All Episodes

July 2, 2025 27 mins

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day the national park way! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing our favorite national parks to visit during the 4th of July. 

From dazzling fireworks displays in gateway towns to unique park experiences, we'll give you the inside scoop on where to have a truly spectacular and patriotic holiday surrounded by America's natural beauty.

Join us as we discuss…

  • John's memories of epic 4th of July celebrations in Jackson Hole  
  • The appeal of celebrating Independence Day near national parks  
  • Some of the fantastic gateway towns that offer memorable 4th of July experiences  
  • Our favorite 4th of July experiences in national parks (and what made them so special)  
  • One national park destination we don't recommend for the 4th of July (and why)

Whether you're looking for the perfect place to see fireworks after a day of hiking or simply want to soak in the patriotic spirit amidst stunning landscapes, we hope this episode sparks some ideas for your next 4th of July adventure!

Today’s Task: We'd love to hear about your favorite national park to celebrate the 4th of July! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your top picks in our post.

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

....................................

Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!

....................................

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Cardiac Cowboys

Cardiac Cowboys

The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.