Forget stamp collecting – let's go national parks collecting!
If you love the national parks in the USA, then you’re in the right place. You’ll get help with national parks trip planning. Learn what to expect on hikes and scenic drives. Discover fun facts about the national parks in America. Find out what to see and do in the US national parks. Whether you’re about to visit your first park or up to number 63, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to have the absolute best experiences when you’re on your national park trips.
I’m James Ian and I’m a national park expert. I’ve been featured in USA Today’s annual National Parks special print edition and numerous online publications. I have my own website Parks Collecting and have helped over 500 people plan their trips with my detailed published itineraries.
So, let’s start collecting information, experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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The 10 Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
Season 2 · Episode 13
Sunday, May 3, 2026 • Duration 16:32
James Ian reveals his top 10 Yellowstone waterfalls and explains what makes each waterfall Yellowstone experience unique, including how much effort it takes to reach them.
This guide to the most impressive Yellowstone National Park waterfalls covers everything from easy roadside stops like Lewis Falls, Undine Falls, Gibbon Falls, and Firehole Falls Yellowstone, to scenic hikes such as Mystic Falls, Fairy Falls (with views of Grand Prismatic and options to continue to Imperial and Spray Geysers), and the dramatic 150‑foot Osprey Falls. For adventurous hikers, he highlights Union Falls, a stunning 250‑foot backcountry trek, and Tower Fall. James concludes at the iconic Yellowstone Upper Falls and Yellowstone Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Whether you’re chasing the tallest Yellowstone falls or looking for quick roadside viewpoints, this episode helps you plan the perfect waterfall-focused trip, with links to his detailed 1–4 day itineraries and Yellowstone planning resources.
00:00 Yellowstone Waterfalls Preview
01:32 Mystic Falls
02:27 Lewis Falls
03:10 Undine Falls
03:38 Osprey Falls
04:19 Fairy Falls
05:43 Gibbon Falls
06:18 Firehole Falls
06:53 Union Falls
07:58 Tower Fall
09:19 How to Include these waterfalls in your itinerary
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
7 Things You MUST Pack for a Summer National Park Trip
Season 2 · Episode 12
Sunday, April 26, 2026 • Duration 16:10
National park expert James Ian shares seven game-changing items to pack for summer national park trips to stay safer, cooler, and more comfortable.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
For hiking, he recommends cooling neck towels, a hiking umbrella, and electrolyte powder to help avoid hyponatremia from overhydration. He also advises bringing the right park pass, highlighting the America the Beautiful pass and special options for veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and the Every Kid Outdoors program, plus buying passes online to save time. For road trips, he suggests keeping a large water container in the vehicle, using GPS-triggered audio tours for flexible in-car learning, and his top item: a foldable cooler for fly-and-drive trips to keep food and water cold without waste.
10 Epic Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park (You’ll Want to Do Them All!)
Season 2 · Episode 3
Sunday, February 1, 2026 • Duration 19:50
In this Grand Teton trip planner, discover the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. 10 must‑do experiences for anyone visiting Grand Teton National Park and wondering what to do in Grand Teton National Park.
From rafting the Snake River and swimming in String Lake to dining at top spots, experiencing a dude ranch, riding cable cars for stunning views, boating on scenic lakes, wildlife viewing, hiking iconic trails, and finishing with a classic scenic loop drive, this episode covers the essential top 10 things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Includes Grand Teton National Park itinerary options available to help you plan the perfect trip.
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Top things to do in Grand Teton National Park Overview
Join James Ian, a National Park expert, as he provides a guide to the views you must see when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park Utah. points in Bryce Canyon National Park. See all the best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon including iconic overlooks within Bryce Amphitheater, such as Bryce Canyon Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Pariah View, each offering unique and breathtaking perspectives of the park's famous hoodoos. The scenic drive within the park is also highlighted, featuring notable viewpoints like Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, Farview Point, and Swamp Canyon. Concluding with James's favorite view, the episode offers tips to maximize the scenic experience without extensive hiking. For detailed itineraries and further planning resources, visit the provided links.
00:00 Introduction to the best Bryce Canyon Views
01:47 Exploring Bryce Amphitheater
02:12 Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon
02:50 Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon
03:53 Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon
04:26 Bryce Canyon, Inspiration Point
04:48 Pariah View, Bryce Canyon
06:09 Rainbow Point, Bryce Canyon
06:40 Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon
07:03 Farview Point, Bryce Canyon
07:31 Swamp Canyon, Bryce Canyon
08:21 Planning Your Bryce Canyon Itinerary
10:39 Fairyland Point, Bryce Canyon
11:48 Conclusion and Trip Planning Resources
The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: 12 Stops That’ll Blow Your Mind
Season 2 · Episode 1
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • Duration 13:42
Join me as I take you through a detailed journey along the Bryce Canyon National Park scenic drive.
🔸🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸🔸
➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park
🔸🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸🔸
Learn about all the must-see stops on the Bryce Canyon drive from Rainbow Point to Inspiration Point, including expert tips and highlights such as the Grand Staircase, Natural Bridge, and the diverse viewpoints of Bryce Amphitheater. James also provides practical advice for driving through Bryce Canyon National Park, parking for RVs, and how to efficiently fit the drive into your trip. Don't miss James's top tip to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive on the Bryce Canyon road. Perfect for anyone planning a visit to this iconic national park.
Planning to go hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park? Here are the 10 best trails in Bryce Canyon. If you like to hike, you’ll want to know the Bryce Canyon National Park hikes. These include hikes for all levels, from easy hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park to more challenging trails for experienced hikers.
