National Parks Collecting

James Ian

Forget stamp collecting – let's go national parks collecting!   If you love the national parks in the USA, then you’re in the right place.  You’ll get help with national parks trip planning. Learn what to expect on hikes and scenic drives. Discover fun facts about the national parks in America. Find out what to see and do in the US national parks. Whether you’re about to visit your first park or up to number 63, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to have the absolute best experiences when you’re on your national park trips.  I’m James Ian and I’m a national park expert.  I’ve been featured in USA Today’s annual National Parks special print edition and numerous online publications.  I have my own website Parks Collecting and have helped over 500 people plan their trips with my detailed published itineraries.  So, let’s start collecting information, experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

  1. The 42-Mile Scenic Loop in Grand Teton — Every Stop You Can’t Miss

    FEB 15

    The 42-Mile Scenic Loop in Grand Teton — Every Stop You Can’t Miss

    Are you trying to decide what to do in Grand Teton National Park Wyoming? Don’t miss the 42 mile scenic drive. Grand Teton is spread along the Teton range and most of the best things to see and best things to do in Grand Teton National Park are found on the Grand Teton Scenic Drive.  🔸GRAND TETON ITINERARIES 🔸  ➡️ Get 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries for Grand Teton National Park  🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸  In this episode, James Ian, an expert on Grand Teton National Park, highlights all the major stops on the Grand Teton National Park scenic drive. Starting from Moose, the guide showcases major stops like Grand Teton Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, and Oxbow Bend, along with hidden gems and tips for the best viewpoints, historical sites, and wildlife spotting. The episode also includes practical advice on hiking, boating, and the best times for photography. With additional resources like detailed itineraries and tips to plan the perfect visit, this guide ensures a comprehensive park experience, concluding with a visit to the iconic Mormon Row.  00:00 Introduction  02:52 Moose  03:53 Jenny Lake Grand Teton National Park  04:28 Jenny Lake Loop Drive  05:42 Signal Mountain  07:58 Oxbow Bend  09:17 Snake River Overlook  10:02 Schwabacher Landing  11:22 How to fit the drive into an Itinerary  13:46 Mormon Row  ➡️ Read the full web article here   #GrandTeton #GrandTetonNationalPark #usnationalparks  🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸  [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️  Get Help Planning Your Next Trip   ➡️  Plan & Book Your Trip in 7 Days (7-Day Email guide)  ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist   ➡️Join my private Facebook group   ➡️ Get an America the Beautiful pass  ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia   ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals    ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights  Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    15 min
  2. The 10 Best Views in Grand Teton National Park

    FEB 8

    The 10 Best Views in Grand Teton National Park

    Are you trying to decide what to see and what to do in Grand Teton National Park? Join James Ian, a national park expert, as he shares his top recommendations for the best Grand Teton viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park.   🔸GRAND TETON ITINERARIES 🔸  ➡️ Get 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries for Grand Teton National Park  🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸  In this Grand Teton National Park guide, James highlights iconic locations like Mormon Row and its historic barns, the Snake River Overlook, panoramic views from Signal Mountain, and the tranquil beauty of Jenny Lake, along with Jackson Lake, wildlife-filled Moose Wilson Road, and the reflective magic of Oxbow Bend.   As part of this Grand Teton travel guide, in addition to these places to see and things to do in Grand Teton National Park, James also offers expert tips on the best times for photography, points out hiking trails that reveal unique perspectives of the Tetons, and discusses thoughtfully designed itineraries to help you make the most of your visit, perfect for travelers looking to experience all the park’s highlights in one unforgettable trip. 00:00 Introduction to Grand Teton's Best Views 01:48 Mormon Row 03:24 Snake River Overlook 04:51 Views from Signal Mountain 06:01 Jackson Lake 07:34 Hiking Trails with Stunning Views 08:52 Jenny Lake 09:45 Scenic Jenny Lake Loop Drive 11:00 Schwabacher Landing 11:54 Moose Wilson Road 13:08 Planning Your Grand Teton Itinerary 14:56 Oxbow Bend ➡️ Read the full web article here #GrandTeton #GrandTetonViewpoints #usnationalparks 🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸 [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.] ➡️  Get Help Planning Your Next Trip ➡️  Plan & Book Your Trip in 7 Days (7-Day Email guide) ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist ➡️Join my private Facebook group  ➡️ Get an America the Beautiful pass ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    16 min
  3. 10 Epic Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park (You’ll Want to Do Them All!)

