Thenaturalmedic Adventures

Thenaturalmedic Adventures

Hello there, and thanks so much for joining us here! You are probably wondering what this podcast is all about? In this podcast, we will talk about all sorts of outdoor adventures, but primarily, for now, we will focus on hiking and backpacking. No other outdoor adventure is so accessible to so many people! So please join us as we talk about how to hike/backpack and learn how to hike any length trail from your local neighborhood parks to those long trails such as the Appalachian and others worldwide! Remember... "in every walk with nature; one receives far more than he seeks... - John Muir " See you on the trail!

Episodes

June 18, 2025 13 mins

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Craig the Natural Medic takes us on a meaningful journey through Saguaro National Park in Arizona as he celebrates his 50th birthday. The magnificent saguaros standing sentinel throughout the park create a stunning backdrop while showcasing the resilience of desert ecosystems that once faced predictions of disappearing completely by the 1990s.

• Exploration of Sa...

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Standing among the towering hoodoos and balanced rocks of Chiricahua National Monument feels like stepping into another world. These extraordinary formations weren't crafted by human hands but by 32 million years of volcanic activity and persistent erosion. Located in southeastern Arizona near the small towns of Bowie and Wilcox, this hidden gem offers visitor...

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Craig the Natural Medic shares his comprehensive day hiking gear setup for 2025, highlighting essential items that ensure safety and comfort on southwestern trails. His experience as a paramedic and a former park ranger provides these practical recommendations for hikers of all experience levels.

• Sun protection strategy includes the Outdoor Vitals sun h...

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Hidden within the rugged terrain of New Mexico's Gila National Forest lies an engineering marvel with a fascinating past. The Catwalk National Recreational Trail suspends visitors along sheer canyon walls, following a path first blazed by silver miners in the 1890s.

My journey begins at the trailhead where interpretive signs reveal the area's ri...

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Step back in time with me as we explore the hidden archaeological wonders of Hovenweep National Monument, straddling the Utah-Colorado border. Few travelers discover this remote treasure, home to remarkable stone towers built by Ancestral Puebloans nearly 1,000 years ago.

My two-hour journey around the canyon rim revealed architectural marvels that conti...

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The quest for natural wonders often leads to unexpected discoveries. My journey to San Francisco Hot Springs, tucked away in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, proved to be exactly that kind of revelation.

Setting off from the trailhead in my truck (affectionately named "Black Panther"),...

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The weathered footings of a washed-away bridge stand as silent sentinels on either side of the Tularosa River in New Mexico's Gila National Forest. Most hikers would turn back at this obstacle, but those who wade across discover something extraordinary—centuries-old petroglyphs etched into stone walls whisper stories from a distant past.

My journey al...

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Venture with me along the mesmerizing Blue Mesa Trail, where time itself seems written into the landscape of Petrified Forest National Park. On this brisk March day, I braved the characteristic winds of northeastern Arizona to bring you an intimate tour of one of the park's most beloved hiking paths.

The Blue Mesa Trail is a geological wonderland – a...

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Snowshoeing through Cedar Breaks National Monument reveals a transformed winter landscape with deep snow and beautiful vistas of the amphitheater from the North overlook. Though faced with a canceled ranger-led hike, this solo adventure showcases the accessibility and beauty of winter exploration in this southern Utah gem.

• Snowshoeing requires minimal in...

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Walking through the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs in southwestern Utah reveals ancient rock carvings that tell stories of migration, astronomical knowledge, and the spiritual beliefs of Native American peoples who inhabited this area centuries ago.

• Located near St. George and Cedar City, the gap is an ancient dried riverbed cutting through solid rock
• ...

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Chaco Canyon National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico preserves remarkable structures built by Ancestral Puebloan people over a thousand years ago, showcasing their sophisticated understanding of astronomy, engineering, and community design.

• Exploration of Una Vida, an unexcavated "great house" featuring...

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Our public lands face serious threats from staffing cuts across National Park Service, Forest Service, and BLM as a former ranger explains actionable steps we can take to help preserve these treasured spaces regardless of political stance.

• Contact congressional representatives through congress.gov to express concern about public la...

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We explore the Giant Logs Trail at Petrified Forest National Park, discovering how ancient wood transformed into stone through a mineralization process spanning millions of years. The trail showcases remarkable geological treasures while revealing the park's rich human history dating back to the early days of the National Park Service.

• ...

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Colorado National Monument is a breathtaking destination that deserves a spot on every adventurer's bucket list. In this engaging episode, we explore its stunning landscapes and the fascinating history surrounding its creation. We also discover the impact of John Otto, the monument's trailblazer, and hear captivating stories about his dedication to pre...

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Ever wondered how the majestic landscapes of Canyonlands National Park came to be? Join me, the Natural Medic, as I unravel the geological mysteries etched into the breathtaking vistas of the Islands in the Sky District. From the dizzying heights of the Grand Viewpoint Overlook, feast your eyes on the intricate canyons crafted by the Colorado River, where the river's legacy has carved stories into the v...

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Join me, Craig the Natural Medic, as we embark on an adventure through the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, where nature's artistry is on full display. Ever wondered what makes the landscape of the Needles so captivating? Prepare to be amazed by the mesmerizing formations created by sandstone sliding under a salt layer, forming parallel cracks that have been shaped over time into...

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What if a single hike could illuminate the wonders of geological time and the fragility of nature’s masterpieces? Join me, Craig the Natural Medic, as I take you on a captivating trek through the Devil's Garden Trail at Arches National Park. Discover the intriguing story of Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch outside of China, and learn about its uncertain future as erosion slowly takes its toll. Along this ...

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Could a compact power bank revolutionize your outdoor adventures? Meet the Flashfish 200 watt battery pack, a game-changer for those who find themselves off the grid, whether you're nestled in a yurt or exploring the rugged trails of undeveloped campgrounds. Today, I share my personal journey with this nifty gadget that keeps the lights on and the devices charged without the hassle of traditional power hookups. F...

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As I approach my 50th birthday in April, I'm excited to share my plans for 2025, including a trip to southwestern New Mexico and Arizona, focusing on nature and gear reviews. Join me in a contest for amazing hiking prizes and look forward to fresh content that inspires your outdoor journeys. 

• Plans for a big birthday adventure in New Mexico and Arizona 
• Return to gear reviews and outdoor tips on ...

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Embark on an unforgettable excursion with Craig, our seasoned natural medic and guide, as we journey through the awe-inspiring vistas of Arches National Park. Learn why Delicate Arch, with its striking features and historical significance, is more than just a natural wonder—it's a lasting symbol of Utah's heritage. As you listen, you'll gain a fresh perspec...

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