Wondering when to visit the Mighty 5 or which parks are best for kids? Trying to figure out if staying inside the park is really worth the price? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is packed with tips and personal stories to help you plan smarter for 2026!

In this episode, we cover:

• When it's definitely worth camping inside the park versus staying in a gateway town


• How to outsmart (or at least survive) Recreation.gov reservations and what NOT to do


• What to expect in Glacier in June vs. July


• Our favorite hidden gems in Yellowstone and Grand Teton


• When to road trip the Mighty 5, how we travel with kids, and more!

Your task for today: We want to know whether or not you think Exploring the National Parks should be a video podcast! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts!

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/qa-recreation-gov-loophole-hidden-gems-alaska-parks-and-utahs-mighty-five/ 

Planning your own 2026 adventure?

• Dirt In My Shoes 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/