Gaze At the National Parks
Episodes
59- Catoctin Mountain Park: West Side Trails
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On the next day, Mike and Dusty hike the wilder trails on the West Side of Catoctin Mountain in Maryland.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and...
58- Catoctin Mountain Park: East Side Trails
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Mike and Dusty hike the East Side Trails of Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland.For more of our episodes on hi...
Trail Mix: Scenic Byways
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty explore the history and designation of Scenic Byways and All American Roads.For more of our episodes on hikes in thi...
57- Beech Mountain: Acadia National Park
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On the final leg of the final day, Mike and Dusty scale up the trails to Beech Mountain on the West side of Acadia national Park.For more of our episo...
Trail Mix: Camping Gear- Love it or Leave it
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty go over all of the camping gear, what they love, what they use, and what they leave behind.Website: GazeAtTheNationa...
56- Bernard Mountain: Acadia National Park
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty explore the West side of Acadia National Park. After parking at the bottom tip of Long Pond, the hike the trail around Mansell Mountain...
Trail Mix: Camping Tips & Tricks
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty break down all of the hacks and plans that went into becoming first time campers.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other Na...
55- The Tarn to Sand Beach: Acadia National Park
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On the second half of a 14 mile loop, Dusty and Mike hike from the Tarn up to the Cadillac Mountain Ridge and then back down through Otter Cove and ba...
Trail Mix: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover the designation of National Wildlife Refuge and the recent regulations involving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.For more of ...
54- Beehive to Huguenot Head: Acadia National Park
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At the beginning of what would be a 17 mile day hike, Mike and Dusty ascend The Beehive, continue on to Champlain Mountain, and finally arrive at Hugu...
Trail Mix: Biden's Environmental Plan
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover all of the details of the Biden Administration's Plan to address Climate Change.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and...
53- The Schoodic Peninsula: Acadia National Park
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike return to Acadia National Park and hike the picturesque forest on the Schoodic Peninsula.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and ...
Trail Mix: MLK Day of Service
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mike and Dusty explore the history of the holiday and its designation as an official Day of Service.For ...
52- The South Rim Trail: Grand Canyon National Park
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike the South Rim Trail in Grand Canyon National Park on the final days of a trip that also included Utah and Arizona.For more of our ...
Trail Mix: Petroglyphs
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty cover the history and purpose of petroglyphs and all of the places to see them within the NPS.For more of our episodes on hikes in this...
51- Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty visit the trails and views of the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest while en route from Canyonlands to Grand Canyon.For more of o...
Trail Mix: The Electorate
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty cover the history and function of the Electoral College.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National...
50- Hidden Valley Trail: Joshua Tree National Park
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On their second day in Joshua Tree, Mike and Dusty hike the Hidden Valley Trail and the Cholla Cactus Garden.For more of our episodes on hikes in this...
Trail Mix: The Lungs of North America
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix about Tongass National Forest, nicknamed the Lungs of North America, Mike and Dusty break down the updates on why Tongass National F...
49 - 49 Palms Oasis: Joshua Tree National Park
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On their first trip to Joshua Tree National Park, Mike and Dusty explore Jumbo Rock and hike to 49 Palms Oasis.For more of our episodes on hikes in th...
Trail Mix: National Forests
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty cover National Forests, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation, and their distinctions f...
48- The Dunefield: Great Sand Dunes National Park
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty wrap up their time in Colorado with a trip to The Dunefield at Great Sand Dunes National Park along with some sledding and some hot spr...
Trail Mix: Wildfires
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty report on the state of the California wildfires and the indigenous forest management practices that could serve as a potential solution...
47- Cliff Palace: Mesa Verde National Park
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On their final day at Mesa Verde National Park, Mike and Dusty see Cliff Palace.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, c...
Trail Mix: Canyon of the Ancients
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Left with some extra time while visiting Mesa Verde National Park, Mike and Dusty hike the Sand Canyon Trail at the Canyon of the Ancients National Mo...
46- The Petroglyphs Trail: Mesa Verde National Park
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode in Mesa Verde National Park, Dusty and Mike hike Canyons of the Ancients, visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, and hike t...
Trail Mix: Indigenous Peoples Day
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the first Trail Mix of Season 3, Mike and Dusty cover the dark truth about Christopher Columbus, the beginnings of Columbus Day in the United State...
