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. -7 h

    148: Yellowstone Trip Report: Our 2026 Update

    Bison jams on the lower loop, a rainbow over the Lower Falls that felt like it was made just for us, prairie dog babies popping out of their burrows mid-traffic-stop, and of course, insane views — this is Yellowstone we’ve come to know and love.  And it’s what we experienced on our latest trip there, yes, even in the summer!  Prepare to be amazed, because even after several trips to America’s most well-known national park, there’s still so much to love.  In this episode, we cover: Why Yellowstone traffic is wild, but how you can still find peace and solitude in the park  Why Lamar Valley remains the single best wildlife-watching spot in the country (and what we saw this trip) Just how big this park really is, and why a good plan makes all the difference Why the geothermal features in Yellowstone beat anywhere else on earth Geysers you might not have on your radar yet Why even frequent visitors to Yellowstone keep getting surprised, including a rainbow at Red Rock Point and a first-ever moose sighting in the park Your task for today: Have you been to Yellowstone and had one of those moments of pure amazement? Tell us about it 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/yellowstone-trip-report   Planning your own Yellowstone adventure? Yellowstone Ultimate Guide: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellowstone-national-park/ Episode 112: Yellowstone Tips – What You Need To Know Before You Go!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellowstone-tips-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/    Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/  National Parks Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

    1 h 9 min

  2. 24/06

    147: 5 Incredible Fun Facts About Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Tucked between two of Colorado's most towering mountain ranges is a landscape that feels almost fictional. 30 square miles of dunes rising taller than the Gateway Arch, somehow thriving in the heart of the Rockies — it’s a place that you have to see to believe. In this episode, we're digging into some fun facts that will show you why the Great Sand Dunes National Park is so incredible – including how it came to be and why it almost didn’t survive. In this episode, we cover: How the tallest dunes in all of North America came to be The three main dunes: Star Dune, Hidden Dune, and High Dune The rare surge flow phenomenon that can send waves 12 to 20 inches high The naturally magnetic black sand called magnetite, and why a lightning storm can make your compass spin Why geologists still can't agree on how old these dunes actually are The Great Sand Dunes gold rush of the 1920s — and the local women's organization that saved the park from becoming a gravel pit How a water development threat decades later nearly destroyed the sand recycling system The 2004 legislation that made the park four times larger and solidified its protection Your task for today: Find the nonprofit partner for your favorite national park, follow them on social, and let us know who they are over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram so we can support them too!   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/great-sand-dunes-fun-facts-everything-that-makes-this-park-so-incredible/ Planning your own Great Sand Dunes adventure? 5 Things You Can't Miss On Your First Visit to Great Sand Dunes: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-great-sand-dunes-national-park/ Episode 146: Prepare to be Wowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park! (Best Tips + Activities): https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-great-sand-dunes-national-park-best-tips-activities/ Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/  National Parks Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

    1 h 7 min

  3. 10/06

    146: Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park: Best Tips + Activities

    Picture this: you’re standing at the foot of the tallest dunes in North America, a snow-capped mountain towering behind you, and nature singing all around you. If it sounds awe-inspiring, that’s because it is! And it’s exactly why  Great Sand Dunes National Park needs to be next on your national park bucket list. It may not be the country’s most well-known park, but it’s a gem in and of itself! Today, we are exploring Great Sand Dunes and walking you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect day in one of Colorado's most underrated parks. In this episode, we cover: The geography that makes this place so amazing Where to stay near the park The quiet little nature trail that will soothe your soul The full Medano Creek experience, including when to come for "Colorado's beach" (yes…it is as interesting as it sounds!) Sand sledding tips (and why it is so much better here than at White Sands) Everything you need to know about hiking High Dune Our perfect day at Great Sand Dunes from sunrise to sunset   Your task for today: Have you been to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Tell us your best (or most sand-blasted) memory over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages — and bonus points if you have a video of yourself sand sledding (gracefully…or ungracefully, no shame)!   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-great-sand-dunes-national-park-best-tips-activities/   Planning your own Great Sand Dunes National Park adventure? 5 Things You Can't Miss On Your First Visit to Great Sand Dunes: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-great-sand-dunes-national-park/ Episode 35: Swimming Holes in the Parks: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/swimming-holes-in-the-parks-olympic-great-sand-dunes-and-dry-tortugas/ Episode 110: Colorado National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/colorado-national-parks-road-trip/ Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Parks Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

    49 min

  4. 27/05

    145: Stupid National Park Behavior (From the Archive)

    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of national parks and explore the interesting behavior that can be observed within these amazing landscapes. From hazardous driving incidents to ill-prepared hikers, we discuss the unique experiences that make national parks even more interesting. We strive to strike a balance between amusement and respectful observation, and hope you enjoy learning about the antics and misadventures that have taken place, leaving us amused and entertained. In this episode, we cover: National Park Visitor Bingo The craziest things we see every time we are in the parks Two Truths and a Lie The people who put the wild in wildlife The things people do for social media  Why the buffalo is the king of beasts Sports in the parks Yes, the water in Yellowstone is boiling Dumb things the park service has done Many of these things are funny, but how we interact with these national parks has a significant impact, so it's important to know what to do and what not to do!  We created a bingo card for all the unusual tourist behaviors we've observed on our National Park visits. Just to name a few: drivers abruptly stopping on highways to capture photos of mundane objects like trees; tourists struggling to open bear-proof garbage cans; first-time RV drivers; people feeding wildlife with their hands; visitors approaching wildlife for selfies; hiking in flip-flops; and many more. Your Task For The Day: Get ready for your summer travels! Grab our Bingo card so your group can play along on your next national park vacation! >> Download our BINGO card here 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/stupid-national-park-behavior/    Planning your own National Parks adventure? Dirt in My Shoes Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/  Dirt In My Shoes National Park Planning Resources: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks/  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/