    FEB 1

    10 Epic Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park (You’ll Want to Do Them All!)

    In this Grand Teton trip planner, discover the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. 10 must‑do experiences for anyone visiting Grand Teton National Park and wondering what to do in Grand Teton National Park. 🔸GRAND TETON ITINERARIES 🔸 ➡️ Get 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries for Grand Teton National Park 🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸 From rafting the Snake River and swimming in String Lake to dining at top spots, experiencing a dude ranch, riding cable cars for stunning views, boating on scenic lakes, wildlife viewing, hiking iconic trails, and finishing with a classic scenic loop drive, this episode covers the essential top 10 things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Includes Grand Teton National Park itinerary options available to help you plan the perfect trip.  00:00 Introduction 01:06 Top things to do in Grand Teton National Park Overview 02:25 Rafting 04:05 Swimming 05:23 Dining 06:55 Dude Ranch 07:45 Cable Car Rides 09:05 Scenic Views 09:41 Wildlife Viewing 11:49 Boating 14:22 Hiking 15:42 Planning Your Itinerary 17:48 Scenic Loop Drive ➡️ Read the full web article here #GrandTeton #GrandTetonNationalPark #usnationalparks 🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸 [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️ Get Help Planning Your Next Trip ➡️ Plan & Book Your Trip in 7 Days (7-Day Email guide) ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist ➡️Join my private Facebook group ➡️ Book a scenic float trip ➡️ Book a white water rafting trip ➡️ Check availability at the Heart Six Ranch ➡️ Check the “Big Red Box” aerial tram ➡️ Check the Bridger Gondola ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    20 min
  4. The 10 Best Viewpoints in Bryce Canyon That’ll Leave You Speechless

    JAN 25

    The 10 Best Viewpoints in Bryce Canyon That’ll Leave You Speechless

    🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸  ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park   🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸  Join James Ian, a National Park expert, as he provides a guide to the views you must see when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park Utah. points in Bryce Canyon National Park. See all the best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon including iconic overlooks within Bryce Amphitheater, such as Bryce Canyon Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Pariah View, each offering unique and breathtaking perspectives of the park's famous hoodoos. The scenic drive within the park is also highlighted, featuring notable viewpoints like Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, Farview Point, and Swamp Canyon. Concluding with James's favorite view, the episode offers tips to maximize the scenic experience without extensive hiking. For detailed itineraries and further planning resources, visit the provided links.  00:00 Introduction to the best Bryce Canyon Views  01:47 Exploring Bryce Amphitheater  02:12 Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon  02:50 Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon  03:53 Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon  04:26 Bryce Canyon, Inspiration Point  04:48 Pariah View, Bryce Canyon  06:09 Rainbow Point, Bryce Canyon  06:40 Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon  07:03 Farview Point, Bryce Canyon  07:31 Swamp Canyon, Bryce Canyon  08:21 Planning Your Bryce Canyon Itinerary  10:39 Fairyland Point, Bryce Canyon  11:48 Conclusion and Trip Planning Resources  ➡️ Read the full web article here  #brycecanyonviewpoints #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks  🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸  [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️  Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge   ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist   ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park   ➡️Join my private Facebook groupUS National Parks Collectors ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia   ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals    ➡️  Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights   Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    12 min
  5. The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: 12 Stops That’ll Blow Your Mind

    JAN 18

    The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: 12 Stops That’ll Blow Your Mind

    Join me as I take you through a detailed journey along the Bryce Canyon National Park scenic drive.  🔸🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸🔸  ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park   🔸🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸🔸  Learn about all the must-see stops on the Bryce Canyon drive from Rainbow Point to Inspiration Point, including expert tips and highlights such as the Grand Staircase, Natural Bridge, and the diverse viewpoints of Bryce Amphitheater. James also provides practical advice for driving through Bryce Canyon National Park, parking for RVs, and how to efficiently fit the drive into your trip. Don't miss James's top tip to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive on the Bryce Canyon road. Perfect for anyone planning a visit to this iconic national park.  00:00 Introduction to Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive  02:07 Rainbow Point  03:08 Yovimpa Point  04:03 Black Birch Canyon  04:16 Ponderosa Point  04:43 Agua Canyon  05:22 Natural Bridge  6:00 Farview Point  06:34 Piracy Point  07:04 Swamp Canyon  07:48 Paria View  08:21 Bryce Point  08:58 Inspiration Point  13:22 Conclusion and Additional Resources  ➡️ Read the full web article here  #brycecanyonhikes #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks  🔸🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸🔸  [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️  Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge  ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist  ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park  ➡️ Current Conditions  ➡️Join my private Facebook group US National Parks Collectors ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia  ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights  Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    14 min
  6. The 10 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

