Q&A – Recreation.gov Loophole, Hidden Gems, Alaska Parks, and Utah’s Mighty Five

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Podcast Episode Overview

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!

Planning your own 2026 adventure?

• Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/ 
• 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/

Answering your questions!

2026 is almost here, and with it comes a whole new year of national park adventures! In this special Q&A episode, John and I tackle your biggest trip planning questions so you can explore confidently and avoid common mistakes.

Is it better to stay in a national park or in a nearby town?
Most of the time, gateway towns work great, and that’s how I write most of my itineraries. I always weigh things like distance, crowds, and drive times. But there are a few parks where staying in the park is 100% worth it: Sequoia Kings Canyon, Death Valley, Big Bend, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes. In those places, the drive from nearby towns is long, winding, and just not worth doing every day.

How do I get a reservation on recreation.gov without losing my mind?
Use a desktop (not your phone or the app), know your release date (which is based on the first day of your trip), and be logged in and ready to click at the exact moment bookings open. Don’t try to cheat the system by booking extra days just to grab one popular date. That blocks other people and messes up the system. Practice ahead of time if you’re nervous, and set up alerts in case someone cancels. You’ve got this! And if you want even more planning help, make sure to check out our Master Reservation list for free! 

What snacks and meals do you pack for hikes and road trips?
We keep it simple: peanut butter or peanut M&Ms, protein bars, jerky, dried fruit, applesauce packets, and pre-shelled pistachios. For lunch, we like hummus and veggie sandwiches, salami and cheese with crackers, or even just PB&Js. One trick? Eat your restaurant meal at lunch (cheaper and less crowded), then enjoy dinner picnic-style at a scenic spot.

Is January a good time to visit Death Valley?
Yes! January is prime time. The weather is perfect for hiking, and the park is full of surprises. Furnace Creek is a great basecamp, and our podcast episodes walk you through exactly what to see.

What are some hidden gems in Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
In Yellowstone, try the Lamar River Trail, Slough Creek, or quieter southern spots like Lewis Lake. In Grand Teton, one of my favorite off-the-radar hikes is Hanging Canyon to Lake of the Crags. It’s tough, but stunning! And if you want more, my itineraries include a “secret hike” for each park that most people don’t know about.

Can I visit North Dakota and South Dakota parks in one trip?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic road trip! The drive between Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt is only about 4 hours, and you can stop at Devils Tower too. Our South Dakota itinerary covers everything you’ll want to see and makes it easy to add North Dakota on.

What’s your favorite calm canoe trip with no rapids?
Top of the list is the Green River through Canyonlands. It’s peaceful and unforgettable. Voyageurs National Park is also a dream for canoeing, and you’ll find good routes in the Everglades (with chickee platforms), Congaree, and even Glacier Bay, where you can be dropped off by boat and paddle back on your own time.

How do I choose which Alaska national parks to visit in one trip?
I have an article all about planning an Alaska national parks trip! Three parks are drivable (Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias). The others require flights or ferries. If you’re cruising, you might already hit Glacier Bay. Katmai and Lake Clark are good next options because they’re slightly more accessible. 

What’s the best time of year to visit Utah’s Mighty 5?
We have an entire episode dedicated to planning a 10-day road trip to visit Utah’s Mighty 5! Fall is our favorite. September and October offer cooler temps, fewer crowds, and full access to trails and roads. Just avoid Utah’s fall break in mid-October if you can. Summer can be unbearably hot, especially in Arches and Zion.

Which national parks are best for kids of different ages?
We’ve got podcast episodes for young kids, kids, and teens. But in general, we take our kids everywhere! They learn so much in the parks. We just tailor our hikes and stops to their interests and energy levels.

Where should I stay when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
Skip the towns. The mountain roads are steep and slow, and it’s exhausting to drive in and out every day. Stay along the General’s Highway if you can, either in park lodges, national park campgrounds, or Forest Service sites nearby.

Is there a good spring backpacking trail in Joshua Tree?
Yes! The California Hiking and Riding Trail is a great choice. You’ll need to cache your water before starting, but the trail takes you through the heart of Joshua Tree’s best scenery. Our friend Kristen at Bearfoot Theory has a great guide on how to do it.

Is March a good month to visit Arches and Canyonlands?
Definitely. You might get a little snow, especially in higher elevations like Island in the Sky, but most of the parks are open, and the crowds are manageable. We’ve got a full article breaking down each month in the Moab area.

What parks are best for visiting with dogs?
In the West, Great Sand Dunes and Grand Canyon are surprisingly dog-friendly. But for true dog lovers, head east. Acadia and Shenandoah are the best, with lots of trails and even BARK Ranger programs.

Should I visit Glacier in late June or wait until July?
Wait if you can. Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be open in June, and most of the high-elevation trails will still be snow-covered. We love Glacier in June for its quiet beauty and wildlife, but for a first trip, July is your best bet.

Whether you’re planning a trip this winter with your new Airstream, mapping out next summer’s big park adventure, or just getting excited for future travels, we hope these tips help you feel confident and excited to start planning.

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Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

• Death Valley Podcast Episodes
• Episode 49: Parks for Young Kids
• Episode 57: Hiking with Kids
• Episode 122: Parks for Teens
• Alaska: How to Visit All 8 National Parks in One Trip
• Episode 71: Epic 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Parks By Month List
• Best Time to Visit Arches Article
• Bearfoot Theory: Backpacking Joshua Tree
• Congaree podcast episodes

Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!