    1 h 8 min

  5. 13/05

    144: Hiking Trails Ranked (From the Archive)

    It’s going down!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, John and Ash, a former park ranger, are fighting it out in the ultimate trail rumble! Join us as we rank our favorite national park hiking trails.  Buckle up because there will be some fighting.  We both made our own lists, and we are ready to see who comes out victorious! In this episode, we cover:  An incredible immersive hike  A great hike to take during the sunset Trails to see in Sequoia Kings Trails full of adventure and amazing sights A must-see trail in Yosemite  Trails we love at Acadia  A couple of epic trails in Mount Rainier National Park Our favorite mountain trails It was so hard to rank the trails because there are truly so many amazing ones to see! But we hope you enjoy this fun ranking episode and that it will inspire you to get out on a trail somewhere. Your task for today:  Have you hiked any of these iconic trails? How would you rank them?  Let us know your favorite hiking trails over on the Dirt in My Shoes 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/episode-11-national-park-hiking-trails-ranked/   Planning your own National Parks hiking adventure? Dirt in My Shoes Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/  Dirt In My Shoes National Park Planning Resources: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks/  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/

    1 h 12 min

  6. 29/04

    143: Grand Circle Road Trip (From the Archive)

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking about what we consider to be one of the top road trips that you can take -- the Grand Circle. This amazing road trip includes nine western national parks!  You get to see some truly cool stuff on this route, and we are so excited to be sharing what we love about it today.  In this episode, we cover: Where to start when road tripping the Grand Circle Cool things to do in Zion National Park What you have to see at Bryce Canyon Our favorite stops along Highway 12 What we love about Kodachrome State Park What’s so amazing about Capitol Reef National Park Why Goblin Valley is a must-see Why you should check out Little Wild Horse Canyon What to check out if you love Native American art What you need to do at Arches National Park The views in Dead Horse Point State Park The districts in Canyonlands The most underrated park that you need to visit Why we love the Million Dollar Highway  The coolest things about Mesa Verde  Why you should stop at Chaco Canyon Other off-route stops you might want to check out  The amazing fossils at Petrified Forest National Park  Why you should spend some extra time exploring the Grand Canyon 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/episode-15-grand-circle-road-trip-one-trip-nine-national-parks/   Planning your own Grand Circle adventure? Dirt in My Shoes Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/  Dirt In My Shoes National Park Planning Resources: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks/   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/

    55 min

  7. 15/04

    142: Exploring Yellowstone (From the Archive)

    In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into one of the parks we get the most questions about - Yellowstone!  Since everyone starts trip planning after the holidays, we figured this was the perfect time to tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful park in case you’re heading there this year. So come along as we explore Yellowstone! In this episode, we cover:  What we love about Old Faithful Why Grand Prismatic is so cool Why the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must for your first trip  Our favorite viewpoint in the Canyon area Hiking trails you don’t want to miss Food to try while visiting Yellowstone What we think of the “Great One Buffalo”  Our favorite things about the Norris Geyser Basin The wildlife you can find in Lamar Valley The differences between the northern and southern loops 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/episode-10-exploring-yellowstone/ Planning your own Yellowstone National Park adventure? Dirt in My Shoes Yellowstone Itinerary: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/products/yellowstone-itinerary  Dirt In My Shoes Yellowstone National Park Planning Resources: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellowstone-national-park/  Episode 73: The Best Places in Yellowstone to See Wildlife: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/best-places-to-see-wildlife-in-yellowstone-national-park/  Episode 112: Yellowstone Tips — What You Need to Know Before You Go!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellowstone-tips-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/  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/

    1 h 9 min

  8. 1/04

    141: Best Scenic Drives in the National Parks

    If you love a drive that has you gasping, laughing, and pulling over every few minutes for “just one more” viewpoint, you are going to have so much fun with this episode. We’re sharing 15 of our favorite scenic drives across the national parks and how you can plan your own visit to each! In this episode, we cover: Our top 15 national park scenic drives, grouped into big bucket list roads, overlooked drives in popular parks, and hidden gems in lesser known parks Key logistics for each drive, including typical opening seasons, road lengths, and important vehicle size or road condition notes The hikes, overlooks, and viewpoints we love along these roads, plus the wildlife you are most likely to see How these drives fit into a bigger trip so you can plan your time around sunrise, sunset, and trail days Your task for today:  Pick one of the 15 scenic drives from this episode and move it to the very top of your national park bucket list, then head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and tell us which drive you are most excited to experience next! 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/best-scenic-drives-in-the-national-parks/  Planning your own scenic drive adventure? Episode 117: Favorite national parks road trips: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/favorite-national-park-road-trips/  Episode 23: Scariest national park roads ranked: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-23-scariest-national-park-roads-ranked/  Episode 81: Insider tips for driving Going to the Sun Road: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/insider-tips-for-driving-glaciers-going-to-the-sun-road/  Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/  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/

    1 h 10 min
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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!

Informação

  • Autoria
    Dirt In My Shoes
  • Anos em atividade
    2022 - 2026
  • Episódios
    148
  • Classificação
    Para todos
  • Copyright
    © Dirt In My Shoes, LLC
  • Site do programa
    Exploring the National Parks

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