Episodes

June 15, 2023

#122: The Underground World of Jewel Cave and Wind Cave

The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to not one but two of the world’s longest cave systems. Both in the National Park system, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are must-see destinations. Located ju...

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June 8, 2023

#121: Five Fabulous State Parks

State parks are a special kind of public land, beloved by locals but often as spectacular and exciting as their national park cousins. In episode #30, we featured six of our favorites, but our list of fabulous state parks is ...

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June 2, 2023

#120: The Beartooth Highway

Since its completion in 1936, the Beartooth Highway has thrilled millions of visitors with jaw-dropping views of one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the lower 48 states. It seems fitting that a road built 90 years ago...

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May 25, 2023

#119: Mailbag!

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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May 18, 2023

#118: Where the Bison Roam

The American Bison symbolizes a bygone era when the Great Plains, with their millions of acres of tallgrass prairie, were undisturbed by railroads, fences, farmland, and towns. While we nearly squandered this extraordinary na...

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May 4, 2023

#117: 12 US Wonders to See in Your Lifetime

America is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural marvels. In this episode, we've chosen twelve stunning destinations that are also relatively easy for most people to experience. While there are...

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April 27, 2023

#116: Mailbag! Visiting Channel Islands National Park and More

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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April 13, 2023

#115: National Parks and the Civilian Conservation Corps

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Started in 1933 during the Great Depression as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal Program, the CCC was created to put young men...

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April 6, 2023

#114: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

It’s unlikely that anyone has had a more significant positive impact on our U.S. public lands than Teddy Roosevelt, which is why it’s fitting that he has a national park named after him. Tucked into the Badlands of North Dako...

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March 30, 2023

#113: Must-See Navajo Parks

The Navajo Nation is home to one-of-a-kind natural wonders and irreplaceable cultural treasures. It’s also where you can find several parks worth putting on your bucket list. In this episode, we share our experiences and sugg...

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March 23, 2023

#112: Mailbag!

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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March 9, 2023

#111: Driving Tour of Washington's National Parks, Part Two

The fun doesn’t stop at the end of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Our road trip continues, so grab some extra snacks on Whidbey Island and head west with us as we travel to Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks. The first ...

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March 2, 2023

#110: Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, Part One

Ah, the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. This 440-mile route winds through the heart of Washington State's Cascade Mountains, revealing an abundance of natural beauty that is truly awe-inspiring. From the shore of Lake Chelan to th...

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Feb. 23, 2023

#109: Mailbag! Devils Tower, Carlsbad Caverns, and More

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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Feb. 16, 2023

#108: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Situated in both North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is a natural wonderland that seems too good to be true. It's a place where misty mountains rise from the forest floor, and crystal-clear streams cut through verdant val...

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Feb. 2, 2023

#107: Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is a serene, isolated wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior, making it the least-visited national park in the contiguous United States. Despite its remote location, those who make the journey are...

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Jan. 25, 2023

#106: Mailbag! Shenandoah NP in a Weekend, and More

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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Jan. 18, 2023

#105: Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Many consider Chaco Culture the crown jewel of the ancient Puebloan ruins in the American Southwest. It's a must-see add-on to any adventure in the Four Corners area. The sixteen archeological sites in the park tell a story o...

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Jan. 5, 2023

#104: Planning Your Trips to Alaska’s National Parks

Alaska is home to eight national parks, each unique and stunning. And if visiting them is on your bucket list, planning your trips may seem daunting. It was for us. Alaska is wild and beautiful, and its parks are nothing like...

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Dec. 29, 2022

#103: Twelve Great National Parks for Snowshoeing

We used to think that winter was for hunkering down inside and planning for warm-weather activities in the parks. But that all changed one day when we rented snowshoes in Yellowstone on a zero-degree February day. After an ex...

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Dec. 8, 2022

#102: Mailbag! White Sands, Hot Springs, and More

In our Mailbag! episodes, we answer questions from listeners about the national parks, ranger-led tours, road trips, hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, relationships, and pretty much whatever anyone wants to ask us. In this ...

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Nov. 24, 2022

#101: Grandma Joy’s Road Trip

Join us for an inspiring conversation with 92-year-old Grandma Joy and her grandson Brad, who are on a journey to visit all 63 national parks. After taking her on a camping trip seven years ago in Smoky Mountains National Par...

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Nov. 17, 2022

#100: Glacier Bay National Park

Over two hundred years ago, a 4,000-foot-thick glacier covered what is now Glacier Bay National Park. Since then, the massive glacier has receded, leaving us a spectacular bay and landscape to explore. Sitting a mere 50 miles...

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Nov. 10, 2022

#99: Matt and Karen’s Annual Gift Guide

Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year? We’re here to help you fill out your holiday shopping list before that last-minute panic sets in. And while you’re at it, you might even find an item or three to suggest ...

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