Exploring the National Parks

135: Our Top 3 National Park Experiences in 2025!

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 nation...

134: Q&A - Recreation.gov Loophole, Hidden Gems, Alaska Parks, and Utah's Mighty Five

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

133: 10-Day Florida National Parks Road Trip!

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to ...

132: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Congaree National Park

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial worl...

131: Acadia Trip Report

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan P...

130: Exploring Congaree National Park: Best Tips + Activities

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with ...

129: Haunted National Parks (Vol. 3)

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

128: Yosemite Trip Report

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yosemite National Park never fails to surprise! This summer, we came for waterfalls and ended up with falling trees, surprise bear encounters, and a l...

127: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Mammoth Cave National Park

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ne...

126: Sequoia and Kings Canyon Trip Report

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

125: Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park: Best Tips + Activities

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

124: Favorite Native American National Park Sites

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the incredible Native American sites you can visit through the National Park Service...

123: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Bryce Canyon National Park

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we delve into the stunning and mysterious Bryce Canyon National Park. Join us as we discuss 5 fascina...

122: Best National Parks for Teenagers!

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into a topic near and dear to many parents' hearts: finding the perfect national park fo...

121: Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park: Best Tips + Activities

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into our most visited Utah park – Bryce Canyon National Park!  Get ready to discover...

120: Small Park Spotlight - Walnut Canyon National Monument

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're spotlighting a gem that's easy to miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument.  We’re here to tell...

119: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Capitol Reef National Park

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Capitol Reef National Park! We love this place because it's basically Utah's Mighty ...

118: 4th of July in the National Parks

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

117: Favorite National Park Road Trips!

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

116: Exploring Capitol Reef National Park: Best Tips + Activities

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

115: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Crater Lake National Park

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

114: Bear Safety Tips!

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

113: Exploring Crater Lake National Park: Best Tips + Activities

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a pl...

112: Yellowstone Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alright, Yellowstone fans! We're diving deep into the park we all know and love (almost as much as Ash loves scoring Savannah Bananas tickets!)  Toda...

111: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Petrified Forest National Park

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a flashback in time as we dive into fun facts about Petrified Forest National Park!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we'...

110: Colorado National Parks Road Trip!

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the beauty of Colorado's National Parks! We're sharing an epic 12-day road trip itin...

109: Exploring Petrified Forest National Park: Best Tips + Activities

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name park...

108: Glacier Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving deep into the top tips you need to know before you go to Glacier National Park.  Glacie...

107: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Canyonlands National Park

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into some seriously cool facts about John’s favorite Utah park—Canyonlands!  This...

106: Interview with Ranger Kelkiyana from Grand Canyon National Park

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we interviewed another park ranger! Meet Kelkiyana Yazzie, the  Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand...

105: 8-Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re mapping out the ultimate Spring Break road trip!  Get ready for a journey through five of th...

104: Exploring Canyonlands National Park: Best Tips + Activities

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re taking you to a hidden gem that deserves to be in the spotlight—Canyonlands National Park!  Though it’s often overshadowed by the ...

103: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Hot Springs National Park

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re heading back to Hot Springs National Park for a deep dive into its fascinating personality and rich history!  We’re so excited to share thi...

102: Zion Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Utah to dive into one of our all-time favorite destinations—Zion National Park! ...

101: Exploring Hot Springs National Park: Best Tips + Activities

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re taking a deep dive into Hot Springs National Park!  As one of the most-visited national park...

100: Our Top 3 National Park Experiences in 2024!

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—100 episodes! It’s also the final episode of 2024, so we’r...

99: Mail from the Trail: Jr. Rangers + Snowshoeing Parks

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back with another Mail From the Trail episode!  We reached out on the Dirt In My Shoes Insta...

98: Great Basin National Park Fun Facts: 6 Things You Didn't Know

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Thanksgiving! For this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re heading to Great Basin National Park to share some fun facts about this ...

97: Our Favorite Winter Road Trip through the National Parks

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for another road trip! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we embark on an epic 10-day winter road trip to three unforgettabl...

96: Exploring Great Basin National Park: Best Tips + Activities

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the most underrated gems in the entire national park system—Great Basin! Hardly anyone talks about this p...

