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 the loneliest park in the lower 48
Acadia’s Devil’s Oven sea cave, low tide, and why the NPS wants you to give it space
Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that there's a lot more to our national parks than meets the eye! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know what you think. What's your favorite spooky story from a national park?
Planning your own spooky adventures?
Dirt In My Shoes National Parks 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/
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/haunted-national-parks-vol-3/
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128: Yosemite Trip Report
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 Yosemite National Park!
Timing your visit and the best time to explore Yosemite
Iconic sights like Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan
Six lessons we learned from unexpected events, including weather and wildlife encounters
Your task for today: Head over to the @DirtinMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and share your Yosemite plans for 2026! Are you chasing waterfalls, hiking near Half Dome, or exploring the High Sierra? Tell us your dream spots and what you’re most excited to see.
Planning your own Yosemite adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Yosemite Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yosemite-itinerary/
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/
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/yosemite-trip-report/
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127: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Mammoth Cave National Park
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, and share five mind-blowing things you never knew about this amazing national park.
Join us as we discuss...
Why Mammoth Cave is a true "behemoth" in the world of caves, dwarfing its closest competition by a monumental margin
The five distinct levels of passageways in this fascinating park
The unexpected truth about the name of this massive national park
The inspiring story of the legendary explorers who guided people through the cave and what they did to earn their freedom
The exact moment Mammoth Cave became the longest cave system in the world
We hope we've convinced you that Mammoth Cave is much more than a bunch of empty tunnels. Make sure to put it on your National Park bucket list!
Your task for today: Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages, and let us know what you think! What are you most excited about when it comes to this park? We'd love to hear from you!
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.
Getting ready for a trip to Mammoth Cave, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!
Mammoth Cave Podcast Episodes
Mammoth Cave Free Resources
Master Reservation List
National Park Checklist
National Park Trip Packing List
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126: Sequoia and Kings Canyon Trip Report
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 Sequoia Kings!
Join us as we discuss...
Why the lodges in Sequoia Kings are all about location, location, location, and not much else
The heartbreaking reality of the 2021 fire and the lessons we learned about the importance of natural fire cycles
The terrifying moment that reminded us why you need to be extra careful around water
The way that we learned how “widow maker” trees got their name
Why we were completely unprepared for our hilariously disastrous boat ride on Hume Lake
The insane, reality TV-worthy spectacle we witnessed right in front of us
If you’re planning your first or your next trip to Sequoia Kings, we hope these lessons will help you have a smooth and unforgettable trip!
If you have any of your own stories to share about Sequoia Kings, be sure to head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know!
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.
Getting ready for a trip to Sequoia Kings, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!
Sequoia Kings Podcast Episodes
Sequoia Kings Free Resources
Master Reservation List
National Park Checklist
National Park Trip Packing List
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125: Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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, as well as our hilarious mishaps while navigating tight spots and low ceilings.
Join us as we discuss...
Why Mammoth Cave's "subway tunnels" and vast size are more impressive than traditional cave decorations
The importance of booking your cave tour reservations in advance to avoid disappointment
Our top tour recommendations for first-time visitors, including the "Historic Extended" and "Domes and Dripstones" tours
John's hilarious struggles with low ceilings and narrow passageways in sections like "Fat Man's Misery" and "Tall Man's Agony"
The fascinating history of Mammoth Cave, including its use as a tuberculosis ward and the role of enslaved African-Americans as early tour guides.
Whether you're a seasoned caving pro or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, we hope these tips will have you ready to explore this spectacular underground world. Just be sure to check how tall you are before you go!
Today’s task: Would you prefer to take a tour to learn about the human history of Mammoth Cave, or are you more interested in learning about the domes and dripstones? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
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.
Getting ready for a trip to Mammoth Cave, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!
Mammoth Cave Podcast Episodes
Mammoth Cave Free Resources
Master Reservation List
National Park Checklist
National Park Trip Packing List
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!
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