In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the most underrated gems in the entire national park system—Great Basin! Hardly anyone talks about this park, but we absolutely love this hidden oasis in the desert.  As the state’s only national park, Great Basin is an amazing example of the unique Nevada landscape.  So today, we’re diving into why you should make this underrated park your next destination! Here’s what we’ll cover: The best place to stay when visiting Great Basin Our go-to spots for...

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re sharing some spooky stories written by John, inspired by the national parks!  Whether you believe in spirits or not, these tales might just send a shiver down your spine. So gather around the campfire with us and enjoy a few ghostly encounters in your favorite national parks. Join us for stories about: A skinny-dipping ghost at Indiana Dunes National Park The Lady of the Lake at Olympic National Park A creepy ghost town in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park We...

Let’s head out to Death Valley for some fascinating fun facts! This national park protects an extreme landscape that will surprise you at every turn.  From the sand dunes to the extremely hot and dry climate, visiting Death Valley will transport you into the bizarre and beautiful. What you see may seem like it’s straight out of a movie, but Scout's honor, all of the fun facts we are sharing today about this national park are true! In this episode, we discuss:  What makes this park the hottest...

How do you go to the bathroom while you’re out hiking? Surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we get! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to handle bathroom breaks on the trail. Tune in for some handy tips on relieving yourself in the great outdoors—with a sprinkle of potty humor! In this episode, we discuss:  Key things to keep in mind when peeing outdoors The cardinal rule for peeing and pooping in nature Rules that will...

We have a confession: Death Valley wasn’t even close to the top of our travel bucket list. But once we arrived, we were blown away—it exceeded every expectation!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this underrated gem. If Death Valley isn't on your radar yet, we encourage you to bump it up because you’ll be shocked by how cool this park actually is! In this episode, we discuss:  The special connection between Death Valley and Star...

We give a lot of love to the big national parks, but we also love visiting smaller and off-the-beaten-path sites run by the NPS.   In today’s Small Park Spotlight, we are taking you on a tour of Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawai’i! Most of us know the history of what happened at Pearl Harbor, but immersing yourself in the events of December 7, 1941, is an unforgettable experience. Standing in this place, you can feel the bravery, courage, and valor that this site now represents. It's a...

If you’re excited about volcanoes, this Exploring the National Parks episode is for you!  Today,  we're diving into six fun facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This ever-changing park is a must-see, where you can witness both destruction and creation in action. Join us as we explore the unique features that make Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park truly extraordinary! In this episode, we discuss:  What makes the plants and wildlife at this park so unique  How people got to Hawai’i a...

Are you ready to hit the trail in Acadia National Park? Come hiking with us as we share our favorite tips for hiking the famous Beehive Trail in Acadia!  The Beehive Trail is one of the most iconic trails in any national park. It is short but adventurous, and we are excited to dive into what makes this trail so amazing.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why Acadia National Park is actually like Neverland What makes the trails at this park so cool  Where to park and how to get to the...

Aloha friends! Today’s episode takes us on a journey across the ocean to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!  This park protects some of the most active volcanoes in the world – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It's crazy that you can get this close to these epic volcanoes when you visit this national park! Join us as we explore our favorite spots in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park together. In this episode, we discuss:  Where to go if you want to see the lava lake Why this park is constantly...

Let’s go on an adventure! This summer, we took a road trip through some of our favorite parks, plus we added in a few places we had never been to before. And now we want to take you along with us on this epic driving route! Join us on a 10-day journey through the Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky National Parks as we share all of the fun things you can do with your family in this area. In this episode, we discuss:  Our favorite things to do in Nashville The best activity to do in...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going to dazzle you with some fun facts about Mount Rainier National Park!  This mountain has thrumming energy, but it is hard to properly explain the feeling you get when you experience Mount Rainier National Park. Whether you are hiking on the mountain or seeing it from afar, this volcano draws attention!  We are thrilled to dive in today and share some of the fun facts that make this national park so impressive.  In this episode, we...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are back with another Mail from the Trail episode!  We are diving into your burning questions about the national parks. Join us as we discuss hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, hiking trip necessities, how we decide which parks to visit, and more!  In this episode, we discuss:  How to hike Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and the best time to do it The must-have necessities for safe and fun hiking trips  The national parks we haven’t been to...

