Welcome to Dirt In My Shoes
Hey there, I’m Ash! I worked as a park ranger in Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming, and I think the national parks are best seen from the trail.
I’m so excited to help you plan your next incredible national park vacation!
You’ll find many resources here at Dirt In My Shoes to help you start planning your trip, so let’s get started.
What can I help you with today?
I already know which park I want to visit. I just need more information about that park!
I want to plan a trip, but I need help deciding which national park to visit!
I want Ash’s amazing resources that make national park trip planning even easier!
I’m not currently planning a trip, but I want to learn more about the national parks!
The U.S. National Parks
Do you already know where you want to go? Use the map to find your park! I have written so many articles (that are probably WAY too detailed) to help you plan your next national park trip.
Extra Trip Planning Help from Ash
Sometimes, you just need to feel like you have someone in your corner. I spend a lot of time in the national parks and have a ton of amazing resources for you. It’s time to make your dream trip a reality!
Hour-by-Hour Itineraries
Do you want to know exactly how I spend my time in some of the busiest national parks in the country?
Get an hour-by-hour itinerary with my tips and strategies for seeing the best of the parks and avoiding the crowds!
National Parks Packing List
You won’t forget a thing with this detailed packing list full of the items I always bring on my national park adventures!
National Parks Checklist
Wondering how many national parks you’ve visited and where you still need to go?
This free checklist is the perfect way to keep track of your national park travels!
Master Reservation List
Wondering when to make your camping, lodging, and permit reservations for every national park?
This Master Reservation List has all of the information you need!
National Parks by Month List
This extensive List of the Best National Parks to Visit by Month provides a guide to the best national parks to visit during each month of the year.
Trip Planning Videos
Join me as I walk you through everything you need to know to plan your next national park trip!
Ash’s Favorite Hiking Gear
If you’re interested in the gear I’m currently hiking in and the items I always carry in my backpack, take a look at this list!
National Park Trip Suggestions
Looking for suggestions on which national park to visit next? I’ve got you! Here are my favorite national parks to visit, broken down into categories!
Best National Parks for Mountain Hiking
Best National Parks for Desert Hiking
Favorite Lesser-Known National Parks
National Parks with Unique Features
Favorite National Park Road Trips
Best National Parks for:
Learn More About the U.S. National Parks
Maybe you’re not planning a trip to the national park right now—that’s okay. I have some great resources for you if you want to learn more about the parks and connect with like-minded travelers!
Exploring the National Parks Podcast
Explore the national parks with me, Ash, (and my husband, John) on our popular podcast. We share our adventures, misadventures, tips, and favorites from our own national park trips with our family.
National Park Lists
Want to learn more about the U.S. National Parks? These lists organize the national parks by state, date established, size, and visitation!
List of All 63 U.S. National Parks + Printable Checklist and Map
List of the U.S. National Parks in Order of Date Established (Oldest and Newest)
List of the U.S. National Parks by Size
List of the U.S. National Parks by Visitation (Most and Least-Visited)