95: Haunted National Parks (Vol. 2)

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re sharing some spooky stories written by John, inspired by the national parks!  Whether you believe in spirits or n...

94: Death Valley National Park Fun Facts: 5 Things You Didn't Know

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s head out to Death Valley for some fascinating fun facts! This national park protects an extreme landscape that will surprise you at every turn...

93: How to Pee and Poop Outside While Hiking

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go to the bathroom while you’re out hiking? Surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we get! In this episode of Exploring t...

92: Exploring Death Valley National Park: Best Tips + Activities

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have a confession: Death Valley wasn’t even close to the top of our travel bucket list. But once we arrived, we were blown away—it exceeded eve...

91: Small Park Spotlight - Pearl Harbor National Memorial

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We give a lot of love to the big national parks, but we also love visiting smaller and off-the-beaten-path sites run by the NPS.   In today’s Smal...

90: 6 Fun Facts About Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re excited about volcanoes, this Exploring the National Parks episode is for you!  Today,  we're diving into six fun facts about Hawai’i ...

89: Hiking the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to hit the trail in Acadia National Park? Come hiking with us as we share our favorite tips for hiking the famous Beehive Trail in Acadi...

88: Exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Best Tips + Activities

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aloha friends! Today’s episode takes us on a journey across the ocean to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!  This park protects some of the most ac...

87: Road Trip! Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky National Parks!

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s go on an adventure! This summer, we took a road trip through some of our favorite parks, plus we added in a few places we had never been to be...

86: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts About Mount Rainier National Park

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going to dazzle you with some fun facts about Mount Rainier National Park!  This mountain ha...

85: Mail from the Trail: Rim-to-Rim Trail + Hiking Essentials

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are back with another Mail from the Trail episode!  We are diving into your burning questions abo...

84: Exploring Mount Rainier National Park: Best Tips + Activities

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As one of the most intriguing and *potentially* deadly volcanoes in America, Mount Rainier has been on people’s radars for a long time.  So today, ...

83: Hiking the Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are going on an adventure in Ash’s favorite national park—Grand Teton! We’re hiking through Cascade Canyon, the most popular longer tr...

82: Mesa Verde National Park Fun Facts: 5 Things You Didn't Know

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are headed back to one of our favorite National Parks — Mesa Verde! We are diving into the fun f...

81: Insider Tips for Driving Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to drive one of the most epic roads in any national park – Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road!  In this episode of Exploring the Nationa...

80: Exploring Mesa Verde National Park: Best Tips + Activities

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are exploring Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park in this episode of Exploring the National Parks. This unique national park is for anyone who lo...

79: Five Fun Facts About Cuyahoga Valley National Park

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You may not have even heard of this park, so you’re in for a real treat! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing our favo...

78: 5 Best Iconic Yosemite Valley Views for First-Time Visitors

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer -- Yosemite! Today on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, w...

77: Interview with Ranger Ryan from Lewis and Clark NHT

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are doing something new on the podcast! We want to start interviewing some of the coolest people on the planet – park rangers! For our very first...

76: Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Best Tips + Activities

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio!  This national park is so incredible because...

75: Mailbag - Camping Tips and Best Trails for Solo Hiking

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a mailbag episode! We are diving into some of the questions we have gotten from you guys...

74: Five Fun Facts About Glacier Bay National Park

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we journey back to Alaska for some fascinating Glacier Bay fun facts! Ash, who worked as a park ranger in Glacier Bay National Park, and Jo...

73: Best Places to See Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that time of year again — time to start thinking about Yellowstone National Park! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we discuss...

72: Exploring Glacier Bay: Trip Planning Tips and Activities

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring a park that is near and dear to our hearts – Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska! ...

71: Epic 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s hit the road and travel to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re ...

70: Olympic National Park Fun Facts - Things You Didn't Know

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s head back to Olympic National Park for some fun facts! There is so much to share about this unique national park that it was kind of hard to n...

69: New National Park Contenders

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about potential future national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're diving into emerging candidates that you won't w...

68: Exploring Olympic National Park - How to Plan the Best Trip

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Olympic National Park! This huge national park has so much diversity and unique qual...