45- Point Lookout Trail: Mesa Verde National Park
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the premiere of Season 3, Mike and Dusty drive along Mesa Top Ruins Road and get out at all of the overlooks and then hike the Point Lookout Trail....
Season 3 Trail Map
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 3 Trail Map, Dusty and Mike play Guess the Park to reveal which National Parks will be featured in Season 3. Play along and guess that p...
Trail Mix: Without A Trace
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the Final Trail Mix of Season 2, Mike and Dusty offer a follow up to their coverage of John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt as well as dive deep into the ...
Trail Mix: Great American Outdoors Act
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty unpack the origin, details, and context for the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act.For more of our episodes on hikes in this a...
S2 Summit: Hiking Trails
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of the Season 2 Summit, Dusty and Mike compare all of the hiking trails from the National Parks of Season 2.For more of our e...
S2 Summit: Histories
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty take you through the indigenous, colonial, and economic histories of the National Parks featured in Season 2.For more of our episodes o...
S2 Summit: Wildlife
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of the Season Two Summit, Mike and Dusty uncover and recount the plants and animals featured in each park from Season Two.For more of our ep...
S2 Summit: Visitorship
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the first installment of the End of Season 2 Summit Series, Mike and Dusty look at Visitorship and access across the parks of Season 2, including H...
Trail Mix: Monument(al) Failure
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty look at the crossroads of our public lands, American history, and the past and present context of Confederate Monume...
44- Chimney Rock: Capitol Reef National Park
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As a way to end the day in Capitol Reef National Park, Mike and Dusty hike the picturesque Chimney Rock loop trail.For more of our episodes on hikes i...
Trail Mix: Protest and the NPS
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Dusty and Mike uncover the history of protest at National Park Sites, report on current protests, and look at the significance of h...
43- Grand Wash Trail: Capitol Reef National Park
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty attempt to hitchhike down Hwy 24 and hike the Grand Wash Trail in Capitol Reef National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in this ...
Pride Mix: Marsha P. Johnson
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the final Pride Mix of 2020, Dusty and Mike tell you all about Marsha P. Johnson, her legacy, her work, and contribution to queer history.For more ...
Pride Mix: Stonewall and Storme DeLarverie
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Pride Mix, Dusty and Mike breaks down some of the myths connected to the Stonewall Uprising and share the story of Storme DeLarverie.For more ...
Pride Mix: Cathay WIlliams
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the third Pride Mix of Pride Month 2020, Dusty and Mike tell you all about Cathay Williams, the first documented black woman to serve in the U.S. M...
Pride Mix: Mabel Hampton
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Pride Mix, Dusty and Mike tell you all about Mabel Hampton and the story of the Lesbian Herstory Archive.For more of our episodes on hikes in ...
Pride Mix: Bayard Rustin
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Season 2's first Pride Mix, Mike and Dusty celebrate the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin, a gay man whose work in the Civil Rights Movement ma...
42- The Frying Pan Trail: Capitol Reef National Park
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the hot desert sun, Dusty and Mike venture across the Frying Pan Trail in the breathtakingly beautiful Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.For more ...
Trail Mix: John Muir
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From his 1000 mile walk to his theories on glacial geology, to the camping trip that shaped American history, Dusty and Mike break down the life and t...
41- Cassidy Arch: Capitol Reef National Park
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike to Cassidy Arch in the breathtaking and often over looked Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.For more of our episodes on hikes in ...
Trail Mix: Love it or Leave it
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty cover every kind of gear, clothing, food, and item you might bring with you on a trail.For more of our episodes on h...
40- Channel Islands National Park: Part 2
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty complete the Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, venture up the Potato Harbor Road, and hike across the North Bluff Trail in Channel Islands Na...
National Park Week- Throwback Thursday: Other Great National Parks Podcasts (Bonus Episode)
26 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This very special episode we bring to you today was produced by The America’s National Parks Podcast for Throwback Thursday of National Park Week. I...
Trail Mix: National Park Week
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty break down what is National Park Week and how they are going to celebrate it, and invite you to join with them.For more of our episodes...
Trail Mix: National Parks Foundation
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To answer the question, "How does one financially support the National Parks?" Mike and Dusty give you all the details about the National Park...
