Exploring the National Parks

Dirt In My Shoes
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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!

  1. 10 SEPT

    125: Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park: Best Tips + Activities

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going on a journey deep underground to Mammoth Cave National Park!  Get ready to explore the world's longest cave system, but be prepared to adjust your expectations as we explain why this cave is more about its sheer size and history than dazzling rock formations. We’re sharing our favorite tours, including one that might feel a little too familiar to Lord of the Rings fans, as well as our hilarious mishaps while navigating tight spots and low ceilings. Join us as we discuss... Why Mammoth Cave's "subway tunnels" and vast size are more impressive than traditional cave decorations The importance of booking your cave tour reservations in advance to avoid disappointment Our top tour recommendations for first-time visitors, including the "Historic Extended" and "Domes and Dripstones" tours John's hilarious struggles with low ceilings and narrow passageways in sections like "Fat Man's Misery" and "Tall Man's Agony" The fascinating history of Mammoth Cave, including its use as a tuberculosis ward and the role of enslaved African-Americans as early tour guides. Whether you're a seasoned caving pro or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, we hope these tips will have you ready to explore this spectacular underground world. Just be sure to check how tall you are before you go!  Today’s task: Would you prefer to take a tour to learn about the human history of Mammoth Cave, or are you more interested in learning about the domes and dripstones? 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 and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. Getting ready for a trip to Mammoth Cave, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free! Mammoth Cave Podcast Episodes Mammoth Cave Free Resources  Master Reservation List National Park Checklist National Park Trip Packing List

    57 min

  2. 3 SEPT

    124: Favorite Native American National Park Sites

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the incredible Native American sites you can visit through the National Park Service.  From massive cliff dwellings to life-sized petroglyphs, we’re diving into some of our favorite places to experience the deep history and cultural richness of the ancestral Puebloan people and beyond. Whether you’ve visited before or are looking to expand your bucket list, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you connect with these sacred, awe-inspiring sites across the Southwest. Join us as we discuss… The remote Canyonlands trail that leads to some of the largest, most mysterious rock art in North America A cliffside city frozen in time, and the tours that take you right into it The hidden New Mexico site where ladders lead to ancient carved homes in the cliffs The massive ruins of a forgotten cultural hub that rival anything else in the Southwest We hope you enjoyed exploring some of the most meaningful Native American sites the National Park Service helps protect. These places are truly amazing, and we hope you get to get out there and explore yourself!  Today’s task: If you've been to any of these places or have one to recommend, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences over on our share them on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages, and let’s build a community list of must-see stops!  Are you looking for more Native American cultural sites protected by the National Park Service? Check out their comprehensive list here! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. Getting ready for a trip to Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free! Mesa Verde Podcast Episodes Canyonlands Free Resources  Master Reservation List National Park Checklist National Park Trip Packing List

    37 min

  3. 20 AUG

    123: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Bryce Canyon National Park

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we delve into the stunning and mysterious Bryce Canyon National Park. Join us as we discuss 5 fascinating, fun facts about Bryce Canyon.  We’ll talk about everything from quirky hoodoo legends to unexpected geology revelations that might just blow your mind.  If you've ever stood at the rim and wondered how those spiky rock towers came to be (or if they’re secretly watching you), this episode is for you. Grab your hiking boots and a sense of curiosity because we’re diving deep into the awe and wonder of this incredible landscape!  Join us as we discuss… Why Bryce Canyon holds the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth—and what exactly a "hoodoo" is! A shocking discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about how hoodoos form The rare “Goldilocks Zone” conditions that make Bryce Canyon one-of-a-kind in the world of geology How Bryce Canyon fits into the Grand Staircase and how you can literally see millions of years of Earth’s history from the rim A legendary tale from the Paiute people that gives Bryce Canyon its unforgettable spiritual vibe We hope you enjoyed diving into the magic and mystery of Bryce Canyon National Park! Awe is such a deeply human response to this landscape, and we hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself. Your task for today? Look for the faces in the hoodoos, embrace the wonder and the eerie mystery of this place, and let that sense of awe take your visit to the next level! If you have photos of the faces, share them on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. Getting ready for a trip to Bryce Canyon or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free! Bryce Canyon Podcast Episodes Bryce Canyon Free Resources  Master Reservation List National Park Checklist National Park Trip Packing List

    59 min

  4. 13 AUG

    122: Best National Parks for Teenagers!

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into a topic near and dear to many parents' hearts: finding the perfect national park for your teenagers!  We're sharing our top picks and strategies for turning those eye-rolls into awe-some moments and  Instagram-worthy adventures on epic trails. If you're looking to spark a love for the outdoors in your teens, this episode is packed with our insights and recommendations! Join us as we discuss… Why teens can actually be the perfect national park partners What truly makes a national park "teen-approved" like epic adventures and Instagrammable moments Why we consider parks like Zion, Mammoth Cave, and Grand Canyon to be prime destinations for an unforgettable teen adventure How to pick the national park that best suits your teenager's personality and interests The experiences Denali and North Cascades offer, from wildlife spotting to landscapes that will grab their attention Our tips for "warming up" teenagers to outdoor recreation, even if they're hesitant at first Why this list offers fresh ideas beyond the usual suspects and focuses on parks that will resonate with teenagers We hope this episode gives you plenty of ideas for your next national park adventure with your teens! Remember, the goal is to create memorable experiences that foster a love for the outdoors.  Today’s Task: If you've taken your teenagers to a park they've raved about, we'd love to hear about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages and chime in on our post. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. Getting ready for a trip to Zion, Denali, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free! Zion Podcast Episodes Denali Free Resources  Master Reservation List National Park Checklist National Park Trip Packing List

