbelievably cool origin story of the water at Hot Springs
How this unique area became a national park
The ingenious system designed to cool down the thermal waters
The shocking number of baths taken in 1946 alone
Al Capone’s surprising connection to this park
We hope this episode helps you see Hot Springs through a whole new lens—when you dig just a little deeper, there’s so much more to discover!
Now it’s your turn! Are you planning a trip to Hot Springs? Are you more interested in the heart of it and soaking in the healing waters, or are you more drawn to its history and swagger? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to share your thoughts—we can’t wait to hear from you!
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.

102: Zion Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Utah to dive into one of our all-time favorite destinations—Zion National Park! 
We’re sharing five essential tips to help you navigate Zion like a pro and make your trip truly unforgettable. This park can be a bit tricky to explore, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Tune in for must-know advice to make your Zion adventure the best it can be!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why timing is everything when visiting this park
The one season you’ll want to avoid
How far in advance you need to make reservations
What you need to know about park shuttles before you go
Why stepping out of your comfort zone at Zion is a must
We hope these tips help you plan an incredible trip! If you’re as excited about Zion as we are, don’t miss our Exploring Zion National Park and Zion Fun Facts episodes for even more insights.
Now, it’s your turn! If you’ve been to Zion, we’d love to hear your best tips for visiting the park. Let’s create a helpful thread for first-timers. Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your Zion experience with us—we can’t wait to hear from you!
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.

101: Exploring Hot Springs National Park: Best Tips + Activities

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking a deep dive into Hot Springs National Park! 
As one of the most-visited national parks in the country, Hot Springs is a destination packed with history, relaxation, and unique experiences. Today, we’re uncovering everything that makes this incredible park so special, from its relaxing waters to its other unique experiences.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What Hot Springs is and why it is so special 
What makes this park unlike any other national park you’ll go to
The breweries and snacks you can get in the park
What to expect in the different bathhouses
Where to try the mineral water- yes, you can actually drink it! 
We hope you loved learning all about Hot Springs National Park! Don’t forget, we’ll be diving even deeper into this park in our upcoming Fun Facts episode, so make sure you tune in.
And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Which bathhouse would you choose? Or, if you’ve already been, what did you love most about your experience? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your experience 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 here.

100: Our Top 3 National Park Experiences in 2024!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—100 episodes! It’s also the final episode of 2024, so we’re diving into some of our favorite national park adventures from this year. 
Whether you're planning next year's national park bucket list or just dreaming of your next big trip, this episode is packed with inspiration for unforgettable experiences.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Our trip to Iceland and the national parks we visited while we were there
The backpacking trip you can't miss and why it was one of the highlights of our year
The number one most incredible thing we did this year- a jaw-dropping experience that left us speechless!
Thank you so much for joining us on this journey through 100 episodes of Exploring the National Parks! We hope you loved this special episode and feel inspired to make some of these adventures your own in the coming year.
And don’t forget to complete your task for the week! Have you ever won the lottery for the synchronous fireflies? If so, we want to hear all about it! head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your experience 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 here.

99: Mail from the Trail: Jr. Rangers + Snowshoeing Parks

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back with another Mail From the Trail episode! 
We reached out on the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram page for your questions, and today, we’re diving into the answers.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Our thoughts on the Junior Ranger programs in the national parks
The best parks to visit during spring break
Where to find the top trails for snowshoeing
Our top tips for arrival times and making reservations at the parks
The best mementos and souvenirs to pick up during your visits
We hope you enjoy this Q&A episode! If you’re not already following us, head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and connect with us there!
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.

98: Great Basin National Park Fun Facts: 6 Things You Didn't Know

Happy Thanksgiving! For this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Great Basin National Park to share some fun facts about this amazing place! 
Great Basin is a destination where you can connect with the past and dream about the future, and we’re so excited to show you why. Join us as we explore what makes this park so incredible and its surprising connection to Pokémon—the original Pokémon, that is!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The three ways that you can define Great Basin
Why and how this park is twice as wide as it should be
The most fascinating thing about the rain and snow in this park
A crazy fact about the last remaining glacier in Nevada 
The rare phenomenon that you can find in Great Basin
What makes the Bristlecone Pines in this park so special
A bonus fun fact about something Great Basin has that other national parks don’t
We hope you enjoy this episode all about Great Basin! We want to hear from you— which Eevee evolution (or fun fact) excited you the most? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
And don’t forget, it’s Black Friday season at Dirt In My Shoes! This is the only time of year our itineraries go on sale, so if you’re planning a trip to a national park next year, this is the perfect time to snag one. Visit dirtinmyshoes.com and join our email list to be first in line when the sale begins!
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.

97: Our Favorite Winter Road Trip through the National Parks

It’s time for another road trip! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we embark on an epic 10-day winter road trip to three unforgettable national parks: Zion, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. 
If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you, complete with bonus activities from John—for the sake of fun! 
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The best time of year to hit the road for this trip
What to explore in Zion National Park during the winter
The must-see state park you shouldn’t skip along the way
Our favorite foodie stops that are perfect for refueling
The coolest hike that you can’t miss on this trip
Must-do activities in Death Valley
Hidden gems in the Mojave Preserve
Top experiences in Joshua Tree
This road trip is the ideal winter escape for the whole family, offering the best of each park when they’re at their finest. We hope you get to experience it this year!
And now, we want to hear from you! What’s your quirky, off-the-beaten-path family road trip stop? The one only you seem to enjoy?  Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your favorites—we’re building a list!
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.

96: Exploring Great Basin National Park: Best Tips + Activities

In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the most underrated gems in the entire national park system—Great Basin! Hardly anyone talks about this park, but we absolutely love this hidden oasis in the desert. 
As the state’s only national park, Great Basin is an amazing example of the unique Nevada landscape.  So today, we’re diving into why you should make this underrated park your next destination!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The best place to stay when visiting Great Basin
Our go-to spots for dining in and around the park
The breathtaking sights that make this park so special
What to expect when navigating the park’s roads
The top trails and our favorite things to do
The fascinating history of Great Basin’s ancient trees
How to find the park’s glacier and what makes it so cool (literally!)
Everything you need to know about exploring Lehman Caves, including how to make reservations
Why the stargazing here is some of the best you’ll ever experience
Great Basin may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s one of our favorite escapes when we crave peace and quiet. It truly feels like a sanctuary for solitude! We hope this episode inspires you to put it on your bucket list.
And don’t forget your task for the week! What is your favorite of the park’s three standout attractions—the caves, the Bristlecone Pine Forest, or the glacier? 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.