39- Channel Islands National Park: Part 1
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the final leg of a five-park trek through California, Mike and Dusty make it to the picturesque Channel Islands National Park.For more of our episo...
Trail Mix in Quarantine
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While in separate quarantines, Mike and Dusty break down the National Parks response to the Covid-19 pandemic.For more of our episodes on hikes in thi...
38- Tomichi Route, Part 2: The Ascent- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After finally getting down to the base of Black Canyon, Mike and Dusty have to make the trek back up...without getting lost.For more of our episodes o...
Trail Mix: Teddy Roosevelt
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty break down Teddy Roosevelt's history of nature conservation and his connection to the National Park Service.Be sure to listen to th...
37- Tomichi Route, Part 1: The Descent - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty make their way down entirely on scree rock while they descend the Tomichi Route in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.For more ...
Trail Mix: Drones in the National Parks
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty break down the rules, regulations, and history of drones in National Parks, and the role of the National Parks Servi...
36- Warner Point and Rim Road: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On their first day on the south side of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Dusty and Mike do all of the jut off points from Rim Road and the trail out to W...
Trail Mix: Gateway National Recreation Area
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In another installment of more National Parks units, Mike and Dusty hike a seven mile loop trail at Sandy Hook Beach, a part of the Gateway National R...
35- Moro Rock Summit: Sequoia National Park
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On what could be considered a follow up to Episode 10- Angel's Landing, Mike and Dusty face many fears while hiking the heights of the Moro Rock S...
Trail Mix: Sequoia Trees
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty break down the life, structure, history, and discovery of the Giant Sequoia Trees found in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon Natio...
34- Giant Sequoia Groves: Sequoia National Park
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike hike the Congress Trail, the Big Trees Trail, and the Beetle Rock Trail at California's Sequoia National Park. Also, they review th...
Trail Mix: 2020 Park Updates
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty break down the most recent news and updates for the National Parks as of January 2020.For more of our episodes on hikes in this and oth...
33- Grant's Grove: King's Canyon National Park
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty hike to the General Grant Tree and along the Sunset Trail near Grant's Grove in Kings Canyon National Park in California.For more o...
Trail Mix: Gaze at the National Mall - Part 3
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the final installment of the Washington D.C. Trail Mix Trilogy: Gaze at the National Mall, Dusty and Mike bring you the architectural and design hi...
32- Little Devils Stairs: Shenandoah National Park
30 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After a lovely stroll on the Fox Hollow Trail, Mike and Dusty face the treacherous and incredibly vertical Little Devils Stairs in Shenandoah National...
Trail Mix: Gaze at the National Mall - Part 2
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the second installment of Gaze at the National Mall, Mike and Dusty give a thorough run down of the architectural and design history and inspiratio...
31- Stony Man Trail: Shenandoah National Park
16 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Amid a car battery dying, Mike and Dusty hike the picturesque Stony Man and Little Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park.For more of our episode...
Trail Mix: Gaze at the National Mall - Part 1
09 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On this first installment of Gaze at the National Mall, Mike and Dusty break down the stories of the artistic design for the Memorials and Monuments o...
30- White Oak Canyon Trail: Shenandoah National Park
02 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On this 6 mile there-and-back, deep in the woods of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, Mike and Dusty pass the five waterfalls featured White Oa...
Trail Mix: Native American Heritage Month
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
November is Native American Heritage Month. In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty break down the creation of this commemorative month, what is and how to ...
29- Old Rag Mountain: Shenandoah National Park
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty dance to Abba and climb the Old Rag Trail, the crowning centerpiece of Shenandoah National Park.For more of our episodes on hikes in th...
Trail Mix: Hawai'i Park Updates
11 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this Trail Mix, Mike and Dusty bring you some updates on what is currently happening in the National Parks of Hawaii as well as invent a new game c...
28- Sliding Sand Trail - Part 2: Haleakala National Park
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike delicately maneuver around Nene and venture toward what feels like Maleficent's Castle as they complete the Sliding Sands Trail at ...
Trail Mix: Kauai Bucket List
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After hiking the Kalalau Trail and the Secret Falls Trail, Mike and Dusty cover all of things to include in a Kauai Bucket List.For more of our episod...
