Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast cover art

Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

By: Matt and Karen Smith
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In Dear Bob and Sue, authors Matt and Karen Smith share stories of their travels to all of the U.S. National Park as well as other spectacular public lands. From adventures gone awry to memorable moments and Q&As from readers, get to know the couple behind the books and get inspired to go on some adventures of your own.© Copyright 2020-2025 | Matt and Karen Smith Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • #176: The Zion Narrows Revisited

    #176: The Zion Narrows Revisited
    Jun 25 2026
    The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in the American West. We recently returned to the park to hike the Narrows for the third time, and it’s been a while since we last talked about it on this podcast. Our first Narrows episode was episode 6, six years ago, so we figured it was time for an update. If you would like information about other activities in the park, check out the Substack article we published recently: Our 10 Favorite Things to Do in Zion National Park The Narrows is a section of Zion Canyon where the Virgin River carves its way through walls that rise over a thousand feet and push in on each other, sometimes as close as thirty feet apart. There's little trail in the traditional sense. The river is the trail for about sixty percent of the hike, which makes it one of the most unique walks anywhere. In this episode, we talk through the bottom-up route that starts at the end of the Riverside Walk at the far north end of the canyon’s scenic road. It’s a ten-mile round trip that needs no permit and no GPS; there’s really no way to get lost on this hike. We share how long it took us, how deep the water got, and what it was like returning fourteen years after our first visit. We also discuss how much Zion has changed. Visitation has nearly doubled since 2010. We describe our experience catching the very first shuttle going up canyon at 7:00am on the day of our hike and the size of the crowds waiting in line with us. And because preparation makes or breaks this one, we cover what to wear, why neoprene socks were a game changer for us, the case for a hiking stick, and our honest take on whether to bring the kids. If you're planning to hike The Narrows, this episode is for you, with practical tips throughout to help you make the most of your day in the river. A couple more helpful links: Here you can find out the current conditions and flow rates for the North Fork of the Virgin River. And for more information about this hike, here is the park’s webpage about The Narrows. ----- We share our stories and ideas in a few different places. Here’s where you’ll find them: Patreon – Behind-the-scenes updates, bonus audio, and more personal storytelling Email newsletter on Substack – Travel tips, suggestions, and whatever we can think to write about each week. The Blog at www.mattandkarensmith.com – Adventure stories and firsthand experiences from the road Social Media – Everyday observations, humor, recommendations, and quick moments from our travels. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok The best way to contact us is at: mattandkarensmith@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • #175: Great Pizza Places Near National Parks

    #175: Great Pizza Places Near National Parks
    Apr 23 2026
    #175: Great Pizza Places Near National Parks After over fifteen years of traveling to the U.S. national parks and other public lands, we’ve learned there are a few key pieces of information you need to make a road trip a success. And at the top of the list is... knowing where to find a great pizza. We can’t claim to know where all of the best pizza restaurants are near our incredible national parks, but we’ve started a pretty good list. In this episode, we talk about our favorites; the ones we keep going back to whenever possible. We cover at least 16 in this recording and have added more in our companion Substack article. Here are a few of the highlights: · North Cascades National Park: East 20 Pizza · Mount Rainier National Park: The Carlson Block · Olympic National Park: Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza · Glacier National Park: Moose’s Saloon · Yellowstone NP: Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon · Grand Teton National Park: Dornan’s · Zion National Park: Zion Pizza & Noodle Co · South Central Utah: Escalante Outfitters · Big Bend National Park: Long Draw · New River Gorge National Park: Pies and Pints · And many more! ----- Don’t take notes! Read our companion Substack article instead. Consider joining us on Patreon for behind-the-scenes updates, bonus audio, and more personal storytelling Find us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok The best way to contact us is at: mattandkarensmith@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • #174: 10 National Monuments That Feel Like National Parks

    #174: 10 National Monuments That Feel Like National Parks
    Mar 19 2026
    Across our U.S. public lands are more than 130 national monuments, each protecting a unique natural or cultural treasure. In this episode, we’re diving into ten that feel a lot like visiting a national park, but without the crowds. We share a mix of places we’ve visited over the years, and each one surprised us with just how much they have in terms of scenery, hiking, and overall experience. From towering rock formations and remote desert canyons to cultural sites with deep historical meaning, these monuments offer many of the same “wow” moments you expect from a national park. In this episode, we talk about: Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming and why it’s always worth a stop, Grand Staircase–Escalante in Utah and its endless options for adventure, Canyon de Chelly in Arizona and one of our favorite ranger-led tours, Chiricahua National Monument and its maze of rock spires, Natural Bridges National Monument and its out-of-this-world natural beauty, Colorado National Monument as an underrated scenic gem, Bandelier in New Mexico and its fascinating cultural history, Lava Beds in California (yes, caves… again), Rainbow Bridge and its surprisingly powerful setting, and Jewel Cave in South Dakota and its incredible underground world. If you’ve ever felt like the national parks are getting a little too crowded, or you’re just looking for new places to explore, this episode will give you a list of destinations that deserve a spot on your radar. Want more? If you enjoyed this episode, check out our recently published Substack article: 10 National Monuments That Feel Like National Parks (But Without the Crowds) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
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