Exploring the National Parks

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 Alaska is in a whole different weight class

Where to go for specific animals, including black bears, grizzlies, moose, wolves, and buffalo (yes, we said buffalo)

The best parks for sea life, from dolphins and manatees to whales you can literally hear from your room

A rapid-fire list of parks for some surprising creatures, like condors, bats, bighorn sheep, and birds

Your task for today: What wildlife have you not seen yet that you really want to see in a national park? Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/the-best-national-parks-for-wildlife-viewing/ 

Planning your own wildlife viewing adventure?

Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

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 changes your planning.

The best time of year to visit, plus why sunrise and sunset matter here more than almost anywhere else.

Our go-to stops on West Saguaro, including our favorite campground, a tiny trail we do every time, and quick hikes with big payoff.

Our go-to stops on East Saguaro, where the saguaros get huge, the loop drive is paved, and bikers are everywhere.

The Tucson extras that make the trip even better, including Sonoran hot dogs, two museums we love, and one oddly specific RV tip.

Your task for today: Pick your side! Are you a West Saguaro person who wants more solitude, or an East Saguaro person who wants the biggest, oldest saguaros you can find? Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/136-exploring-saguaro-national-park-best-tips-activities/ 

Planning your own Saguaro National Park adventure?

5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Saguaro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-saguaro/ 

8 Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/8-day-spring-break-national-parks-road-trip/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

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

What it’s like to kayak Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park

How we managed to see Kilauea erupting in real time at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Your task for today: Check the USGS or NPS website to see if Kilauea is still erupting, and start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime lava-viewing trip. Or, if volcanoes aren’t in the cards, look up Revolutionary War sites in the national park system to help plan your 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/our-top-3-national-park-experiences-in-2025/ 

Planning your own 2026 adventure?

Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

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

How to outsmart (or at least survive) Recreation.gov reservations and what NOT to do

What to expect in Glacier in June vs. July

Our favorite hidden gems in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

When to road trip the Mighty 5, how we travel with kids, and more!

Your task for today: We want to know whether or not you think Exploring the National Parks should be a video podcast! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/qa-recreation-gov-loophole-hidden-gems-alaska-parks-and-utahs-mighty-five/ 

Planning your own 2026 adventure?

Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

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, and Dry Tortugas National Parks

Wildlife-packed trails, guided boat tours, and quiet corners of the Everglades you might miss

Snorkeling, lighthouses, and the island-party energy of Biscayne and Boca Chita

Epic journeys through the Florida Keys on your way to Dry Tortugas

The very best spots for manatees, alligators, dolphins, and key lime pie

Your task for today: Tell us which park on this Florida road trip you are MOST excited to explore (Everglades, Biscayne, or Dry Tortugas) over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/10-day-florida-national-parks-road-trip/ 

Planning your own Florida adventure?

Episode 6: Everglades Favorites: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-6-everglades-favorites/ 

Episode 7: Everglades Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-7-everglades-fun-facts/ 

Episode 8: Everglades Stories: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories/ 

Episode 9: Everglades Trip Planning: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-9-everglades-trip-planning/ 

Episode 58: Exploring Dry Tortugas: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-dry-tortugas/ 

Episode 59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fun-facts-about-dry-tortugas-national-park/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/