Gaze At the National Parks
Episodes
102- West Beach Trails: Indiana Dunes National Park
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike hike through the trails on the West Beach of Indiana Dunes National Park. Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @GazeAtTheNati...
Pride Mix: Drag Laws
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty look at the upswing of anti-drag legislation across American state houses.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @GazeAtTheNati...
101- Bog, Bailly, & Baldy: Indiana Dunes National Park
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike hike the Bog Trail, tour the Bailly Homestead, and climb Mt. Baldy in Indiana Dunes National Park.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comIn...
Pride Mix: A Queerstory of Drag
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first Pride Mix of Season 5, Mike and Dusty take a look at the extremely long timeline of drag performance and its roots in ancient theatre. We...
100- 100 Trails
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special 100th episode of Gaze at the National Parks, the Podcast, Mike and Dusty look at the 35 National Parks they have visited and the ...
Trail Mix: Poopoo Peepee
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You read that right! Mike and Dusty unearth the new guidelines disposal of human waste while recreating in National Parks and other natural spaces. We...
99- 3 Dune Challenge: Indiana Dunes National Park
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike grunt their way up the Three Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes National Park. Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @GazeAtTheNa...
Trail Mix: Nature of Sand Dunes
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty breakdown the science behind the formation, development, and evolution of sand dunes. Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @G...
98- 9, 10, & 2: Indiana Dunes National Park
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike 3 trails in the Indiana Dunes State Park, adjacent to the Indiana Dunes National Park and discover the lush green marsh land of th...
Trail Mix: Driving Curiosity with Maygen Keller and Emily Hoff
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special Trail Mix interview, Mike and Dusty sit down with Maygen Keller and Emily Hoff and speak with them about their book Scenic Scienc...
97- Badlands Loop Road: Badlands National Park
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty explore the Fossil Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and venture onto the Badlands Park Road to the Fossil Exhibit Trail, Panorama P...
Trail Mix: Fossils of the Badlands
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Badlands National Parks is known for its fossils. In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty uncover the geologic history of the creatures whose fossils remain...
96- Castle Trail: Badlands National Park
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike hike the Castle Trail, the Medicine Root Trail, and the Saddle Pass Trails in Badlands National Park.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.co...
Trail Mix: Geology of the Badlands
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty dive deep into the geologic layers of the Badlands and the timeline of their formations.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: ...
95- Window, Door, Notch: Badlands National Park
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Badlands National Park, Dusty and Mike hike the Window, Door, and Notch Trails.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @GazeAtTheNationalPar...
Trail Mix: Coal Vein Fires
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by the Coal Vein Trail of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mike and Dusty uncover the details, causes, and geological effects of coal vein a...
94- North Achenbach Trail: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty depart the Caprock Coulee Trail and descend a canyon to hike the North Achenbach Trail in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National...
Trail Mix: Science of Grasslands
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by the ecosystems of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mike and Dusty breakdown the Science of Grasslands, one of our biggest resources in ba...
93- Caprock Coulee Trail: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mike and Dusty pass rabbits, badlands, and slumps while hiking the Caprock Coulee Trail.Website...
Trail Mix: Wildlife of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty cover all of the various wildlife within Theodore Roosevelt National Park including pronghorns, bison, badgers, prai...
92- Coal Vein Trail: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a particularly punchy episode, Mike and Dusty hike the Coal Vein Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and explore Medora, North Dakota.Website...
Trail Mix: The Antiquities Act
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty unpack the history and development of the Antiquities Act and its role in establishing National Monuments and National Parks.Website: G...
91- Wind Canyon Trail: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty drive and hike the trails off the loop road in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including the Wind Canyon Trail, all...
Trail Mix: 2022 Park Victories and Losses
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover the highs and lows, the peaks and valleys, the victories and losses in the National Parks and the National Park Service during 20...
90- Petrified Forest Loop: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On their first day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mike and Dusty hike across badlands and grasslands on the epic Petrified Forest Loop.Website: ...
89- The Bridge Walk: New River Gorge National Park
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike conquer the Bridge Walk in New River Gorge with special guests Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy of Grandma Joy's Road Trip.Website: GazeAt...