67: National Parks on a Budget - Tips for Saving Money

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to explore the national parks but on a tight budget? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks!  Visiting the national...

66: Arches Fun Facts

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to learn some fun facts about Arches National Park!  This is one of the coolest parks to visit, so we are so excited to jump into these t...

65: The First Five National Parks

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are getting a little nerdy! We have been making lists of the national parks by size, visitation, a...

64: Exploring Arches

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s explore Arches! We visit this national park at least once a year, and we never run out of things to do because there is just so much to see in...

63: Favorite Campgrounds in the National Parks

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Which national park campground is the best? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are doing a full-on WWE-style smackdown! We each picke...

62: Big Bend Fun Facts

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing 5 fun facts about Big Bend National Park! We recently shared our favorite activities a...

61: 2024 in the National Parks - What to Expect

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a brand new year, and in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are discussing what you can expect in the national parks in 2024! Gra...

60: Exploring Big Bend

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth ...

59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is our last podcast episode of 2023, and we are Florida dreaming! Today we are sharing our favorite fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park. ...

58: Exploring Dry Tortugas

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Raise the mast!  Swab the deck!  Arrr mateys, do you love pirates? If so, you’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks!  We ...

57: Tips for Hiking with Kids

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wondering how to get your kids to happily hike in the national parks with you? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our top...

56: Joshua Tree Fun Facts

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are California dreamin’ with some Joshua Tree National Park fun facts. If you are looking for a ...

55: National Park Foods (Thanksgiving Edition)

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our favorite places to eat in the national parks, but with...

54: Exploring Joshua Tree

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s head to California to explore a park that is amazing to visit this time of year- Joshua Tree National Park!  This incredible park has some tr...

53: Favorite Winter Parks (Warm Weather Edition)

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about going somewhere fun this winter to break up the long, cold days? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks! ...

52: Zion Fun Facts

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to learn some interesting facts about Zion National Park? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, John is taking the reins and sharing ...

51: Haunted National Parks

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Halloween is right around the corner, and today we are talking about some supernatural and paranormal fun in this episode of Exploring the National Pa...

50: Exploring Zion

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for an adventure? We have just the park for you! In this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the incredible Zion National Park.  We have...

49: Best National Parks for Young Kids

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you hoping to show your kids the beauty and wonder of the national parks? We are sharing our favorite parks to explore if you have toddlers or you...

48: Great Smoky Mountains Fun Facts

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s finally October, which means it is prime leaf-peeping season!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are excited to talk about o...

47: Chasing Waterfalls in the National Parks

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there anything more fascinating to us than falling water? We absolutely love waterfalls! So in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are...

46: Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a more life-giving place than Great Smoky Mountain National Park? We don’t think there is! This is the time of year this park really shines...

45: National Park Foods (Part 2)

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are revisiting one of John’s favorite topics- food! This is Volume 2 of our favorite food that y...

44: Rocky Mountain Fun Facts

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who’s ready to learn some Rocky Mountain fun facts?! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some fun facts about this park ...

43: Favorite Fall National Parks

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fall is here!  The national parks are absolutely incredible this time of year because the crowds die down, the air is crisp, and the colors are vibra...

42: Exploring Rocky Mountain -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to get Rocky Mountain high? We are heading over to Colorado for this episode of Exploring the National Parks!  We recently got back from visiti...

41: National Park Foods (Part 1)

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about food in the national parks! One of the top requests we have received on this podcast is to talk about food. So in this episode of E...

40: Acadia Fun Facts

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into the fun facts of Acadia National Park!  This park is probably cooler than you thi...

39: Swimming Holes in the Parks - Grand Teton, Redwood, and Crater Lake

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to learn about a few more of our favorite places to cool off in the national parks?  This is part two of the best swimming holes that t...

38: Exploring Acadia -- Best Views, Trails, and Activities

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s take a trip to Ash’s favorite national park on the East Coast - Acadia National Park! If we’re being honest, Acadia is unlike anything you...

37: Funny National Park Stories (Vol. 2)

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There’s never a dull moment when you’re hiking out in the national parks! In this episode, we are sharing Volume Two of our funny stories in the n...

36: Hiking Angels Landing

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s head to the top of Angels Landing!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are covering one of the most epic and well-known hike...