Hey friend! My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I started Dirt In My Shoes to help you plan incredible and unforgettable national park vacations!
I’m a former park ranger
Working for the National Park Service was a phenomenal experience! During my time as a park ranger, I was blessed to work in some of the most amazing national parks in Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming.
I had various jobs in these parks, including backcountry patrol, working an entrance station, leading ranger programs, and participating in search and rescue operations.
Working as a park ranger gave me an inside look at how the parks run and where most visitors fall short in their planning. I answered SO MANY QUESTIONS from people just like you hoping to have the best experience possible in the parks!
I left the National Park Service to work for American Conservation Experience — a non-profit that works directly with the national parks to place interns in amazing jobs!
I was in charge of coordinating the Americorps program, a service-based program that places people where they can make the biggest difference and provides incredible on-the-job training. It was extremely rewarding to help other park ranger hopefuls land their dream opportunities!
I am in the national parks all the time
When I’m not in my office writing articles, filming trip planning videos, or recording podcast episodes, you’ll find me out in the national parks. It’s impossible to keep me away!
My favorite way to explore a park is on a hiking trail. I have covered thousands of miles of trails in the national parks and love passing my recommendations on to you. After hiking all over the parks, I’ve ranked my favorite national park hiking trails — you can find my list here!
Everything on Dirt In My Shoes is based on my first-hand knowledge and experience…..and many, MANY trips to each park. I don’t write about a park unless I’ve been there multiple times and have spent hours exploring every nook and cranny.
Now, my husband John and I travel around the parks with our two little boys. I love seeing you out in the parks with your family, so I make sure to include many activity recommendations for adventurers of all ages and abilities!
If you want to get to know us better, be sure to check out Episode 1 of our Exploring the National Parks Podcast!
All recommendations are my own
The information that you find on Dirt In My Shoes is all from my first-hand experience. I never write about things I haven’t done myself. I also don’t take trips that were paid for by companies trying to advertise to you.
We travel like normal people — almost all of the dining, lodging, and activity recommendations I provide to you are enjoyed incognito. Most people don’t even know that we are travel bloggers! That way, I can truly provide you with the best information for your trip.
I love hearing from you
I am so glad you are here, and I can’t wait to connect with you! If you want to:
- SEE WHAT WE’RE UP TO RIGHT NOW — check out Dirt In My Shoes on Facebook and Instagram
- GET MY HELP WITH TRIP PLANNING — pick a park, head over to my YouTube channel, or get a fully planned out trip itinerary
- GET AN INSIDER LOOK AT OUR NATIONAL PARK TRIPS — listen to the podcast
- STAY IN THE KNOW WITH WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE PARKS — sign up for my email newsletter (and get a free national parks checklist)
- CONTACT ME — fill out the form here
I can’t wait for you to get some dirt in your shoes while hiking through the national parks. Happy trails!