Jen Ruiz, author of the book "12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic" discusses how she footed the bill for her landmark year on the road, and some of the exciting adventures she had.
Places discussed in this episode:
• Meteora, Greece
• Aruba
• Antelope Canyon, Arizona
• Zion Nati…Jen Ruiz, author of the book "12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic" discusses how she footed the bill for her landmark year on the road, and some of the exciting adventures she had.
Places discussed in this episode:
• Meteora, Greece
• Aruba
• Antelope Canyon, Arizona
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Toronto, Canada
Mentioned in this episode:
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Cactus, sunshine, and desert drama: this is the episode where we go all in on the most iconic plant of the American West. Saguaro National Park is bursting with towering giants and incredible stories of survival, and we’re digging into all of it!
In this episode, we cover:
Why the saguaro cactus is…Cactus, sunshine, and desert drama: this is the episode where we go all in on the most iconic plant of the American West. Saguaro National Park is bursting with towering giants and incredible stories of survival, and we’re digging into all of it!
In this episode, we cover:
Why the saguaro cactus is an American icon (and possibly a giant green lightsaber)
What makes saguaros so tough, and why they only grow in certain parts of the desert
The mind-blowing slow growth of a baby saguaro, and how nurse trees help them survive
The park's wild history of cactus rustling and near collapse
How the saguaro population is finally bouncing back
Your task for today: Visit Saguaro National Park’s Facebook or Instagram and thank a ranger! Their work protects plants that won’t even reach full height in their lifetimes, and it’s incredible.
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/5-incredible-fun-facts-about-arizonas-saguaro-national-park/
Planning your own Saguaro National Park adventure?
Episode 136: Exploring Saguaro National Park: Best Tips + Activities: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/136-exploring-saguaro-national-park-best-tips-activities/
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Saguaro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-saguaro/
8 Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/8-day-spring-break-national-parks-road-trip/
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/more
Hear about travel to lesser-known parks in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes from justinandcrystal.com about their recent road trip through the American Southwest.
Justin said, "When I got back, I realized that in addition to all the photos we had from the nat…Hear about travel to lesser-known parks in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes from justinandcrystal.com about their recent road trip through the American Southwest.
Justin said, "When I got back, I realized that in addition to all the photos we had from the national parks, which obviously are well covered, including, I think it was episode 503, I actually had more photos of the places outside the national parks and Monument Valley than I did inside the national parks and Monument Valley."
This itinerary summarizes Justin Barnes’s recommended road trip through Utah and the surrounding region. It focuses on smaller, high-impact stops outside the major national parks, designed to be combined into a coherent, scenic route.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-parks-of-utah/
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Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel w…Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on a mountain-bike tour across southern Utah.more
We're heading to one of my favorite places in the country—Arizona! While the Grand Canyon and Phoenix usually steal the spotlight, there's so much more to discover across this beautiful, diverse state. This week, travel blogger and advisor Brittany Roberts, shares some amazing insights about this be…We're heading to one of my favorite places in the country—Arizona! While the Grand Canyon and Phoenix usually steal the spotlight, there's so much more to discover across this beautiful, diverse state. This week, travel blogger and advisor Brittany Roberts, shares some amazing insights about this beautiful state in the Southwest.more
What if the accident that nearly ended you became the spark that set your life on fire? A snowboarding crash left Jada “Flo” bedridden—until she turned recovery into an 800-mile trek across Arizona that launched her into the world of long-distance trails. In this episode, we trace her journey from d…What if the accident that nearly ended you became the spark that set your life on fire? A snowboarding crash left Jada “Flo” bedridden—until she turned recovery into an 800-mile trek across Arizona that launched her into the world of long-distance trails. In this episode, we trace her journey from deserts to the Canadian Rockies and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, simplicity, and giving yourself permission to pivot. Part two (Ep. 194) continues with trail angels, hitchhiking, and the kindness of strangers.
Resources:
• Follow Jada on Instagram: @whereisjadaa
• FarOut Guides
• Read Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!
Produced by NOVA
Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com
We're sharing 10 amazing places you have to visit in Arizona! Arizona has impressive landscapes that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. It's a gorgeous state with healing and incredibly special energy.
Download our Arizona national parks road trip itinerary and our Grand Canyon/Page road t…We're sharing 10 amazing places you have to visit in Arizona! Arizona has impressive landscapes that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. It's a gorgeous state with healing and incredibly special energy.
Download our Arizona national parks road trip itinerary and our Grand Canyon/Page road trip itinerary to see many of these places in one trip.
Here are 10 places we love and recommendations we have on each:
Sedona:
• Episode: Weekend Hiking Trip in Sedona
• Where to Stay in Sedona: Southwest Inn at Sedona, Matterhorn Inn, or Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Saguaro National Park
• Episode: Saguaro to Petried Forest Road Trip
• Where to Stay in Near Saguaro: Adobe Rose Inn B&B, Courtyard by Marriott Tucson, or Lodge on the Desert
• Arizona National Parks Itinerary Petrified Forest National Park
• Episode: Saguaro to Petried Forest Road Trip
• Where to Stay near Petrified Forest: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Paint Pony Lodge, or Days Inn by Wyndham
• Arizona National Parks Itinerary Lake Havasu
• Where to Stay in Lake Havasu: WorldMark Havasu Dunes, Sway Hotel, or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake HavasuScottsdale
• Where to Stay in Scottsdale: Orange Tree Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale, or Scottsdale Camelback ResortGrand Canyon National Park
• Episode: Day in Grand Canyon
• Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon: Thunderbird Lodge (inside the park), Bright Angel Lodge (inside the park), The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, or Red Feather LodgeMonument Valley
• Where to Stay in Monument Valley: Goulding's Lodge or The View HotelPage
• Episode: American Southwest Road Trip
• Where to Stay in Page: Best Western View of Lake Powell, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell, or Hyatt Place Page Lake PowellBullhead City
• Where to Stay in Bullhead City: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Havasupai Falls
• Episode: 4 Days Backpacking Havasupai Falls
• Where to stay before your hike into Havasupai: Hualapai Lodge or Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
In this episode we mentioned ice cleat crampons, these are the ones we recommend.
Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.more
This week, The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps drop a pin on GILBERT, ARIZONA with comedian and chaos agent Casey Rocket.
Then Zac returns to Gettin Cultured to tell the boys about his first time flying private!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Show start
00:00:20 - Casey Rocket Interview
01:09:57 - Gettin Cultur…This week, The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps drop a pin on GILBERT, ARIZONA with comedian and chaos agent Casey Rocket.
Then Zac returns to Gettin Cultured to tell the boys about his first time flying private!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Show start
00:00:20 - Casey Rocket Interview
01:09:57 - Gettin Cultured with Zac
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This episode is sponsored by GO RVING™
Nothing says “All American Road Trip” more than loading up an RV, hitting the road, and having an adventure. And that’s exactly what we did recently with the help from our friends at GO RVING™
In the spring of 2025, we rented an RV in Phoenix and drove up to …This episode is sponsored by GO RVING™
Nothing says “All American Road Trip” more than loading up an RV, hitting the road, and having an adventure. And that’s exactly what we did recently with the help from our friends at GO RVING™
In the spring of 2025, we rented an RV in Phoenix and drove up to Page, Arizona where we spent five days and four nights enjoying the Roam America Horseshoe Bend campground and exploring this incredible part of the Southwest.
The trip was an epic adventure, and in this episode, we’ll discuss our experience as newbie RVers, the activities we did in the area, and some of the camping recipes we enjoyed cooking at our site. All this and more, coming up next!
Activities we discuss in this episode include,
· Touring Cardiac Canyon (part of Antelope Canyon),
· A visit to the Navajo Bridges on Highway 89A,
· Kayaking the Colorado River from Petroglyph Point below Horseshoe Bend to Lees Ferry,
· Seeing petroglyphs at Petroglyph Point on the Colorado River,
· Hiking in Waterhole Canyon,
· Viewing the dam from the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook,
· Visiting the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam,
· Hiking the Beehive Trail, (also known as The Wave 2),
· Snaping our pic at the Shell Sand Cave,
· And a few more suggestions for activities on Lake Powel!
Links to organizations and activities we mentioned in the episode:
· GoRVing.com (our sponsor for this episode – check them out!)
· RVShare (the site we used to rent our RV for this adventure)
· Taadidiin Tours (for the Cardiac Canyon hiking tour)
· Kayak the Colorado (for the kayak rental and backhaul taxi service on the Colorado River)
· Roam America (we stayed at their “Horseshoe Bend” campground in Page, Arizona)
· Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas (for the Rainbow Bridge boat tour)
· Carl Hayden Visitor Center (at the Glen Canyon Dam)
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If you would like to support our podcast, please consider becoming a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out.
Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show.
Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, TikTok at @mattandkarensmith, or on Facebook at dearbobands.
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Join us for a flashback in time as we dive into fun facts about Petrified Forest National Park!
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're going back to the desert to take you on a journey through a prehistoric world that was once a lush, tropical paradise teeming with bizarre and terri…Join us for a flashback in time as we dive into fun facts about Petrified Forest National Park!
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're going back to the desert to take you on a journey through a prehistoric world that was once a lush, tropical paradise teeming with bizarre and terrifying creatures. We’re sharing the top five surprising and fascinating facts about this ancient landscape that will completely change the way you see Petrified Forest National Park and turn it into a must-see national park for you!
Today, we’ll be discussing:
The shocking difference between the Petrified Forest in the past and how it looks now
Why this park is a crucial window into the dawn of the dinosaurs, thanks to its incredibly preserved Triassic-aged rocks
How this national park protects one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world
The shocking and massive geological unconformity at Petrified Forest
The fascinating connection this park has to Route 66
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts all about Petrified Forest National Park! If you're ever in Arizona, be sure to visit and see the remnants of a prehistoric time for yourself!
Don’t forget your task for today! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page at Dirt In My Shoes and tell us: What are you excited about? The Triassic-aged rocks, fossils, and dinosaurs? Or are you more excited about seeing the petrified trees? Let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.more
Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name parks for a minute and talk about this hidden gem that deserves to be more than just a pit stop on your Route 66 adventure.
This is such a cool park but it…Alright, buckle up friends, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky charm of Petrified Forest National Park! Let’s forget those big-name parks for a minute and talk about this hidden gem that deserves to be more than just a pit stop on your Route 66 adventure.
This is such a cool park but it is often overlooked. We're here to spill all the secrets and share why this park is absolutely worth visiting and everything that makes it so cool!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
The colors of the Painted Desert and how they'll make you feel like you're in a Kung Fu movie
The iconic Route 66 pullout, where you can literally stand on a piece of Americana and snap a pic with a vintage Studebaker
The lowdown on Holbrook, Arizona, the ultimate Route 66 town, and why it's basically Radiator Springs in real life (plus, John's genius diner idea!)
The Blue Mesa trail, where you can hike through a landscape of blue badlands and petrified wood (just watch the clock!)
The secret to exploring the Jasper Forest off-the-beaten-path routes and why you need to grab a map from the visitor center
Petrified Forest is a park that demands a little extra attention, but trust us, it’s worth it. There really is something for everyone at this park! And hey, if you’re feeling inspired to open that Route 66/Pulp Fiction/Cars diner, you know where to find us!
Your task for today: Tell us what you are more excited about when you go to Petrified Forest? Is it the Route 66 experience or the petrified wood? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.more
Visitors flock to Sedona, Arizona, for a multitude of reasons: the red rock landscape, the concentration of incredible hiking trails, the culinary scene, and the focus on spiritual wellness. In this episode, we'll share some of our favorite experiences on our recent trip.
We'll give you an overview …Visitors flock to Sedona, Arizona, for a multitude of reasons: the red rock landscape, the concentration of incredible hiking trails, the culinary scene, and the focus on spiritual wellness. In this episode, we'll share some of our favorite experiences on our recent trip.
We'll give you an overview of Sedona, including where it's located, the optimal times to visit, and some great food we discovered, like the best donuts, margaritas, and pizza. But the main attraction, where we focus much of our time, is talking about some of the most popular trails surrounding the town throughout Coconino National Forest.
Hiking trails we discussed include,
· Soldier Pass / Seven Sacred Pools
· Devil's Bridge
· Bell Rock / Courthouse Butte
· The Birthing Cave
· Munds Wagon Trail (Hangover Trail)
· Airport Trail
· Plus a few more!
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Sedona has something for everyone. Join us as we explore this breathtaking area of Arizona!
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The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out.
Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show.
Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com.
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Join Ryan and Julie on All Things Travel as they explore the incredible Adventures by Disney itineraries across North America. From the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the iconic landscapes of Arizona and Utah, this episode highlights the immersive storytelling, VIP experiences, and hassle-…Join Ryan and Julie on All Things Travel as they explore the incredible Adventures by Disney itineraries across North America. From the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the iconic landscapes of Arizona and Utah, this episode highlights the immersive storytelling, VIP experiences, and hassle-free travel that make Adventures by Disney a one-of-a-kind way to see the world. Key Topics Covered: 🌄 Canadian Rockies Highlights: Glacier Skywalk, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola. 🍁 Nova Sc...more
Looking for a relaxing small mountain town vacation? Head to Pinetop, Arizona! Our family loves this place and I am so excited to share all the details with you!
Richard Grant has lived in Arizona for more than twenty years, and his latest book — A Race to the Bottom of Crazy — is a fascinating blend of memoir, history, local issues and encounters with strange characters.
It’s a place where social guardrails are weak, and out…Donate to Personal Landscapes.
Richard Grant has lived in Arizona for more than twenty years, and his latest book — A Race to the Bottom of Crazy — is a fascinating blend of memoir, history, local issues and encounters with strange characters.
It’s a place where social guardrails are weak, and outlandish behaviour is the order of the day. Arizona doesn’t just reflect national trends, it exaggerates them. Is it a bellwether for the world to come?
We spoke about the lure of the desert, Arizona’s southern border, water shortages, and the world’s biggest machine gun shoot.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribemore
This episode was recorded on the Colorado River within the walls of the Grand Canyon. Clayborn Nodman is a traditional singer, story teller, dancer and member of the Hualapai or Walapai. The Hualapai are a tribe of Native Americans who live in the mountains of northwestern Arizona, United States. To…This episode was recorded on the Colorado River within the walls of the Grand Canyon. Clayborn Nodman is a traditional singer, story teller, dancer and member of the Hualapai or Walapai. The Hualapai are a tribe of Native Americans who live in the mountains of northwestern Arizona, United States. Today they are enrolled in the Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
The name, meaning "people of the tall trees", is derived from the Hualapai word for ponderosa pine. Their traditional territory is a 108-mile stretch along the pine-clad southern side of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River with the tribal capital located at Peach Springs. This episode was recorded in various side canyons of the Grand Canyon.
All music is original to the guests of the show...
***Mandela van Eeden and Steve Saroff just released their FIRST SINGLES on Spotify. You can support their music by searching for "Didgeridoo River Meditation" and "Didgeridoo Taboo" then adding them to your playlist on Spotify or Apple Music! Thank you so much for supporting this original music.
You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.
Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube!!!
The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FM
This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international outreach programs paired with conservation projects.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
Brad Dimock is an author, boat builder, geologist and Grand Canyon river guide. He has been guiding in the Grand Canyon since the early 70s and has starred in historic films about the Grand Canyon. Brad has studied boat building methods from around the world and continues to build and row wooden boa…Brad Dimock is an author, boat builder, geologist and Grand Canyon river guide. He has been guiding in the Grand Canyon since the early 70s and has starred in historic films about the Grand Canyon. Brad has studied boat building methods from around the world and continues to build and row wooden boats out of this museum/boat shop in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Check out his amazing website: https://fretwaterboatworks.com
Check out this award winning short film about Brad and his boat shop:
This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international outreach programs paired with conservation projects. Learn more at XplorerMaps.com and be sure to follow the adventures of their story maps on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Xplorer Maps is a small family business based in Missoula, Montana with deep roots in Africa. Xplorer Maps has over 60+ hand drawn story maps of destinations from all over the world, including our national parks. Xplorer Maps and The Trail Less Traveled both share the vision of connecting people and place through storytelling, conservation, art, history and culture. We're collaborating to Bring Cartography to Life through story maps, podcasts, live presentations and a multimedia visual series on social media.
Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube!!!
The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FM
As the temperatures drop up north, it’s time to start thinking about warm-weather escapes. In today’s episode, we have the perfect destination for you: Saguaro National Park and a whole bunch of other incredible public lands in Southern Arizona.
Join us as we take you on a journey through both dis…As the temperatures drop up north, it’s time to start thinking about warm-weather escapes. In today’s episode, we have the perfect destination for you: Saguaro National Park and a whole bunch of other incredible public lands in Southern Arizona.
Join us as we take you on a journey through both districts of Saguaro NP, Catalina State Park, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, and the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, all within a stone’s throw from the always-bustling college town of Tucson.
We even take you on a few side trips an hour or two away from Tucson: Chiricahua NM, to the east; Casa Grande Ruins NM, north of town; and Organ Pipe Cactus NM, in the secluded desert to the west. And if you are missing the cold, snowy conditions back home, you can always take a day trip to the top of Mount Lemmon, where you can ski, do a little shopping, and be back down to the warmth of Tucson just an hour or so drive away.
A link to one of the places we discussed in this episode:
· Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out.
And don’t forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com.
Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you’ve enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show.
Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com.
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