    49 min

  5. 30 JUL

    121: Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park: Best Tips + Activities

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into our most visited Utah park – Bryce Canyon National Park!  Get ready to discover why this smaller park packs a massive punch with its otherworldly hoodoo formations. Tune in to hear our own stories in this amazing park, tips for avoiding crowds, and why even a short visit to Bryce Canyon will leave you spellbound. Join us as we discuss… Why Bryce Canyon is our most visited Utah park, and the unique charm that keeps us coming back for more The stunning, otherworldly hoodoo formations and the Native American legends behind these incredible rock pillars The best way to experience the main amphitheater, including must-do hikes like the Queen's Garden Trail with its cool tunnels and famous "Queen Victoria" hoodoo Our favorite viewpoints like Sunrise Point, home to our beloved "octopus tree," and Sunset Point, where you can spot Thor's Hammer and the impressive Wall Street Tips for visiting, including why commuting to Bryce Canyon is a bad idea due to limited parking, and how our itinerary can help How you can explore Bryce Canyon year-round, even in the winter, and which trails are safest when icy We hope you're as excited about Bryce Canyon as we are! It's a truly unique park that offers incredible experiences, whether you have a few hours or a couple of days. You’re going to  feel the magic with this park, regardless of how much time you're able to spend there. Don't forget to check out our Bryce Canyon itinerary at DirtInMyShoes.com to make your trip planning easy!  Your task for today: We want to know: which Bryce Canyon amphitheater view are you most excited to see – the close-up hoodoos from Sunrise or Sunset Point, or the bird's-eye view from Bryce Point? Let us know on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... 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 Bryce Canyon National Park, check out all of our Bryce Canyon podcast episodes! ....................................

    1h 9m

  6. 23 JUL

    120: Small Park Spotlight - Walnut Canyon National Monument

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're spotlighting a gem that's easy to miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument.  We’re here to tell you why you should definitely add this spot to your itinerary, especially if you're cruising between the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest. It's small, it's packed with history, and it's got some seriously cool cliff dwellings!  Join us as we discuss… Why this small park is the perfect pit stop for a dose of ancient history The epic 60-million-year story of how Walnut Creek carved this canyon (Spoiler: it involves a lot of time and a little bit of water) Who the Sinagua people were and why they're different from other ancestral Puebloans in the Southwest  What you can do in this small but mighty park Why this monument has opening and closing hours (it's not just to be annoying, we promise!) We hope you're ready to add Walnut Canyon to your must-see list! It's an incredible place to experience a piece of Native American history up close. So, hit the island trail, soak in the views, and as always, get some dirt in your shoes! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page for more travel planning and ideas!!  For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... 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 Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest, check out our Grand Canyon Podcast Episodes and Petrified Forest Podcast Episodes! ....................................

    12 min

  7. 9 JUL

    119: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Capitol Reef National Park

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Capitol Reef National Park! We love this place because it's basically Utah's Mighty 5 jammed into one incredible park. The things you can see here are truly jaw-dropping!  We're not just talking about the scenic drive today; we're digging into the really cool and quirky things that make this park stand out. Join us as we explore the hero story of Capitol Reef. Join us as we discuss… ​​Why this park defies Utah's flat landscape  What makes the Waterpocket Fold here so stunning An insane fact about the Entrada Sandstone in this park (prepare to have your mind blown!) Why this park is an ancient life hotspot (one of the best in the world!) A surprising fact about the people who lived here  We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Capitol Reef, or as the Navajo people call it, the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow! There is so much to this park if you just look a little deeper, and we hope you get a chance to get out there and explore it soon.  Today’s Task: What is your home park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page and let us know!  For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... 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 Capitol Reef, check out these Capitol Reef Free Resources. ....................................

    1h 5m

  8. 2 JUL

    118: 4th of July in the National Parks

    Get ready to celebrate Independence Day the national park way! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing our favorite national parks to visit during the 4th of July.  From dazzling fireworks displays in gateway towns to unique park experiences, we'll give you the inside scoop on where to have a truly spectacular and patriotic holiday surrounded by America's natural beauty. Join us as we discuss… John's memories of epic 4th of July celebrations in Jackson Hole   The appeal of celebrating Independence Day near national parks   Some of the fantastic gateway towns that offer memorable 4th of July experiences   Our favorite 4th of July experiences in national parks (and what made them so special)   One national park destination we don't recommend for the 4th of July (and why) Whether you're looking for the perfect place to see fireworks after a day of hiking or simply want to soak in the patriotic spirit amidst stunning landscapes, we hope this episode sparks some ideas for your next 4th of July adventure! Today’s Task: We'd love to hear about your favorite national park to celebrate the 4th of July! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your top picks in our post. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... 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. ....................................

    28 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Dirt In My Shoes
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dirt In My Shoes, LLC
  • Show Website
    Exploring the National Parks

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