Parks Made Possible

Nick and Kate Mock
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Parks Made Possible is the go-to show for anyone planning a national park adventure. Hosted by Nick and Kate Mock, co-founders of Trip Possible, this podcast delivers expert guidance, honest advice, and actionable tips to help you confidently plan your next trip to any of America’s 63 national parks. From avoiding crowds and securing timed entry permits to packing right and finding the perfect lodging, we’re here to help you travel smarter—without the stress. Each episode is packed with real-world experience, light-hearted stories, and strategic insights so you can skip the guesswork and start enjoying the adventure. 🗺️ Get guidebooks, travel calendars, and consulting at mytrippossible.com (http://mytrippossible.com) 🎒 Subscribe and make your parks possible Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Top 5 National Parks to visit in the Winter - Embrace the Winter! Ep. 7

    JAN 9

    Top 5 National Parks to visit in the Winter - Embrace the Winter! Ep. 7

    Winter doesn’t have to be something you just get through. In this episode of Parks Made Possible, we’re embracing winter and sharing five national parks that are absolutely magical this time of year. If you’ve ever felt that post-holiday winter itch to travel but weren’t sure where to go—or if winter trips even make sense—this episode is for you. We’re walking through Voyageurs National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park—all places where snow, silence, and solitude completely change the experience. In this episode, we talk about: Why winter is one of our favorite seasons to visit national parks What it’s really like to visit parks when crowds disappear Winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing What access looks like when roads close and over-snow travel takes over How cold weather can actually slow you down in the best possible way Winter travel isn’t about checking boxes or packing your days full. It’s about experiencing these parks in a quieter, more intentional way—and honestly, some of our most memorable park experiences have been in winter. One quick note: winter trips take a little more planning. Road closures, weather conditions, and seasonal access all matter. Our guidebooks are built mainly for peak and shoulder seasons, so if you’re thinking about a winter visit, custom trip planning is usually the best option. ❄️ Want help planning a winter national parks trip? We offer custom trip planning built specifically around winter conditions, activities, and access. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.mytrippossible.com If this episode helped you: 👍 Give it a like 💬 Let us know which park you’d visit in winter 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Winter doesn’t have to be something you avoid. These parks prove it can be one of the most rewarding times to explore. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    31 min
  2. Glacier National Park: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (Hikes, Lodging, Weather & Tips) - Ep. 6

    12/05/2025

    Glacier National Park: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (Hikes, Lodging, Weather & Tips) - Ep. 6

    Welcome back to Parks Made Possible! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into our favorite national park in America: Glacier National Park. If you’re planning a trip to Glacier—or just dreaming about one—this guide will get you fully prepared with insider strategies, must-see hikes, and the logistics most travelers overlook. We cover park layout, lodging, hikes, weather, timed entry reservations, wildlife safety, entrance strategies, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road—plus our honest take on why Glacier stands above every other park we’ve visited. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or want to upgrade your trip from “good” to “unforgettable,” this episode is your complete planning blueprint. What We Cover in This Episode 📍 Where Glacier National Park is located and how geography shapes your trip🗺️ Understanding the park’s four regions: West Glacier, Many Glacier, Two Medicine & North Fork🏔️ Why Glacier’s scenery is so dramatic (glacial carving, turquoise lakes, biodiversity)🚗 Going-to-the-Sun Road: why it’s a bucket-list drive🥾 The best hikes: Avalanche Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Highline Trail🐻 Wildlife safety tips (and our close encounters!)⏰ Timed entry reservations + how to secure them🏨 How to choose the right lodging—inside vs. outside the park🌦️ Real talk on Glacier’s weather (including why it can snow in JUNE)🛶 Activities beyond hiking: boat tours, rafting, biking, stargazing & more🔥 Our top travel mistakes to avoid✔️ The #1 Glacier planning tip we give every client Need Help Planning Your Glacier Trip? We created a premium Glacier National Park Guidebook and offer full-service custom trip planning for travelers who want a stress-free, optimized experience. 👉 Shop our guidebooks: https://www.mytrippossible.com/shop👉 Plan your trip with us: https://www.mytrippossible.com Our Glacier guidebook includes: Exact itineraries Lodging strategies Timed-entry instructions Best trails and viewpoints Packing lists Local insights you won’t find on Google Chapters / Timestamps (Recommended for YouTube SEO — optional if you want them added) 0:00 Intro0:37 Why Glacier Is Special2:00 Park Layout & Entrances4:23 Scenery, Glacial Lakes & Biodiversity7:42 Going-to-the-Sun Road10:44 Best Hikes in Glacier16:10 Grinnell Glacier Breakdown20:49 Activities Beyond Hiking23:10 Weather & Seasonal Tips25:45 Lodging Strategies31:00 Gateway Towns34:45 Timed Entry Reservations39:25 Top Tips & Mistakes to Avoid48:00 Final Thoughts If You Enjoy National Parks Content… Please subscribe, like, and drop a comment about which park you want us to cover next. Your support helps us create more deep-dive episodes like this! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    49 min
  3. National Parks with Kids! Best National Parks for Kids and our Tricks to Guarantee a great Trip