Trail Mix: Engaging with Rivers
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can we engage with rivers in a meaningful way? And what does that look like? In this Trail Mix, Dusty sits down with Heather Fenyk, the founder an...
88- Thurmond: New River Gorge National Park
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty visit Thurmond, the ghost town inside New River Gorge National Park.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @GazeAtTheNationalPa...
Trail Mix: Pets in the Parks
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike take a look at the policies, procedures, and precautions when traveling with pets in the National Parks.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks...
87- Castle Rock Trail: New River Gorge National Park
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike the Castle Rock Trail as well as the Tunnel Trail and the Gradview Rim Trail in the Grandview Area of New River Gorge National Par...
Trail Mix: The Science of Gorges
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike break down the scientific process of gorge creation, and break down all of the landforms inside of the nesting doll leading up to gorge...
86- Big Branch Trail: New River Gorge National Park
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike the Big Branch Trail in the Sandstone Falls area of New River Gorge National Park.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @...
Trail Mix: Ghost Towns
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty uncover ghost towns, or abandoned towns, within the National Park Service, and in American history.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comI...
85- Sandstone Falls: New River Gorge National Park
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike the boardwalks and the Island Loop Trail in the Sandstone Falls Area of New River Gorge National Park.Birds featured in trail reco...
Trail Mix: National Rivers
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover river ecology and the history of the designation of National and Scenic River.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstagram: @Gaz...
84 - Long Point Trail: New River Gorge National Park
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike the Long Point trail at two different times of the year in New River Gorge National Park.Website: GazeAtTheNationalParks.comInstag...
Trail Mix: "National Parks A-Z: Acadia to Zion" with Gus D'Angelo
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first Trail Mix of Season 5, Mike and Dusty interview author and illustrator Gus D'Angelo about his new book "National Parks A-Z: Acadi...
83- Canyon Rim & Scenic Drive: New River Gorge National Park
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of Season 5, Dusty and Mike hike the Canyon Rim and travel the Fayette Station Road scenic drive in New River Gorge National Par...
Season 5 Trail Map
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To kick off the start of Season 5, Mike and Dusty uncover the National Parks that will be visited in Season 5 in an entire episode of trivia.Website: ...
Trail Mix- Climate "Change"
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty cover the Inflation Reduction Act and the court case West Virginia v. the EPA and discuss their impact on clim...
S4 Summit: Hiking Trails
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of the Season 4 Summit, and the final episode of Season 4. Mike and Dusty look at all of the hiking trails featured this seas...
S4 Summit: Histories
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the third part of the Season 4 Summit, Mike and Dusty look at the histories and perspectives connected to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton Na...
S4 Summit: Environment
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of the Season 4 Summit, Mike and Dusty take a look at Climate Change and its effect on the environments of Yellowstone National Par...
S4 Summit: Visitorship
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first installment of the Season 4 Summit, Mike and Dusty cover Visitorship, accessibility, and what to prioritize in the parks from Season 4 in...
Pride Mix: Trans Rights
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty look at the sweeping attack on trans rights in state houses across the country, and ways we can help.For more of our episodes on hikes ...
82- Scenic Point Trail: Glacier National Park
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On their final day in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty head over to the Two Medicine area to hike the Scenic Point Trail.For more of our episodes...
Pride Mix: Say Gay
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty look at the details of Florida's Don't Say Gay Bill and it's implications, and discuss what it means to be a queer educator...
81- Sunrift Gorge: Glacier National Park
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the third and final episode of the Siyeh Pass hike in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty make the epic descent from Sexton Glacier to Sunrift Go...
Pride Mix: Queer Legal History
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first Pride Mix of Season 4, Mike and Dusty look at the laws, policies, and practices from America's queer legal history.For more of our e...
80- Sexton Glacier Trail: Glacier National Park
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty continue the Siyeh Pass hike with Becky Lomax in Glacier National Park, but veer off trail to hike up to Sexton Glacier.For more of our...
Trail Mix: Conversations with Becky Lomax
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike sit down with trail guide and travel author Becky Lomax to discuss Glacier National Park and beyond.For more of our episodes on hikes i...
