White Sands National Park Contains World's Largest Gypsum Dune Field
John discusses the unique geological features of White Sands National Park, noting it is the largest gypsum dune field in the world at 176,000 acres and is 98% pure gypsum.
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Exploring the National Parks
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!
6 episodes covered/24 stories extracted/last heard Oct 28
Stories by episode
24 storiesOct 28 · 156: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts About White Sands National Park5 stories
White Sands Holds Billions of Tons of Valuable Gypsum Resources
John points out that White Sands contains approximately 4.5 billion tons of gypsum, representing significant potential commercial value.
White Sands National Park Home to Dozens of Endemic Species
John highlights that at least 45 different species of creatures, including the bleached earless lizard and various moths and mice, are found only at White Sands National Park.
Footprints at White Sands Push Back Timeline of Humans in North America
Ash and John discuss archaeological discoveries of footprints at White Sands indicating that humans were present in the area over 23,000 years ago.
White Sands Evidence Suggests Humans Coexisted with Ice Age Megafauna
John explains that fossilized tracks at White Sands demonstrate humans and Ice Age megafauna lived alongside one another for thousands of years.
Sep 30 · 154: Exploring White Sands National Park: Best Tips + Activities3 stories
White Sands National Park Transitioning Smoothly to Park Status Despite Website Lags
White Sands National Park officially transitioned from a National Monument, but its website has yet to fully update, with many references to 'monument' remaining. Ash and John speculate this is due to short-staffing within the park's administrative offices.
White Sands National Park Faces Windy Conditions and Potential Closures
Visitors to White Sands National Park should be aware of the high winds in the region, which can be so severe that freeways are sometimes closed. The speakers advise visiting in the spring or fall for better weather, as summers are very hot and winters can be cold, with the wind sometimes bringing monsoonal weather.
Travel Tips for White Sands National Park: Location and Best Times to Visit
White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico, with Las Cruces being the closest major city approximately 45 minutes to an hour away. The most convenient airport for visitors is El Paso, Texas. The optimal times to visit are spring and fall to avoid extreme summer heat and winter cold, though wind and monsoonal weather can occur year-round.
Sep 16 · 153: Zion National Park Trip Report3 stories
Dirt in My Shoes Podcast Discusses New Pet: A Roomba
Ash and John from the Dirt in My Shoes podcast reveal they have acquired a new "pet": a Roomba. Ash describes it as a "cute little thing" that wanders across the floor, with its own docking station for self-cleaning and emptying dirt.
Podcast Hosts Reflect on Zion National Park Trip Amidst Summer Heat
The hosts of the 'Exploring the National Parks' podcast, Ash and John, recount a recent three-day trip to Zion National Park during the peak of summer. They note the intense heat, with temperatures reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit daily, and reflect on the challenges and planning considerations for visiting such a popular destination in extreme weather.
Zion National Park Faces Extreme Summer Heat and Crowds, Hosts Advise Caution
Ash and John share their experience of visiting Zion National Park during the summer, highlighting the extreme heat, with daily temperatures around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. They express surprise at the number of people visiting during such conditions and emphasize the need for careful planning and preparation for hot weather.
Sep 2 · 152: Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Grand Opening5 stories
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Opens in North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library officially opened its doors on July 4th, 2026, in Madora, North Dakota, the gateway town to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The grand opening coincided with the 250th celebration of Independence. The library aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of Theodore Roosevelt's life, including his accomplishments and controversial decisions.
Madora, North Dakota: A Town Centered on Theodore Roosevelt
The town of Madora, North Dakota, is deeply immersed in the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, with his name and influence present on nearly everything from local businesses to accommodations. This consistent focus creates an environment where visitors gain a comprehensive appreciation for his life and impact, highlighting his significance to the region.
Severe Weather Disrupts Grand Opening Events in North Dakota
The grand opening events for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Madora, North Dakota, were significantly impacted by severe weather on July 4th, 2026. The planned glamping campground had to be evacuated due to extreme winds and hail, forcing organizers to cancel some activities and adapt plans for the celebration.
Petrified Forest and Bison Highlight Theodore Roosevelt National Park Experience
During a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the petrified forest was highlighted as a unique and ancient natural wonder. The park also offered abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison and prairie dogs, and scenic drives such as the loop road.
Maltese Cross Cabin and Wild Horses Seen in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park explored the Maltese Cross Cabin, the first place Theodore Roosevelt lived in North Dakota. The park also provided sightings of wild horses, adding to the overall experience of the park's natural beauty and historical significance.
Aug 5 · 150: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt National Park5 stories
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A Unique Memorial to a Conservationist President
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only national park established specifically to memorialize a person, President Theodore Roosevelt, and his impact on conservation. Ash and John discuss how Roosevelt's experiences in the North Dakota badlands shaped his love for the wild and his commitment to preserving natural spaces for future generations.
Teddy Roosevelt's Lasting Impact on Conservation and American Policy
Beyond conservation, Theodore Roosevelt's presidency saw significant advancements in national policy, including modernizing the Navy, completing the Panama Canal, and championing consumer protection. John highlights Roosevelt's role in advocating for fairness and consumer safety through legislation like the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.
Theodore Roosevelt's Resilience: Surviving a Gunshot to Give a Speech
John recounts a remarkable incident where Theodore Roosevelt, after being shot in the chest, insisted on delivering a planned campaign speech before seeking medical attention. The bullet's impact was slowed by his speech manuscript and a metal glasses case, allowing him to survive the potentially fatal injury.
North Dakota Badlands: The Geological and Personal Genesis of a National Park
Ash explains the unique geological origins of the North Dakota badlands, shaped by ancient glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and floods over millions of years. This rugged landscape was personally significant to Theodore Roosevelt, becoming the site where he developed his love for the wild and leading to the establishment of the national park.
Theodore Roosevelt: The "Original Self-Made Man" and American Dream Originator
John draws a parallel between Theodore Roosevelt's life and the American ideal of the self-made man, tracing this narrative back to Benjamin Franklin. He explains how Franklin's rise from humble beginnings to international renown established a cultural narrative that continues to inspire Americans to believe in limitless potential.
Jul 8 · 148: Yellowstone Trip Report3 stories
National Park Solitude is Attainable, Even in Summer, Says 'Dirt on My Shoes' Host
Ash, a former park ranger and founder of Dirt on My Shoes, asserts that finding solitude in national parks is achievable, even during peak summer months. She counters the common belief that solitude requires visiting during off-peak seasons or hiking extreme distances. Her advice is based on practical experience and suggests that strategic planning, not just early mornings, can help visitors avoid crowds.
Yellowstone Itinerary Available to Help Visitors Avoid Summer Crowds
Ash from Dirt on My Shoes highlighted that their Yellowstone itinerary is designed to help visitors avoid crowds, even during the busiest summer months. She emphasized that their strategies allow for a positive experience without being constantly surrounded by large groups.
Podcast Hosts Advocate for Strategic Timing Over Extreme Early Starts to Avoid Park Crowds
Ash and John, hosts of the podcast, discuss strategies for avoiding crowds in national parks. Ash argues against the necessity of extremely early starts, suggesting that understanding park rhythms and implementing strategic timing can be more effective and less disruptive for families.