Join James Ian, a National Park expert, as he explores the 10 best hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. In this episode, James shares detailed descriptions and tips for each trail, including the Queens Garden Bryce Canyon, Navajo Loop Trail, the Rim Trail Bryce Canyon, Peekaboo Trail Bryce Canyon, Fairyland Loop Trail, and Bryce Canyon easy hikes like Bristlecone Loop Trail and the Mossy Cave Trail. Learn about the unique features of each hike, such as hoodoos, switchbacks, and scenic vistas. Additionally, James provides advice on trail combinations, seasonal considerations, and itinerary planning to ensure you make the most out of your Bryce Canyon hiking adventure. Plus his pick for the best Bryce Canyon National Park hike.
00:00 Introduction to the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
02:00 Queen's Garden Trail
04:14 Navajo Loop Trail
06:35 Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop
10:23 The Scenic Rim Trail
14:42 Peekaboo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon
17:06 Fairyland Loop Trail
20:34 Bristlecone Loop
21:56 Mossy Cave
24:06 Planning Your Bryce Canyon Itinerary
26:30 The Best Hike in Bryce Canyon: Figure Eight Trail
➡️
7 Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Season 1 · Episode 39
Saturday, November 15, 2025 • Duration 13:34
Are you visiting Bryce Canyon National Park? Here are 7 common mistakes people make when they visit Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah– so you can avoid making them! Important tips for Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll want to know before you go.
In this episode, learn about the seven common mistakes visitors make when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and how to avoid them. The discussion includes avoiding limiting your visit to the Bryce Amphitheater (driving through Bryce Canyon National Park is another highlight), not exploring adjacent Zion National Park (Bryce Canyon is close), and underestimating weather differences between Bryce and Zion. Additional advice covers proper planning, accommodation tips (Bryce Canyon National Park Lodge is a great place to stay), the importance of early starts, and specific trails to explore within Bryce Canyon. The episode aims to ensure you have a more fulfilling and stress-free visit.
00:00 Introduction
01:48 Only Visiting Bryce Amphitheater
03:56 Missing Zion National Park
04:40 Not Planning for Weather Differences Between Bryce and Zion
05:54 Not Exploring Beyond the Rim
07:55 Staying too far from Bryce Canyon
09:47 Not Having a Plan (and a Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary to use)
In this Arches National Park trail guide, host James Ian, a national parks expert, shares his top picks for the ten best Arches National Park trails. He provides detailed descriptions, tips, and insights for each hike, including easy hikes in Arches National Park like Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch, as well as more challenging hikes like Fiery Furnace and Devil's Garden trails. In between are Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, the Windows, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, Tapestry Arch. This guide to the top Arches hikes aims to help you curate your ideal hiking itinerary and ensure you don't miss any highlights. James also emphasizes the importance of planning and offers several itinerary options to streamline your visit.
Arches Scenic Drive: Complete Guide to All the Stops
Season 1 · Episode 37
Saturday, November 1, 2025 • Duration 28:25
In this Arches National Park guide, James Ian provides a comprehensive guide to driving through Arches National Park. The primary focus is on the Arches scenic drive, covering key viewpoints and trailheads along the route plus essential tips for the Arches National Park drive. This is one of the best US scenic drives and maybe the most scenic drive in Utah.
Starting from the entrance near Moab, the guide to the drive through Arches National Park details 16 major stops including Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Windows section, and Delicate Arch. Each stop is described with features, hiking information, and best times for visits. James also shares practical tips on the drive duration, parking, and essentials to bring along. Essential information on the park's timed entry system is also included to help visitors plan their trip effectively.
00:00 Introduction: Arches National Park scenic drive
02:15 Park Avenue Viewpoint
04:06 La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
04:47 Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
05:24 Petrified Dunes Viewpoint
06:21 Balanced Rock
07:49 Garden of Eden
08:46 The Windows
11:06 Double Arch
11:37 Panorama Point
12:41 Delicate Arch
14:34 Delicate Arch Viewpoints
15:54 Salt Valley Overlook
16:54 Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
18:31 Sand Dune Arch
10 Important Tips for Visiting Arches National Park
Season 1 · Episode 36
Saturday, October 25, 2025 • Duration 13:48
Are you trying to figure out how to visit Arches National Park and looking for helpful Arches National Park tips? In this guide to Arches National Park, we’ll look at 10tips for visiting Arches National Park.
In this Arches National Park guide, James Ian shares his top 10 tips for a successful visit to Arches National Park in Utah. From making a timed entry reservation to avoiding the midday heat and packing for all weather conditions, James provides practical advice to enhance your park experience. The episode covers essential tips such as staying on official Arches National Park trails to protect the biological soil crust, preparing meals in advance due to lack of food services, and bringing proper lighting for sunrise or sunset hikes. Additionally, James recommends visiting nearby Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park to maximize your trip.
00:00 Introduction to Arches National Park tips
01:25 Top Tip #1: Timed entry reservations
02:29 Top Tip #2: Arrive early
03:07 Top Tip #3: Be aware of the heat in summer
04:01 Top Tip #4: Plan your meals
05:01 Top Tip #5: Check the weather
06:12 Top Tip #6: Protect the biological soil crust
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
🔸LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔸
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
20:20 Skyline Arch
21:04 Devils Garden
23:12 Practical Tips for the scenic drive Arches National Park
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
[When available, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
James Ian and Parks Collecting works with a limited number of brands that align perfectly with our audience and their needs. If you’d like to work with us, please email us at james(at)parkscollecting(dot)com.
