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/

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/

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

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

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

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

From massive cliff dwellings to life-sized petroglyphs, we’re diving into some of our favorite places to experience the deep history and cultural richness of the ancestral Puebloan people and beyond. Whether you’ve visited before or are looking to expand your bucket list, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you connect with these sacred, awe-inspiring sites across the Southwest.

Join us as we discuss…

• The remote Canyonlands trail that leads to some of the largest, most mysterious rock art in North America
• A cliffside city frozen in time, and the tours that take you right into it
• The hidden New Mexico site where ladders lead to ancient carved homes in the cliffs
• The massive ruins of a forgotten cultural hub that rival anything else in the Southwest

We hope you enjoyed exploring some of the most meaningful Native American sites the National Park Service helps protect. These places are truly amazing, and we hope you get to get out there and explore yourself!

Today’s task: If you've been to any of these places or have one to recommend, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences over on our share them on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages, and let’s build a community list of must-see stops!

Are you looking for more Native American cultural sites protected by the National Park Service? Check out their comprehensive list here!

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 Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, 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!

• Mesa Verde Podcast Episodes
• Canyonlands Free Resources
• Master Reservation List
• National Park Checklist
• National Park Trip Packing List

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 fascinating, fun facts about Bryce Canyon.

We’ll talk about everything from quirky hoodoo legends to unexpected geology revelations that might just blow your mind.

If you've ever stood at the rim and wondered how those spiky rock towers came to be (or if they’re secretly watching you), this episode is for you. Grab your hiking boots and a sense of curiosity because we’re diving deep into the awe and wonder of this incredible landscape!

Join us as we discuss…

• Why Bryce Canyon holds the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth—and what exactly a "hoodoo" is!
• A shocking discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about how hoodoos form
• The rare “Goldilocks Zone” conditions that make Bryce Canyon one-of-a-kind in the world of geology
• How Bryce Canyon fits into the Grand Staircase and how you can literally see millions of years of Earth’s history from the rim
• A legendary tale from the Paiute people that gives Bryce Canyon its unforgettable spiritual vibe

We hope you enjoyed diving into the magic and mystery of Bryce Canyon National Park! Awe is such a deeply human response to this landscape, and we hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself.

Your task for today? Look for the faces in the hoodoos, embrace the wonder and the eerie mystery of this place, and let that sense of awe take your visit to the next level! If you have photos of the faces, share them on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages!

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 Bryce Canyon 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!

• Bryce Canyon Podcast Episodes
• Bryce Canyon Free Resources
• Master Reservation List
• National Park Checklist
• National Park Trip Packing List

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 for your teenagers!

We're sharing our top picks and strategies for turning those eye-rolls into awe-some moments and Instagram-worthy adventures on epic trails. If you're looking to spark a love for the outdoors in your teens, this episode is packed with our insights and recommendations!

Join us as we discuss…

• Why teens can actually be the perfect national park partners
• What truly makes a national park "teen-approved" like epic adventures and Instagrammable moments
• Why we consider parks like Zion, Mammoth Cave, and Grand Canyon to be prime destinations for an unforgettable teen adventure
• How to pick the national park that best suits your teenager's personality and interests
• The experiences Denali and North Cascades offer, from wildlife spotting to landscapes that will grab their attention
• Our tips for "warming up" teenagers to outdoor recreation, even if they're hesitant at first
• Why this list offers fresh ideas beyond the usual suspects and focuses on parks that will resonate with teenagers

We hope this episode gives you plenty of ideas for your next national park adventure with your teens! Remember, the goal is to create memorable experiences that foster a love for the outdoors.

Today’s Task: If you've taken your teenagers to a park they've raved about, we'd love to hear about it! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages and chime in on our post.

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 Zion, Denali, 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!

• Zion Podcast Episodes
• Denali Free Resources
• Master Reservation List
• National Park Checklist
• National Park Trip Packing List