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.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
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117: Favorite National Park Road Trips!
Ready to rev your engines and explore the best of America's (and Canada's!) national parks? Join us in this episode of Exploring the National Parks as we round up our all-time favorite road trips- perfect for this road trip season!
From the stunning peaks of the Pacific Northwest to the iconic landscapes of the Southwest, we're sharing our top tips and must-see destinations. And because every great road trip needs great snacks, we're even pairing each route with a fun potato-themed dish!
Join us as we discuss:
A 10-day adventure through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky
An epic journey through the Pacific Northwest, featuring towering redwoods and fiery volcanoes
A 14-day trip through the Canadian Rockies, complete with jaw-dropping glaciers
A jam-packed Black Hills road trip in South Dakota, where you can experience a ton of amazing sites without spending too much time in the car
A grand tour of the Southwest, hitting nine national parks in 14 days and encountering landscapes so otherworldly, you won't believe they're on Earth
We hope you found this episode helpful and that it inspires you to plan your own perfect road trip this summer! You can find more details on each of these road trips in Episode 87, Episode 21, Episode 25, Episode 29, and Episode 15. And don't forget your potato delicacies!
For your task today, let us know which road trip you’re most excited for! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your pick!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
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116: Exploring Capitol Reef National Park: Best Tips + Activities
Get ready for a wild and informative journey to one of Utah's hidden gems! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are spilling all the details on Capitol Reef National Park.
We'll share our personal experiences, from navigating the park's unique landscape to indulging in some seriously delicious pie. If you're planning a Utah road trip or simply dreaming of stunning red rock scenery, this episode is your ticket to Capitol Reef!
Join us as we discuss…
Capitol Reef's location in relation to Utah's "Mighty Five"
Capitol Reef's mind-bending tilted rock formations that look almost unreal
The Fruita Historic District, the park's hub for history, orchards, and, of course, pie!
Must-hike trails, including Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch
Exploring Capitol Reef's wild side: Unpaved roads and backcountry adventures
Why Capitol Reef deserves more than just a quick stop
Details about our new Capitol Reef itinerary
We hope you enjoyed exploring Capitol Reef with us! This park is an absolute must-visit – add it to your list!
If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and use code REEF25 for 25% off the Capitol Reef Itinerary!
Your task for today: We want to know what you are most excited about for your trip to Capitol Reef. Are you captivated by Cathedral Valley? The Burr Trail? Or the unique Fruita area, where all the Utah national parks seem to converge? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Capitol Reef, check out all of our Capitol Reef Podcast Episodes.
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115: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Crater Lake National Park
Get ready to have your mind blown by some Crater Lake National Park fun facts! Sure, it's got that insanely blue water, but this park is hiding some seriously epic secrets.
We're diving deep (pun intended!) into the crazy volcanic history of the park, sharing some jaw-dropping facts that'll make you see Crater Lake in a whole new light. Come along as we dive into the science, history, and mythology of one of America’s most stunning national parks!
Join us as we discuss:
The colossal volcanic eruption that made Crater Lake one of the largest explosions the Cascades has seen in a million years
Why the eruption left such a mark on the native people that they considered the area too sacred to even look at
The massive eruption that was so large that the volcano literally lost 8,000 feet off its peak
The mystery of the lake so deep, it holds the title of the deepest in the entire United States
The shocking purity of Crater Lake's legendary blue water
We hope you enjoyed learning all about Crater Lake National Park with us! We barely scratched the surface of this incredible park, but we hope you get a chance to get out there and see this stunning park for yourself.
For your mission today, tell us: What's calling to you most at Crater Lake? Is it the powerful story of the volcano, the crater left by Mount Mazama, or the unbelievably blue lake? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!
Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.
And for more information about Crater Lake, check out these Crater Lake Podcast Episodes and Crater Lake Trip Planning Articles.
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114: Bear Safety Tips!
Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks.
From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country!
Join us as we discuss:
Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack
Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively
We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills.
Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.
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!