    11/23/2025

    The 10 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

    Planning to go hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park? Here are the 10 best trails in Bryce Canyon. If you like to hike, you’ll want to know the Bryce Canyon National Park hikes. These include hikes for all levels, from easy hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park to more challenging trails for experienced hikers.  🔸🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸🔸  ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park   🔸🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸🔸  Join James Ian, a National Park expert, as he explores the 10 best hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. In this episode, James shares detailed descriptions and tips for each trail, including the Queens Garden Bryce Canyon, Navajo Loop Trail, the Rim Trail Bryce Canyon, Peekaboo Trail Bryce Canyon, Fairyland Loop Trail, and Bryce Canyon easy hikes like Bristlecone Loop Trail and the Mossy Cave Trail. Learn about the unique features of each hike, such as hoodoos, switchbacks, and scenic vistas. Additionally, James provides advice on trail combinations, seasonal considerations, and itinerary planning to ensure you make the most out of your Bryce Canyon hiking adventure. Plus his pick for the best Bryce Canyon National Park hike.  00:00 Introduction to the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park  02:00 Queen's Garden Trail  04:14 Navajo Loop Trail  06:35 Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop  10:23 The Scenic Rim Trail  14:42 Peekaboo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon  17:06 Fairyland Loop Trail  20:34 Bristlecone Loop  21:56 Mossy Cave  24:06 Planning Your Bryce Canyon Itinerary  26:30 The Best Hike in Bryce Canyon: Figure Eight Trail  ➡️ Read the full web article here  #brycecanyonhikes #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks  🔸🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸🔸  [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️  Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge   ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist   ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park   ➡️Join my private Facebook groupUS National Parks Collectors ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia   ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals    ➡️  Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights   Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    30 min
  7. 7 Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

    11/15/2025

    7 Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

    Are you visiting Bryce Canyon National Park? Here are 7 common mistakes people make when they visit Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah– so you can avoid making them! Important tips for Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll want to know before you go. 🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸 ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park   🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸 In this episode, learn about the seven common mistakes visitors make when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and how to avoid them. The discussion includes avoiding limiting your visit to the Bryce Amphitheater (driving through Bryce Canyon National Park is another highlight), not exploring adjacent Zion National Park (Bryce Canyon is close), and underestimating weather differences between Bryce and Zion. Additional advice covers proper planning, accommodation tips (Bryce Canyon National Park Lodge is a great place to stay), the importance of early starts, and specific trails to explore within Bryce Canyon. The episode aims to ensure you have a more fulfilling and stress-free visit. 00:00 Introduction  01:48 Only Visiting Bryce Amphitheater  03:56 Missing Zion National Park  04:40 Not Planning for Weather Differences Between Bryce and Zion  05:54 Not Exploring Beyond the Rim  07:55 Staying too far from Bryce Canyon  09:47 Not Having a Plan (and a Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary to use)  12:27 Getting a Late Start  ➡️ Read the full web article here  #brycecanyon #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks  🔸🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸🔸  [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]  ➡️  Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge   ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist   ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park   ➡️Join my private Facebook groupUS National Parks Collectors  ➡️ ️ Book your best accommodation in Bryce Canyon National Park ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia   ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals    ➡️  Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights   Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    14 min
  8. The 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

    11/08/2025

    The 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

    If you want to go hiking in Arches National Park and are trying to find the best hikes in Arches National Park, then this episode is for you. 🔸ARCHES ITINERARIES 🔸 ➡️ Get 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries for Arches National Park  🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸 In this Arches National Park trail guide, host James Ian, a national parks expert, shares his top picks for the ten best Arches National Park trails. He provides detailed descriptions, tips, and insights for each hike, including easy hikes in Arches National Park like Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch, as well as more challenging hikes like Fiery Furnace and Devil's Garden trails. In between are Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, the Windows, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, Tapestry Arch. This guide to the top Arches hikes aims to help you curate your ideal hiking itinerary and ensure you don't miss any highlights. James also emphasizes the importance of planning and offers several itinerary options to streamline your visit. 00:00 Introduction to Arches National Park hikes 01:39 Park Avenue Trail 03:48 Balanced Rock 05:04 Double Arch 06:25 The Windows Section 08:47 Delicate Arch 12:09 Delicate Arch Viewpoint 13:38 Sand Dune, Broken & Tapestry Arches 17:51 Skyline Arch 18:53 Fiery Furnace 25:14 Devil's Garden ➡️ Read the full web article here  #arches #archesnationalpark #utah #usnationalparks # archeshikes 🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸 [When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.] ➡️  Get Help Planning Your Next Trip ➡️  Plan & Book Your Trip in 7 Days (7-Day Email guide) ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist ➡️Join my private Facebook group ➡️Ranger-Guided Arches National Park Tour ➡️ Get an America the Beautiful pass ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights   Support the show 🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸 James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.

    30 min

About

Forget stamp collecting – let's go national parks collecting!   If you love the national parks in the USA, then you’re in the right place.  You’ll get help with national parks trip planning. Learn what to expect on hikes and scenic drives. Discover fun facts about the national parks in America. Find out what to see and do in the US national parks. Whether you’re about to visit your first park or up to number 63, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to have the absolute best experiences when you’re on your national park trips.  I’m James Ian and I’m a national park expert.  I’ve been featured in USA Today’s annual National Parks special print edition and numerous online publications.  I have my own website Parks Collecting and have helped over 500 people plan their trips with my detailed published itineraries.  So, let’s start collecting information, experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.