As one of the most intriguing and *potentially* deadly volcanoes in America, Mount Rainier has been on people’s radars for a long time.  So today, we're thrilled to be delving into the wonders of the one and only Mount Rainier National Park!  This incredible mountain and its surrounding area was created as the fourth national park in the United States! And after our first visit, it quickly earned a spot in our top five favorite national parks. Towering majestically over the surrounding...

Today, we are going on an adventure in Ash’s favorite national park—Grand Teton! We’re hiking through Cascade Canyon, the most popular longer trail in the Tetons.  Join us as we visit Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and even Lake Solitude along the Cascade Canyon Trail!  Whether you’re going for a multi-day backpacking trip or a quick hike, you will love the Teton views from up here! In this episode, we discuss:  The best season for hiking this trail How to see the “Disneyland”...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are headed back to one of our favorite National Parks — Mesa Verde! We are diving into the fun facts about this park and focusing on the people who lived here.  The incredible human history in this area is what this park is all about, and we are so excited to share it with you! Join us as we take a deep dive into the Ancestral Puebloans who called Mesa Verde home.  In this episode, we discuss:  The surprising number of cliff dwellings in...

It’s time to drive one of the most epic roads in any national park – Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our insider tips for this gem of a scenic drive.  The Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts right through Glacier as it travels deeper into the park’s majestic mountains! We’re talking all about our favorite viewpoints and activities along this drive, as well as insider tips and fascinating facts you’ll want to know before you go. In this...

We are exploring Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park in this episode of Exploring the National Parks. This unique national park is for anyone who loves history, especially the fascinating story of the people native to the Southwest! Mesa Verde is a sacred homeland to 26 different Native American tribes, and it protects the heritage of these incredible people. It represents such an important part of our history as Americans, and we are so excited to dive into this truly special and sacred...

You may not have even heard of this park, so you’re in for a real treat! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our favorite fun facts about Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. This park is more of a blend between a national historical site and a national park because it has both natural beauty and significant historical landmarks. Cuyahoga Valley is a unique smaller park that many people don’t know much about. Join us as we discuss what makes this park so...

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our top 5 favorite classic Yosemite Valley views.  Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit! In this episode, we discuss:  The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite Valley The most popular viewpoint in...

We are doing something new on the podcast! We want to start interviewing some of the coolest people on the planet – park rangers! For our very first interview, we are talking to Ranger Ryan Cooper, who works for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. His job is to map the Lewis and Clark Trail, so he’s basically a modern-day explorer!  Today, he is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work as a park ranger, sharing fascinating stories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition,...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio!  This national park is so incredible because it was an important area for the development of the wild frontier.  It also sparked a crucial environmental movement and opened up discussions on the importance of the natural environment. You don’t usually hear much about this national park, even though it sees millions of visitors each year! We wanted to explore Cuyahoga Valley with you today...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a mailbag episode! We are diving into some of the questions we have gotten from you guys about the national parks and sharing our best tips and suggestions.  Join us as we share our favorite camping tips, the best trails for solo hiking, park ranger Ash, and more!  In this episode, we discuss:  What Beginner Campers Need 101 How to find the best affordable camping equipment How to plan your meals while camping  Where to find the...

Join us as we journey back to Alaska for some fascinating Glacier Bay fun facts! Ash, who worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay National Park, and John, who loves Glacier Bay and enjoys learning and sharing his discoveries, are here to share our unique experiences and surprise you with facts that make this park so extraordinary! From advancing glaciers, tidal waves, scientific research, rebounding land, and fascinating wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to be on your bucket list...

It’s that time of year again — time to start thinking about Yellowstone National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we discuss the amazing wildlife that can be seen in Yellowstone.  The wildlife in this park is incredible. It’s the North American Safari! Join us as we explore the top spots in Yellowstone to see wildlife, with a sprinkle of wildlife-themed dad jokes along the way!  In this episode, we discuss:  The unmatched spot in this park to see the best wildlife  Where...