79- Piegan Pass Trail: Glacier National Park
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of a three episode series on hiking Siyeh Pass in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty hike the first leg of this epic trek along the Pi...
Trail Mix: Bear Aware
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty unpack the recommended behaviors and actions of bear awareness.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, cli...
78- Hidden Lake Trail: Glacier National Park
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On a very early morning, Dusty and Mike hike the Hidden Lake Trail from Logan Pass in Glacier National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in this ...
Trail Mix: National Park Week Trivia
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS! To celebrate National Park Week 2022, it's an all trivia Trail Mix!For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, cli...
77- Grinnell Glacier Trail: Glacier National Park
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On their fourth day in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty head to the Many Glacier area to hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail from the Many Glacier Lo...
Trail Mix with Moon Travel Guides: Hilary Nangle and Acadia NP
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty sit down with Moon Travel Author Hilary Nangle to chat all about Acadia National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and oth...
76- The Highline Trail: The Way Back- Glacier National Park
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of their hike on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty climb the grueling Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail and make the...
Trail Mix: Going to the Sun Road
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike cover the history and construction of Going to the Sun road in Glacier National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and othe...
75 - The Highline Trail: The Way Out- Glacier National Park
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of two episodes on the The Highline Trail, Mike and Dusty hike the Highline in Glacier National Park from Logan Pass to the juncture of t...
Trail Mix with Moon Travel Guides: Jenna Blough, Death Valley NP & Joshua Tree NP
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike sit down with Moon Travel Guide Author Jenna Blough to discuss Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Palm Springs,...
74- Avalanche Lake Trail: Glacier National Park
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On their second day in Glacier National Park, Mike and Dusty encounter an unforeseen struggle that unexpectedly brings them to West Glacier, the Trail...
Trail Mix: The Science of Glaciers
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty unpack the geological history and scientific process of glaciers, breakdown the various types of glaciers, and play a dramatic round of...
73- Forward and Backward: Glacier National Park
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Things don't go exactly as planned as Mike and Dusty hike the Point Lookout Trail, Lake McDonald Trail, and John's Lake Loop Trail in Glacier ...
Trail Mix with Moon Travel Guides: Jason Frye & Great Smoky Mountains NP
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty sit down with Moon Travel Guide Author Jason Frye to discuss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoa...
72- Apgar Lookout: Glacier National Park
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In their first day in Glacier National Park, Dusty and Mike brave Going to the Sun Road for the first time and hike the Apgar Lookout Trail.For more o...
Trail Mix: The Jackson Hole Plan
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike break down the difference between preservation and conservation, the history of white supremacy in conservation, and how it played a ro...
71- The Long Way Back: Grand Teton National Park
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On their second day in Grand Tetons National Park, Mike and Dusty finally reach Amphitheatre Lake after 18 exhausting switchbacks on the Amphitheatre ...
Trail Mix: Biden Climate Report Card
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty take a look at the promises on Climate Change made by the Biden campaign, and how the Biden administration is holding up on these promi...
70 - 18 Switchbacks: Grand Teton National Park
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike up the 18 switchbacks on the Ampitheatre Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and oth...
Trail Mix: Bark Beetles
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike break down the role of bark beetles in the life cycle of a forest and why they are so prevalent in Grand Teton National Park.For more o...
69- Jenny Lake & Inspiration Point: Grand Teton National Park
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty continue on from Paintbrush Canyon and hike around Jenny Lake and up to Inspiration Point, and also have their first bear encounter.For...
Trail Mix: Science of the Tetons
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty breakdown the science and geology behind the formation of the Grand Tetons.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National...
68- Paintbrush Canyon- Grand Teton National Park
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On their first hike in Grand Teton National Park, Dusty and Mike make their way up the the Paintbrush Canyon Trail up to Holly Lake.For more of our ep...
Trail Mix: MMIWG2S
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty unpack the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirits in America.For more of our episod...
67- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On their final day in Yellowstone National Park, Mike and Dusty hike the South Rim Trail along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone Nati...
Trail Mix: Gray Wolves of Yellowstone
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty look at the dark history of gray wolves during the beginnings of Western colonization, and the success of their restoration in Yellowst...
