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.
--------
1:01:18
113: Exploring Crater Lake National Park: Best Tips + Activities
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 place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes.
We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint.
Tune in to hear:
Our insider tips for navigating the park's tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures
What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park
Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers
Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026
The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail
Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it
The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall
We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us! This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park.
Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram 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.
--------
53:09
112: Yellowstone Tips - What You Need To Know Before You Go!
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!)
Today, we're getting into the nitty-gritty information you’ll want to know before you go. Forget the fluffy stuff; we're talking real-deal tips and sticky situations to avoid so you can make sure your trip is epic and not a total bison-traffic jam disaster.
Get ready for the inside scoop on how to actually ENJOY Yellowstone, even when it's bursting with visitors, by learning:
The shocking reality of Yellowstone's size and why your "quick drive" is probably a multi-hour adventure
Why booking your lodging 13 months in advance is the golden ticket to staying in the park (and how to snag those glorious cancellations!)
How to ditch the crowds and experience Yellowstone's magic without feeling like you're at a crowded rock concert
Why timing is everything in Yellowstone, and how to avoid the "mushy" in-between seasons
An important reminder about the wildlife in this park
We hope you're ready to tackle Yellowstone like a pro! If you want some additional help planning your trip to this incredible national park, then head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Yellowstone itinerary!
Your task for today: We know our community is a wealth of knowledge, so if you have any tips or advice for visiting Yellowstone that we didn’t discuss today, please share! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages at Dirt In My Shoes and share your wisdom with us!
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.
--------
38:47
111: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Petrified Forest National Park
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're going back to the desert to take you on a journey through a prehistoric world that was once a lush, tropical paradise teeming with bizarre and terrifying creatures. We’re sharing the top five surprising and fascinating facts about this ancient landscape that will completely change the way you see Petrified Forest National Park and turn it into a must-see national park for you!
Today, we’ll be discussing:
The shocking difference between the Petrified Forest in the past and how it looks now
Why this park is a crucial window into the dawn of the dinosaurs, thanks to its incredibly preserved Triassic-aged rocks
How this national park protects one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world
The shocking and massive geological unconformity at Petrified Forest
The fascinating connection this park has to Route 66
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts all about Petrified Forest National Park! If you're ever in Arizona, be sure to visit and see the remnants of a prehistoric time for yourself!
Don’t forget your task for today! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page at Dirt In My Shoes and tell us: What are you excited about? The Triassic-aged rocks, fossils, and dinosaurs? Or are you more excited about seeing the petrified trees? 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.
--------
1:06:16
110: Colorado National Parks Road Trip!
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 itinerary that takes you through four incredible parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde.
We'll be hitting the highlights of each park, sharing tips for planning your trip, and even throwing in a fun van life twist with a curated mixtape of Colorado-based artists. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Here’s what we will cover:
The perfect road trip route for hitting must-see parks and hidden gems
Highlights of each park so you know exactly what to expect and what not to miss!
The fascinating gateway towns that you can explore on your way
Our best tips for maximizing your time in each park so you don't miss a single breathtaking view
Important things that you’ll want to keep in mind to make the most of your trip
We hope you will enjoy hearing our ultimate itinerary for these four gorgeous Colorado national parks! If you need any help planning your trip, make sure you head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our park itineraries!
For your task for today, head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know which of these Colorado parks you are most excited to explore!
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!
USA