    11/06/2025

    National Parks with Kids! Best National Parks for Kids and our Tricks to Guarantee a great Trip

    Welcome to another episode of Parks Made Possible by Trip Possible, where we help families make every national park trip truly unforgettable. In this one, hosts Nick and Kate break down how to visit the parks with children—from mindset and packing to budget tips and kid-ready activities—so you can trade stress for core memories. You’ll hear practical strategies, real stories (hello, Ruby Beach rock-tossing and a surprise tarantula at Pinnacles), and our favorite family-friendly parks to start with. 🎧 In This Episode The 5 things that keep kids happy on the road: movement, mental stimulation, snacks, sleep, and water play Mindset shifts for parents: why breaking routine builds resilience (for everyone) Money savers that matter: fly vs. drive, points, family rooms, KOAs, and the 4th-grade Every Kid Outdoors pass Smart packing made simple: daypack layout, collapsible coolers, backup outfits, strollers & carriers Designing kid-first days: short hikes with big payoffs, creeks & tide pools, Junior Ranger wins Best starter parks for families: Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, and Redwoods (plus what to try in Yosemite, Acadia, Rainier & Glacier) 📍 Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome & mission 00:26 Topic intro: Parks with kids 03:55 The 5 kid happiness drivers 12:06 Comfort zones → growth zones 21:36 Budget levers & cost myths 34:10 Packing that scales (without the chaos) 54:46 Family-friendly parks we recommend 1:01:42 How Trip Possible can help 1:02:29 Wrap-up & encouragement Plan Your Trip Browse our family-friendly guidebooks & resources: https://www.mytrippossible.com/shop Want a bespoke plan for your kids’ ages and interests? Custom trip planning: https://www.mytrippossible.com Stay in Touch Tell us your kids’ ages and the park you’re eyeing—drop a comment and we’ll reply with a quick starter idea. Like, subscribe, and tap the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss new park deep dives and family travel tips. TL;DR - What you'll learn about in this episode: Family national parks, travel with kids, junior ranger, kid-friendly hikes, budget national park trip, packing list for kids, Great Smoky Mountains with kids, Olympic with kids, redwoods with kids, Parks Made Possible, Trip Possible Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 3m
  4. ZION! Planning Tips for the Best Trip Possible to Zion National Park - Parks Made Possible Ep. 4

    10/14/2025

    ZION! Planning Tips for the Best Trip Possible to Zion National Park - Parks Made Possible Ep. 4

    Welcome to another episode of Parks Made Possible by Trip Possible, where we help you make every national park trip truly unforgettable. In this episode, hosts Nick and Kate dive deep into Zion National Park, one of the most iconic destinations in the U.S. Southwest. Discover the breathtaking sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River’s winding oasis, and world-famous hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point. You’ll also hear insider insights on lesser-known areas such as Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace Road, and the scenic Zion Canyon Overlook Trail—plus expert tips for when to visit, where to stay, and how to beat the crowds. Nick and Kate also highlight the new Trip Possible Zion Guidebook, a comprehensive resource packed with maps, itineraries, and expert planning advice to help you maximize your time in the park. 🎧 In This Episode The story and geology behind Zion’s world-famous canyon walls The top hikes (and how to prepare for them) Kolob Canyons and other hidden gems beyond the main valley Navigating the park shuttle and best times to visit The perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors Why Zion’s biodiversity and conservation story are so unique How to pair Zion with nearby parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon 🗺️ Plan Your Trip Get your Trip Possible Zion National Park Guidebook here: https://www.mytrippossible.com Pickup our Zion guidebook: https://www.mytrippossible.com/product-page/zion-national-park-guidebook 💬 Stay In Touch! Tell us in the comments which park you want us to cover next! Like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring more of America’s most stunning national parks. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    50 min
  5. YELLOWSTONE! An introduction to Yellowstone National Park - Parks Made Possible Episode 3

    09/24/2025

    YELLOWSTONE! An introduction to Yellowstone National Park - Parks Made Possible Episode 3