66- Fairy Falls & Follies: Yellowstone National Park
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What was supposed to be a five mile loop quickly becomes a sixteen-mile there-and-back trail when Mike and Dusty take a wrong turn and end up in the b...
Trail Mix: Buffalo
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover the current state of the buffalo and its complicated history in North America.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other...
65- Old Faithful: Yellowstone National Park
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In their second day in Yellowstone National Park, Mike and Dusty walk through more paintpots, see Old Faitful erupt, and explore the Upper Geyser Basi...
Trail Mix: Land Back
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Trail Mix, Dusty and Mike cover the repeated history of white settlers stealing Indigenous land, the roots of the Land Back Movemen...
64- Lost Lake Loop: Yellowstone National Park
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty continue to make their way through the North end of Yellowstone National Park by exploring Yellowstone Village, hiking the Lost Lake Lo...
Trail Mix: Supervolcano
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike unpack the science behind supervolcanos and the history of Yellowstone National Park's supervolcanic activity.For more of our episo...
63- Paintpots, Geysers, and Springs: Yellowstone National Park
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of Season 4, Mike and Dusty hike the boardwalks of Yellowstone National Park including paintpots, the Norris Geyser Basin, and Ma...
Season 4 Trail Map
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome you to Season 4! In this Trail Map for the upcoming Season 4, Dusty and Mike play game after game to reveal the National Parks of Season 4.For...
Trail Mix: Summer in the Parks with Gaze
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a bonus Trail Mix during the hiatus between Season 3 and Season 4, Mike and Dusty report back from five weeks on the road in ten National Parks, co...
S3 Summit: Hiking Trails
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 4 of the Season 3 Summit, Mike and Dusty look at all of the Hiking Trails across all of the National Parks visited in Season 3, which include ...
S3 Summit: Histories
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 3 of the Season 3 Summit, Mike and Dusty look at the histories and historical perspectives of the National Parks visited in Season 3, which in...
S3 Summit: Wildlife
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of the Season 3 Summit, Mike and Dusty look at Wildlife including animals, plants and ecosystems of the National Parks visited in Season 3, ...
S3 Summit: Visitorship
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 of the Season 3 Summit, Mike and Dusty look at Visitorship across the NPS but specifically how it applies to the National Parks visited in S...
Pride Mix: Tamara Ching and the Compton's Cafeteria Riots
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the final Pride Mix of 2021, Dusty and Mike cover the story of trans activist Tamra Ching and the turning point in queer history known as the Compt...
Pride Mix: Crystal Jang
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the third installment of Pride Mix 2021, Dusty and Mike cover the story of Crystal Jang and her advocacy work to make her college campus a more inc...
Pride Mix: Rosalie Bamberger and the Daughters of Bilitis
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the second installment of Pride Mix 2021, Dusty and Mike cover the story of Rosalie Bamberger and how she helped to create the Daughters of Bilitis...
Pride Mix: Dr. Margaret Chung
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the first installment of Pride Mix 2021, Mike and Dusty share the life and work of Dr. Margaret Chung, icon of queer history, and the first in a se...
62- Gettysburg National Military Park: Part 3
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this last installment on the Gettysburg National Military Park, Mike and Dusty cover the third day of the Gettysburg Battle and hiking the horse tr...
Trail Mix: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks with Leigh Bernacchi and Patrick Rodden
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special Trail Mix, Dusty and Mike sit down with Moon Travel Author Leigh Bernacchi and Photographer Patrick Rodden to discuss all things ...
61- Gettysburg National Military Park: Part 2
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 on Gettysburg National Military Park, Mike and Dusty cover the second day of the Gettysburg battle, the next leg of the Gettysburg driving t...
Trail Mix: Grandma Joy's Road Trip
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty sit down with Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy of Grandma Joy's Road Trip to chat about their journey thro...
60- Gettysburg National Military Park: Part 1
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 on Gettysburg National Military Park, Dusty and Mike cover the first day of the Gettysburg battle and the first part of the Gettysburg Drivi...
National Park Week: The 7 Leave No Trace Principles
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate National Park Week, Mike and Dusty dive into the 7 Leave No Trace Principles as created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, ...