Podcast

Gaze At the National Parks

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Sports, Wilderness

Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan hike the trails of America’s National Parks. Each episode features one hiking trail in one National Park, one park at a time. Join them as they climb to terrifying heights, cross miles of desert, and hike through the forests of these public lands.

Episodes
370
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
37 min
On air since
2018
Latest episode
2 days ago

Episodes

370 episodes, newest first

  1. 161- Waterlemon Cay and Leinster Trail- US Virgin Islands National Park

    Season 9

    Show notes

    Mike and Dusty encounter a coven of goats on the Leinster Trail on their way to snorkel around Waterlemon Cay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    51 min
  2. Trail Mix: Snorkeling and Reef Safety

    Season 9

    Show notes

    Inspired by the US Virgin Islands National Park, Mike and Dusty explore snorkeling and how to engage with coral reefs while in the water, and play their hardest game of Acronym to date.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    24 min
  3. 160- Cinnamon Bay, Francis Bay, Maho Beach: United States Virgin Islands National Park

    Season 9

    Show notes

    On their second day in the US Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, Dusty and Mike snorkel amongst sea turtles and rays while also hiking some small trails.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    46 min
  4. Trail Mix: Top 5 Island Hikes

    Season 9

    Show notes

    In a season that starts in a National Park on an island, Dusty and Mike chat about their top 5 island hikes across all their national park trips.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    27 min
  5. 159- Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay- US Virgin Islands National Park

    Season 9

    Show notes

    On their first day visiting the US Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John, Mike and Dusty venture to Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay for Reef Snorkeling and exploring.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    54 min
  6. Season 9 Trail Map

    Season 9

    Show notes

    Mike and Dusty are back with the Trail Map for Season 9! Through games and drag corner they reveal the parks and trails they'll explore in Season 9.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    32 min
  7. S8 Summit- Hiking Trails

    Season 8

    Show notes

    It's the Season 8 Summit! Mike and Dusty looks at the National Parks of the season through four different lenses. This week's episode is all about the hiking trails we hit while visiting Death Valley National Park, Saguaro National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and White Sands National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    56 min
  8. S8 Summit- Wildlife

    Season 8

    Show notes

    It's the Season 8 Summit! Mike and Dusty looks at the National Parks of the season through four different lenses. This week's episode is all about the wildlife, ecosystems, and environments of the parks from this season including Death Valley National Park, Saguaro National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and White Sands National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    33 min
  9. S8 Summit- Histories

    Season 8

    Show notes

    It's the Season 8 Summit! Mike and Dusty looks at the National Parks of the season through four different lenses. This week's episode is all about the history of the parks we visited this season including Death Valley National Park, Saguaro National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and White Sands National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    32 min
  10. S8 Summit- Visitorship

    Season 8

    Show notes

    It's the Season 8 Summit! Mike and Dusty looks at the National Parks of the season through four different lenses. This week's episode is all about the things to see and the reasons to visit Death Valley National Park, Saguaro National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and White Sands National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    29 min
  11. Trail Mix: Top 5 Desert Hikes

    Season 8

    Show notes

    After spending a lot of time in desert landscapes this season and beyond, Dusty and Mike chat important tips for hiking in the desert and their top 5 desert hikes.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    37 min
  12. Pride Mix: Trans Visibility and History Part 2

    Season 9

    Show notes

    In Part 2 of this year's Pride Mix series, Mike and Dusty highlight the milestones of trans history and visibility in the United States from the Stonewall Uprising to the present day.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    26 min
  13. 158- Cactus Forest Trail: Saguaro National Park

    Season 8

    Show notes

    In their final day in Saguaro National Park, Dusty and Mike head to East Saguaro to explore the trails in and around Cactus Forest Drive.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    46 min
  14. Pride Mix: Trans Visibility and History Part 1

    Season 8

    Show notes

    In this year's Pride Mix series, Mike and Dusty highlight the milestones of trans history and visibility in the United States up through the Stonewall Uprising.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    27 min
  15. 157- Desert Drives and Nature Trails: Saguaro National Park

    Season 8

    Show notes

    In this episode, Dusty and Mike take some scenic drives within both west and east Saguaro and get on some small trails to discover more about the park and its flora and fauna.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    44 min
  16. Trail Mix: The Many Cacti of Saguaro NP

    Season 8

    Show notes

    In this Trail Mix episode, Dusty and Mike dive into cacti...well not literally because...ouch! But we do get to discussing the many cacti one can find at Saguaro National Park.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    28 min
  17. 156- Hugh Norris Trail and Sendero Esperanza Trail: Saguaro National Park

    Season 8

    Show notes

    After hiking up to Wasson Peak, the tallest Peak in Saguaro National Park, Mike and Dusty make a big loop out of this trail and return down the Hugh Norris and Sendero Esperanza Trail.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    42 min
  18. Trail Mix: Colorado River in Danger

    Season 8

    Show notes

    In this Trail Mix Episode Mike and Dusty discuss the history of the Colorado River and the dire straits it currently is in.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    20 min
  19. 155- King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak: Saguaro National Park

    Season 8

    Show notes

    On their first day in Saguaro National Park, Mike and Dusty trek through thousands of saguaro cacti while hiking the tallest peak in the park right in the middle of a desert super bloom.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    47 min
  20. Trail Mix: National Forests Under Attack

    Season 8

    Show notes

    Dusty and Mike talk about the latest moves by our Environmental Disaster in Chief to reorganize the National Forests for nefarious purposes.

    For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here.

    To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.

    Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParks

    Facebook: Gaze at the National Parks

    #gazeatthenationalparks

    #hikeearlyhikeoften

    #adventureisoutthere

    Hosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Episode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan

    Original Artwork by Michael Ryan

    Original Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella Klinger

    Music Producer: Skyler Fortgang

    Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com. And go to MoonTravelGuides.com to get your Moon Travel Guide today!

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    22 min