Synopsis
Avid hikers Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan share their adventures on the trails of America's National Parks and play all of the games along the way. Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParksTwitter: @GazeAtTheParks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthere#gazeatthenationalparksOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon
Episodes
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Trail Mix: Environmental Disaster
06/10/2025 Duration: 30minDusty and Mike take some time to look at how the environment and environmental policy is fairing under the current administration (Hint: It's not great).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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangCheck out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com Our Sponsors:* Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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141- Pup Fish Pools: Death Valley National Park
29/09/2025 Duration: 47minIn the first episode of Season 8, Mike and Dusty explore all of the Pup Fish Pools in Death Valley National Park. From Point of Rocks, Devil's Hole, and Ash Meadow National Wildlife Refuge, they find all the spots to see the endangered and native Pup Fish. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangCheck out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Season 8 Trail Map
22/09/2025 Duration: 31minDusty and Mike are back with a new season on the trails of the National Parks. Learn all about the parks of Season 8 through some trivia that will test your knowledge and stretch your brain.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Our Sponsors:* Check out Aeropress and use my code GAZE for a great deal: https://aeropress.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertis
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S7 Summit- Hiking Trails
28/07/2025 Duration: 57minIt's the Final Episode of Season 7, and the final Summit Episode of the series! Mike and Dusty look at all of the hiking trails from Season 7 covering the highlights and the grunts from every trail all the while giving superlatives to all of them, and naming the Trail of the Season.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvert
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S7 Summit- Wildlife
21/07/2025 Duration: 28minIn the third of their four Summit episodes, Dusty and Mike discuss the ecosystems and wildlife of the parks from Season 7 including Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.
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S7 Summit- Histories
14/07/2025 Duration: 39minIn the second of their four Summit episodes, Dusty and Mike discuss the history of the parks of Season 7.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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S7 Summit- Visitorship
07/07/2025 Duration: 39minIn the first of their four Summit episodes, Dusty and Mike discuss the visitor experience of the parks of Season 7.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Pride Mix: A Year at Stonewall with Ann Marie Gothard
30/06/2025 Duration: 29minIn Part 2 of this year's Pride Mix Series, Mike and Dusty sit down at World Pride in Washington D.C. with Ann Marie Gothard, one of the two founders of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York, to talk about the evolution of Pride, Stonewall across generations, and the story of how the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center came to be. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this
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140- The Big Room: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
23/06/2025 Duration: 51minAfter hiking down The Natural Entrance, Dusty and Mike take in Carlsbad Cavern's big room and all the cave formations therein.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Pride Mix: A Year at Stonewall with Diana Rodriguez
16/06/2025 Duration: 26minOne year after the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center's Opening, Mike and Dusty sit down with Diana Rodriguez, one of the two founders of the Visitor Center, at World Pride in Washington D.C. to talk about the journey to opening the Visitor Center, the role it plays in Stonewall's legacy, and the evolution of Pride for the LGBTQIA+ community. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. S
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139- Natural Entrance: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
09/06/2025 Duration: 52minIn this episode, Dusty and Mike head past dramatically lit speleothems as they descend down the Natural Entrance of Carlsbad Caverns.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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138- Lower Cave Tour: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
02/06/2025 Duration: 01h23sIn their first descent into Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Dusty and Mike explore the Lower Cave on a guided tour. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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137- McKittrick Canyon Trail: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
26/05/2025 Duration: 52minMike and Dusty hike up the McKittrick Canyon Trail to explore the Grotto, Notch, and other features along this historic trail in Guadalupe Mountains 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Trail Mix: BATS!
19/05/2025 Duration: 20minIn this Trail Mix Episode, Dusty and Mike discuss the importance of our flying mammal friends, bats!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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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136- Devil's Hall Trail: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
12/05/2025 Duration: 46minMike and Dusty brave the famous staircase on the Devil's Hall Trail in Guadalupe Mountains 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Trail Mix: POINT
05/05/2025 Duration: 12minIn this Trail Mix episode Dusty and Mike share the story of the paraplegic hikers who hiked Guadalupe Mountain in 1982.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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135- Manzanita and Smith Springs: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
28/04/2025 Duration: 44minAfter hiking Guadalupe Peak, Mike and Dusty make their way to the Frijole Ranch area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and hike the Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring loop 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Trail Mix: National Parks Under Attack
21/04/2025 Duration: 22minIn this Trial Mix Episode, Dusty and Mike go over the attacks from the current administration on our public lands.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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Trail Mix: Seattle Walking Tour
14/04/2025 Duration: 26minDusty and Mike take to the streets of Seattle and explore the city in their favorite way, on foot. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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134- Guadalupe Peak: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
07/04/2025 Duration: 52minOn their first day in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Mike and Dusty hike the famous, and very strenuous, 8.4 mile hike up to the tallest peak in Texas. 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: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands