America’s National Parks Podcast

Two for the Price of One

Arizona conjures up images of desert washes, enormous saguaro cacti with arms stretching to the sky, and endless sunshine regardless of the season. But if you travel north to Flagstaff, the environment changes dramatically. Situated at nearly 7000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is surrounded by Coconino National Forest. The many varieties of evergreen trees in the forest color the area green, even in the winter: spruce, fir, pine, cypress, and juniper – multiple types of each. Snow falls in abundance here, as evidenced by the blizzard of 2023. 
From a national park perspective, this area is dominated by the Grand Canyon in many people’s minds. But a plethora of other National Park Service sites fill this part of the state. 
Nestled on the outskirts of Flagstaff is a pair of national monuments accessed for a single entrance fee. Located seventeen miles apart, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument preserve two vastly different worlds: cinder fields versus limestone and sandstone pueblos. 
Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guideand Campendium www.campendium.com

National Park News: Pot Farms Keep Cropping Up In Death Valley National Park

In this month's national park news roundup, we're covering all the delayed openings and closures caused by the unprecedented winter snowpack in the West. But it's not all bad news — lakes Mead and Powell are rising, and the Colorado basin states have finally come to an agreement over how to manage their water use. We also share some concerning animal-human interactions in national parks and take a look at an illegal pot farm discovered in Death Valley, an occurrence that happens more often than you might imagine.
 
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Yellowstone After the Floods

In June 2022, the rivers of Yellowstone's Northern Range unleashed a devastating flood, shattering century-long records and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This natural disaster not only disrupted park operations but also raised important questions about its cause, the likelihood of future floods, and the need for early detection. In this episode of America's National Parks Podcast, we dive into the aftermath of the flood and explore the efforts to understand, predict, and mitigate such events in Yellowstone National Park.
 
Written By Chris Linn
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guideand Campendium www.campendium.com

Escape from Alcatraz

This week, we're setting sail for Alcatraz, the infamous island prison once deemed inescapable. But in 1962, three men dared to challenge this notion and embarked on a daring escape that continues to captivate the world to this day. 
Join us as we delve into the lives of these audacious inmates, explore their meticulously planned breakout, and dive into the icy waters of mystery that surround their fate.
Did they make it to freedom, or did the relentless San Francisco Bay claim their lives?
Written By Chris Linn
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guideand Campendium www.campendium.com

Lesser Known Founding Fathers

In this episode of America's National Parks, join host Jason Epperson as we delve into the lesser-known figures of American history and the National Park Service sites dedicated to their lives and contributions. Explore the stories behind the Thomas Stone National Historical Site, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Roger Williams National Memorial, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Discover how these historic sites provide unique insights into the lives of these individuals and the impact they had on the nation. From founding fathers and revolutionary heroes to pirates turned patriots, uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped America and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.
Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Hosted By Jason Epperson

National Park News | Yosemite Braces for Floods, Condors Get Bird Flu, and More

In this episode, we share the news about upcoming closures at Yosemite National Park due to flooding concerns from snowmelt. Plus, Death Valley goes cashless, condors are dying from a new bird flu, how to get reservations for the annual synchronous firefly viewing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more. *****

Scaling the Heights: The Evolution and Impact of Rock Climbing in Yosemite

Dive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, from its pioneering beginnings to its modern status as a world-class climbing destination. In this episode, we explore the iconic routes, legendary climbers, and groundbreaking techniques that have shaped the sport of climbing in Yosemite. We'll also examine the ongoing challenge of balancing recreation and conservation, as climbers and park officials work together to protect this cherished natural treasure for future generations.
Written By Chris Linn
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Theme Music By Peter Xiong

The Mysterious Disappearance of Everett Ruess: Artist, Adventurer, and Enigma

Join us as we explore the enigmatic life and mysterious disappearance of Everett Ruess, a young artist, poet, and adventurer who vanished without a trace in the remote wilderness of southeastern Utah in 1934. We'll delve into Ruess' life, his love for the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, and the enduring fascination with his unsolved disappearance. We'll also discuss the modern-day search for answers, the tantalizing DNA evidence, and how you can follow in Ruess' footsteps by visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com
and by Campendium | www.campendium.com