27- Sliding Sands Trail - Part 1: Haleakala National Park
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After driving up past the cloud line, Mike and Dusty make new friends while hitchhiking to the summit in order to tackle the Sliding Sands Trail in Ha...
Trail Mix: Kalalau Trail - Part 2
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail to the Hanakapiai Beach, Mike and Dusty use their permits to continue on the remaining nine mile...
26- Craters and Petroglyphs: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On the final trek through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Dusty and Mike find the correct Devastation Trail, drive the Chain of Craters Road to t...
Trail Mix: Kalalau Trail - Part 1
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike endeavor onto what has been named one of world's most dangerous trails located on Hawaii Napoli Coast on the island of Kauai. From ...
25- Kiluea Iki Trail: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After nearing the edge of an active volcano in Episode 24, Mike and Dusty finally walk across the surface of an active volcano on the Kiluea Iki Trail...
Trail Mix: Secret Falls Trail- Kauai, Hawai'i
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On the island of Kauai, Dusty and Mike kayak up the Wailua River and hike the extremely muddy trail to Secret Falls...all while wearing flip flops.For...
24- Halema'uma'u Trail: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike travel to Big Island, Hawai'i to hike the trails of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. From the Sulfur Banks to HaleMa'uMa...
Season 2 Trail Map
03 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In a game of Guess That Park, Mike and Dusty announce the National Parks that will be featured in Season 2. Play along and guess that park!For more of...
Trail Mix: Endangered Species
02 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You endangered, girl. On this final Trail Mix of Season 1, Dusty and Mike cover the new provisions to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and review th...
S1 Summit: Hiking Trails
26 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of the Season 1 Summit, Mike and Dusty compare the hiking trails and terrain across all of the National Parks of Season One.F...
S1 Summit: Current Events
19 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From little baby California condors to synchronized fireflies, from moose collars to new hybrid birds, Dusty and Mike talk all the current hot gossip ...
S1 Summit: Ecosystems
12 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty loop back around to the ten National Parks from Season 1 to cover all things ecosystems, natural habitats, native plants, and the threa...
S1 Summit: Visitorship
05 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 of the Season 1 Summit, Mike and Dusty take a look at Visitorship across this season's ten National Parks: Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Great...
23- Two Peaks, Three Mountains: Acadia National Park
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike summit two peaks and three mountains on their third day in Acadia National Park, and then see the movie Hereditary.For more of our epis...
Trail Mix: Breweries of the National Parks
23 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty highlight all of the breweries they have visited in their National Park adventures and detail the best brews at each one.For more of ou...
22- Bar Island, Beehive, & Beyond: Acadia National Park
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On their second day in Acadia National Park, Mike and Dusty hike over to the elusive Bar Island, climb down the Beehive and hike a number of other tra...
Trail Mix: Salute to America?
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike spill all the tea on why the National Park Service diverted $2.5 Million from public fees to fund "Salute to America" and all t...
21- Cadillac Mountain & Great Head: Acadia National Park
01 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Dusty journey to Maine to explore the Queen of Choose Your Own Adventures: Acadia National Park. ON their first day, they summit Cadillac Mou...
Pride Mix: Ok, Cupid
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this second Pride Mix of Pride Month, Dusty and Mike dive into all things gay dating: first dates, horror stories, and the rare times when things w...
20- Buckeye and Valley Trails: Cuyahoga Valley National Parks
17 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On their second day in Ohio, Mike and Dusty make an epic loop out of the Valley Trail and the Buckeye Trail and see a baby deer along the way. For mo...
Pride Mix: The NPS LGBTQ Heritage Theme Study
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate Pride Month, Dusty and Mike take a look at the National Park Service's LGBTQ Heritage Theme Study from 2016, an NPS effort to have mo...
19- Brandywine Falls Trail: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
03 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In their first adventure in Ohio, Mike and Dusty explore the Brandywine Falls Trail and one section of the Buckeye Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National P...
Trail Mix: Road Trip - Part 4: Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC
27 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of the Road Trip story, Mike and Dusty run into ghosts and salty hosts in Savannah, Georgia and stop in Charleston, South Car...
18- Grand Lake: Rocky Mountain National Park
20 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dusty and Mike complete their adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park on the Grand Lake side of the park with the Colorado River Trail and the Green...