    In this episode of Parks Made Possible, Nick and Kate Mock present a helpful introduction to Yellowstone National Park, from the perspective of a first time visitor. From iconic geysers and hidden geothermal wonders to epic wildlife and big views, they break down what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your Yellowstone trip. 👉 Key Highlights in This Episode: Geothermal attractions like geysers, hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and steam vents. Epic Wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, elk, moose, wolves, badgers... and so many more. Expansive views of 'Big Sky Country' Best times of year to visit and where to stay Best entry points and ways to navigate the 2.2 million acre National Park The real experience at Old Faithful (worth the hype?) How early (or late) to arrive at Grand Prismatic Spring Managing expectations: Wildlife, crowds, and travel times Hidden gems that aren’t in every guidebook If you're planning your first trip to Yellowstone, this episode is packed with firsthand insights and useful logistics from expert trip planners. 🔗 Want personalized help planning your Yellowstone adventure? Visit https://www.mytrippossible.com for travel consulting and downloadable park guides. 🛍️ Shop our downloadable guidebooks online! https://www.mytrippossible.com/shop 💫 Want us to plan your trip for you? Custom trip planning is also an option: https://www.mytrippossible.com/contact-us 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your biggest Yellowstone question in the comments! #YellowstoneNationalPark #TripPossible #NationalParkTravel #YellowstoneTips #Yellowstone2025 #RoadTripUSA #Geysers #NationalParkPodcast Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    41 min
  6. Our 7 MUST DO Hikes in the US National Parks - Parks Made Possible Ep. 2

    08/18/2025

    Our 7 MUST DO Hikes in the US National Parks - Parks Made Possible Ep. 2

    Looking to plan your next adventure in the U.S. national parks? In this episode of Parks Made Possible, Nick and Kate Mock break down their top 7 favorite hikes across America's national parks—each one packed with jaw-dropping views, glacier-fed lakes, towering waterfalls, red rock hoodoos, and immersive landscapes. From Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park to the legendary Mist Trail in Yosemite, they share real-life trail insights, difficulty ratings, travel tips, and what makes each hike unforgettable. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a solo backpacking trip, this is your guide to the best national park hikes in the U.S. Featured Hikes: Grinnell Glacier (Glacier National Park) Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop (Bryce Canyon) Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail (Zion) Mist Trail + John Muir Trail (Yosemite) Avalanche Lake (Glacier National Park) Staircase Rapids (Olympic) Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite) 🎒 Trail tips, wildlife moments, parking advice, and hiking gear recs included.🌄 Subscribe now and get your national park plans dialed in with Parks Made Possible. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    51 min
  7. Parks Made Possible Debut Episode - Top 5 Tips for Traveling to a National Park

    07/31/2025

    Parks Made Possible Debut Episode - Top 5 Tips for Traveling to a National Park

    Ep 1 – Top 5 Tips for Visiting Any U.S. National Park In our debut episode, Nick and Kate Mock—co-founders of Trip Possible—share their top 5 essential tips for making your next national park adventure unforgettable. From navigating peak season crowds and choosing the best lodging, to understanding timed-entry reservations and knowing what to pack, this episode is your crash course in stress-free park travel. Whether you're headed to Yosemite, Glacier, or Zion, these insights will help you explore with confidence. Top 5 Tips for Visiting National Parks: Understand Your Park’s Peak SeasonLearn when the park is busiest—and why it matters. Crowds, pricing, and access all shift dramatically depending on the time of year. If you’re flexible, shoulder seasons can offer a better experience with fewer people and more favorable conditions. Know Where to StayChoosing lodging inside the park vs. in a nearby gateway town affects everything from your wake-up time to how much hiking you can get in. In-park lodging offers unmatched access but often books out 9–12 months in advance. Prepare for Timed Entry ReservationsSome parks now require time-specific permits to manage crowds. Understanding when and how to book them (and having a backup plan if you don’t get one) is essential to a successful trip. Know the Truth About Crowds and TrafficParks are crowded for a reason—they’re incredible. But with smart planning (like early starts and midweek visits), you can enjoy even the most popular parks without the stress. Prepare What You PackPacking isn’t just about comfort—it can make or break your day. Essentials like snacks, water, layers, and rain gear help you stay longer, explore farther, and pivot plans on the fly when things don’t go as expected. 👉 For consulting, custom itineraries, and guidebooks, visit mytrippossible.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    33 min
  • 7 Episodes

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Parks Made Possible is the go-to show for anyone planning a national park adventure. Hosted by Nick and Kate Mock, co-founders of Trip Possible, this podcast delivers expert guidance, honest advice, and actionable tips to help you confidently plan your next trip to any of America’s 63 national parks. From avoiding crowds and securing timed entry permits to packing right and finding the perfect lodging, we’re here to help you travel smarter—without the stress. Each episode is packed with real-world experience, light-hearted stories, and strategic insights so you can skip the guesswork and start enjoying the adventure. 🗺️ Get guidebooks, travel calendars, and consulting at mytrippossible.com (http://mytrippossible.com) 🎒 Subscribe and make your parks possible Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick and Kate Mock
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Sutter
  • Show Website
    Parks Made Possible