Exploring the National Parks
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!
Episodes
Cactus, sunshine, and desert drama: this is the episode where we go all in on the most iconic plant of the American West. Saguaro National Park is bursting with towering giants and incredible stories of survival, and we’re digging into all of it!
In this episode, we cover:
- Why the saguaro cactus is an American icon (and possibly a giant green lightsaber)
- What makes sagu...
The wildlife showdown is on! We’re covering the best national parks to see animals in the wild. Whether you’re hoping to see wolves in Yellowstone or whales in Glacier Bay, we share our favorite parks for seeing animals across the U.S., from the great plains of Yellowstone to the coastal coves of Glacier Bay.
In this episode, we cover:
- Our favorite national parks for wildlife overall, plus why Ala...
The silhouettes of giant saguaros against a glowing desert sky are the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. If you want one park that delivers pure golden hour magic, spicy Tucson flavor, and a choose-your-own-adventure split right down the middle, Saguaro National Park is it.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why Saguaro is basically two parks in one, with a whole city in between, and how that cha...
What do an erupting volcano, a flooded forest, and the 250th anniversary of American independence have in common? They all made our list of top national park adventures from 2025! This year gave us some unforgettable experiences, and we can't wait to share them with you.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why Boston is the perfect place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026
- Read more
Wondering when to visit the Mighty 5 or which parks are best for kids? Trying to figure out if staying inside the park is really worth the price? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is packed with tips and personal stories to help you plan smarter for 2026!
In this episode, we cover:
- When it's definitely worth camping inside the park versus staying in a gateway town
- Read more
Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to chase wildlife, island-hop through the Keys, and discover Florida's wildest surprises in these national parks?
Welcome to our 10-day Florida national parks road trip!
In this episode, we cover:
- A full 10-day road trip that visits Everglades, Biscayne...
Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial world with us and experience the Southeast as it once was through five fun facts!
In this episode, we cover:
- Why Congaree National Park feels like stepping into a primordial world
- Record-breaking floods, champion trees, and t...
Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan Pond to the peaceful waves of Schoodic Point, this trip was full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments.
In this episode, we cover:
- The absolute chaos of the Jordan Pond parking lot (and how to avoid it)
- Why f...
The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with our socks knocked clean off!
In this episode, we cover:
- Where Congaree National Park is, how close it is to Columbia and Charleston, and why it’s still one of the least visited parks
- When to go, including mosquitoes, water...
Ghostly holiday parties, dancing desert lights, and a low‑tide cave with a mind of its own. Ready to let curiosity win for one spooky night?
In this episode, we cover:
- Halloween traditions in and around the parks!
- El Tovar at Grand Canyon and the friendly specter of Fred Harvey
- Big Bend by night, unexplained lights, and why it can feel like ...
Yosemite National Park never fails to surprise! This summer, we came for waterfalls and ended up with falling trees, surprise bear encounters, and a lot of laughs along the way. From Yosemite Valley to the High Sierra, every turn revealed the beauty of Yosemite and the persistence of life thriving in every corner of the park.
In this episode, we cover:
-
The highs and lows of our 2025 trip to Y...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back in the deep, dark underworld of Mammoth Cave, but this time, we’re getting a little nerdy with our five favorite fun facts!
We're diving into the many layers of this incredible park to discuss some of its most fascinating secrets, from its geological origins to its rich human history. Join us as we get super excited about science, chat a little bit about Lord of the Rings...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're taking you on a trip report of our summer research journey to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!
Join us as we share our honest and hilarious lessons learned, from the shockingly subpar lodging to some serious, heart-stopping experiences with rivers, falling trees, and even a rogue bear. Get ready for a dose of reality and a whole lot of fun as we help you navigate Sequoi...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going on a journey deep underground to Mammoth Cave National Park!
Get ready to explore the world's longest cave system, but be prepared to adjust your expectations as we explain why this cave is more about its sheer size and history than dazzling rock formations. We’re sharing our favorite tours, including one that might feel a little too familiar to Lord of the Rings fans, a...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the incredible Native American sites you can visit through the National Park Service.
From massive cliff dwellings to life-sized petroglyphs, we’re diving into some of our favorite places to experience the deep history and cultural richness of the ancestral Puebloan people and beyond. Whether you’ve visited before or are looking to expand your bucket list, this epis...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we delve into the stunning and mysterious Bryce Canyon National Park. Join us as we discuss 5 fascinating, fun facts about Bryce Canyon.
We’ll talk about everything from quirky hoodoo legends to unexpected geology revelations that might just blow your mind.
If you've ever stood at the rim and wondered how those spiky rock towers came to be (or if they’re secretly watching you), thi...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into a topic near and dear to many parents' hearts: finding the perfect national park for your teenagers!
We're sharing our top picks and strategies for turning those eye-rolls into awe-some moments and Instagram-worthy adventures on epic trails. If you're looking to spark a love for the outdoors in your teens, this episode is packed with our insights and recommendatio...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into our most visited Utah park – Bryce Canyon National Park!
Get ready to discover why this smaller park packs a massive punch with its otherworldly hoodoo formations. Tune in to hear our own stories in this amazing park, tips for avoiding crowds, and why even a short visit to Bryce Canyon will leave you spellbound.
Join us as we discuss…
- Read more
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're spotlighting a gem that's easy to miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument.
We’re here to tell you why you should definitely add this spot to your itinerary, especially if you're cruising between the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest. It's small, it's packed with history, and it's got some seriously cool cliff dwellings!
Join us as we discuss…
- W...
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Capitol Reef National Park! We love this place because it's basically Utah's Mighty 5 jammed into one incredible park. The things you can see here are truly jaw-dropping!
We're not just talking about the scenic drive today; we're digging into the really cool and quirky things that make this park stand out. Join us as we explore the hero story of Capitol Reef.
Join u...
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