82 episodes

We spent last year exploring, hiking through, and tent camping inside all 59 U.S. national parks. Now we're here to share our experiences, insights, and advice about our year in the national parks.

Switchbacks: Our Year in the National Parks Cole & Elizabeth Donelson

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 103 Ratings

We spent last year exploring, hiking through, and tent camping inside all 59 U.S. national parks. Now we're here to share our experiences, insights, and advice about our year in the national parks.

    81. How to Visit Denali National Park

    81. How to Visit Denali National Park

    Denali National Park, the country's twelfth national park, is home to the highest point in North America, Denali. It's frequently visited by tourists in Alaska, but it requires advanced preparation to visit. By planning ahead, visitors can make the most of their time in this park.

    In this podcast, we describe what Denali is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Denali: How much does it cost? How do I increase my chances of seeing the mountain?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/denali. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 42 min
    80: How to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park

    80: How to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Lassen Volcanic National Park, the country's eleventh national park, is home to active and dormant volcanoes, hydrothermal features, and beautiful mountain landscapes. It's one of the least visited parks in California, but many people congregate to Lassen Volcanic's main attractions. By planning ahead, visitors can avoid the crowds and see some truly unique sights.

    In this podcast, we describe what Lassen Volcanic is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Lassen Volcanic: When is the best time to visit? What are some secrets of the park?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/lassenvolcanic. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 34 min
    79. How to Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    79. How to Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the country's tenth national park, is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Most visitors go to try and spot some volcanic activity, like lava flows, steam vents, and lava tubes. Hawai'i Volcanoes is located on the island of Hawai'i and is constantly changing and shifting, so visitors should plan ahead before arriving.

    In this podcast, we describe what Hawai'i Volcanoes is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes: Will I see lava? Where should I stay? How much time should I spend in the park?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/hawaiivolcanoes. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 36 min
    78. How to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

    78. How to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

    Rocky Mountain National Park, the country's ninth national park, is home to spectacular mountain environments, alpine tundra, wildlife, and gorgeous lakes. Most visitors go to drive the Trail Ridge Road or take a hike, and the park is a paradise for those activities. Rocky Mountain is located in north-central Colorado and is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, making and trip to the area well worth it.

    In this podcast, we describe what Rocky Mountain is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Rocky Mountain: What is the best hike? How do you avoid crowds? How long should you spend in the park?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/rockymountain. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 38 min
    77. How to Visit Glacier National Park

    77. How to Visit Glacier National Park

    Glacier National Park, the country's eighth national park, is home to mountains, hundreds of lakes, and 26 rapidly-receding glaciers. Most visitors go to drive the Going to the Sun Road or take a hike, and the park is a paradise for those activities. Glacier is located in Montana along the Canadian border, and is half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first in the world of its kind.

    In this podcast, we describe what Glacier is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Glacier: How do you see the glaciers? When should you visit to avoid crowds but not get caught in bad weather?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/glacier. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 38 min
    76. How to Visit Mesa Verde National Park

    76. How to Visit Mesa Verde National Park

    Mesa Verde National Park, the country's seventh-oldest park, is home to some of the most impressive cliff dwellings in the world. Most visitors go to tour the cliff dwellings, but there is much more to be found in Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado, in the Four Corners Region, where visitors can find plenty more to see and do.

    In this podcast, we describe what Mesa Verde is all about, how to get to the park, where to sleep, what to do, and everything in between. Plus we answer a few of your questions about visiting Mesa Verde: Which tour is best? Is it baby friendly?

    For more details, be sure to check out our park guide at switchbackkids.com/mesaverde. And for more photos and updates, be sure to follow our social media accounts @switchbackkids.

    Music: bensound.com

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
103 Ratings

103 Ratings

Bikespin ,

Excellent podcast for NPS info!

Learned a lot about Glacier as I prepare for my family’s trip

Bethany Decker ,

Great Podcast!

I love this podcast! It’s such a great inspiration for learning to get creative when visiting the parks!

Fish-Mich ,

Not a big fan

The enthusiasm shared by the hosts about our national parks is the best part of this series, but my family finds much of the content to be surface level info that can be learned at nps.gov.
Mispronounced place names and comments such as, “...but this is important, too, and I think sometimes it’s really important to remember that,” are detractors for me.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

The Viall Files
Nick Viall
MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Wishbone Production
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
This American Life
This American Life
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Vox Media Podcast Network
Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan | Cumulus Podcast Network

You Might Also Like

Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast
Matt and Karen Smith
Exploring the National Parks
Dirt In My Shoes
Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast
A Travel Podcast
Field Trip
The Washington Post
National Park Adventures
Ashley
Hindsight Hikers
Theresa Liebelt