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...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring a park that is near and dear to our hearts – Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska!  Ash worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay and has so many amazing experiences to share about living in this part of Alaska! This national park has tidewater glaciers, massive mountains, and wildlife galore, so we’re excited to explore Glacier Bay with you!  In this episode, we discuss:  Our special connection to this national park The unique...

Let’s hit the road and travel to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking you on a journey through our home state.  This epic 10-day Utah National Parks road trip is a family favorite, and we can’t wait to show you our favorite spots. Join us as we share a really cool sample itinerary that you can enjoy with your family while exploring Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion!  On the episode’s...

Let’s head back to Olympic National Park for some fun facts! There is so much to share about this unique national park that it was kind of hard to narrow it down to just five.  Olympic has so many distinct ecosystems and areas that are so different from the others in this park, and we are excited to dive into what makes this park so special!  Join us as we discuss:  Where the rocks at Olympic National Park come from  The surprising number of glaciers you can find in this park The plants and...

Curious about potential future national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into emerging candidates that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore seven key locations where people are advocating for national park status! Join us as we discuss:  What has to happen for a new national park to be established Seven locations that may become national parks in the future What makes these locations so cool Things to do at each of these parks  The fascinating...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Olympic National Park! This huge national park has so much diversity and unique qualities that we can’t wait to explore with you all.  Plus, it’s Ash’s turn to nerd out because Forks, Washington, home to a certain sparkly vampire and werewolf from Twilight, is one of the gateway towns to this park.  Join us as we discuss:  Everything you need to know about Port Angeles  The best way to see Hurricane Ridge and Mount Olympus Our...

Want to explore the national parks but on a tight budget? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks!  Visiting the national parks is actually a great option for you if you love to travel but don’t have a ton of money to spend on it. We are sharing all of our top tips for traveling to the national parks while spending as little money as possible!  Join us as we discuss:  The benefits of an annual pass When to travel for the most savings Why we love camping in the...

It’s time to learn some fun facts about Arches National Park!  This is one of the coolest parks to visit, so we are so excited to jump into these truly fascinating fun facts about this national park. From the geology to the wildlife to the stars in the sky, we are covering everything that makes this park so incredible. Join us for this exciting episode! Join us as we discuss:  The crazy number of natural arches this park has  The cryptobiotic crust you’ll find in this park The fascinating...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are getting a little nerdy! We have been making lists of the national parks by size, visitation, and date established on Dirt In My Shoes.  Today, we’re sharing some interesting information on the first five National Parks that were established. As National Park enthusiasts, we think everyone should know what the first five national parks were! So, let’s explore the first five national parks and learn some interesting history along the...

Let’s explore Arches! We visit this national park at least once a year, and we never run out of things to do because there is just so much to see in the area.  Whether it’s the well-known sights or the hidden gems, in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re discussing it all. This park is truly iconic, and we hope this episode helps you plan your next trip! Join us as we discuss:  Our favorite arches in the Devils Garden  Where to go for a quiet place to experience the arches  The...

Which national park campground is the best? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a full-on WWE-style smackdown! We each picked our top five favorite campgrounds, and we are going to battle it out to see who came up with the best options.  We were full-time RVers for three years, so we are very familiar with the national park campgrounds, and we are excited to dive into it today!  Join us as we discuss:  - The national monuments we both put on our lists - The things we...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing 5 fun facts about Big Bend National Park! We recently shared our favorite activities and places to stay in this park, and today we are sharing some incredible fun facts.  Known as a geologist’s paradise and nightmare, we are so excited to share all of the things that make this place so cool. Join us as we explore this chaotic and fascinating park! Join us as we discuss: - The massive events this park has been a part of in the...

It’s a brand new year, and in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing what you can expect in the national parks in 2024! Granted, things will change throughout the year, but this is an overview of how things are looking for the 2024 season. I know many of you are planning your trips right now, so our goal is to give you as much insight as possible into what you can expect this year in the parks.  Join us as we discuss:  - What you need to know about park reservations...

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas. Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You’re going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together. Join us as we discuss:  - What makes this...

This is our last podcast episode of 2023, and we are Florida dreaming! Today we are sharing our favorite fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is incredible for many reasons and might be one of the most exciting fun facts episodes we’ve ever done! This national park has a colorful history, and even though it can be challenging to get to, it’s well worth the trip. Join us as we discuss: - Florida’s fascinating origin story - How biology is actually the geology of this...

Raise the mast!  Swab the deck!  Arrr mateys, do you love pirates? If so, you’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks!  We are exploring a park that surprised us in every way - Dry Tortugas National Park! We have been to many historical parks, but this one was so much cooler than we expected. Everything about this area will amaze you, and we are excited to share this incredible park with you.  Join us as we discuss:  The only two ways to get to Dry Tortugas (and our...

Wondering how to get your kids to happily hike in the national parks with you? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our top tips for hiking with kids.  We have been hiking with kids for many years, and we love how it forces us to slow down and really appreciate the parks even more. Join us as we share our favorite strategies for hiking the national parks with little ones!  Join us as we discuss:  How to choose the right trail length for kids How to get your...