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National Parks Collecting

National Parks Collecting

Written by: James Ian
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 National Parks Collecting
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The 10 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
    Nov 23 2025

    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.

    🔸🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸🔸

    ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park

    🔸🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸🔸

    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

    ➡️ Read the full web article here

    #brycecanyonhikes #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks

    🔸🔸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.]

    ➡️ Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge

    ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist

    ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park

    ➡️Join my private Facebook groupUS National Parks Collectors
    ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia

    ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO
    ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals
    ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights

    Support the show

    🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • 7 Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
    Nov 15 2025

    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.

    🔸BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES 🔸

    ➡️ Get 1 and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park

    🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸

    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)

    12:27 Getting a Late Start

    ➡️ Read the full web article here

    #brycecanyon #brycecanyonnationalpark #usnationalparks

    🔸🔸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.]

    ➡️ Join my 7-Day National Parks Trip Planning Email Challenge

    ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist

    ➡️Find a detailed itinerary for your park

    ➡️Join my private Facebook groupUS National Parks Collectors

    ➡️ ️ Book your best accommodation in Bryce Canyon National Park
    ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia

    ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO
    ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals
    ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights

    Support the show

    🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • The 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park
    Nov 8 2025

    If you want to go hiking in Arches National Park and are trying to find the best hikes in Arches National Park, then this episode is for you.

    🔸ARCHES ITINERARIES 🔸

    ➡️ Get 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries for Arches National Park

    🔸HIGHLIGHTS 🔸

    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.

    00:00 Introduction to Arches National Park hikes

    01:39 Park Avenue Trail

    03:48 Balanced Rock

    05:04 Double Arch

    06:25 The Windows Section

    08:47 Delicate Arch

    12:09 Delicate Arch Viewpoint

    13:38 Sand Dune, Broken & Tapestry Arches

    17:51 Skyline Arch

    18:53 Fiery Furnace

    25:14 Devil's Garden

    ➡️ Read the full web article here

    #arches #archesnationalpark #utah #usnationalparks # archeshikes

    🔸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.]

    ➡️ Get Help Planning Your Next Trip

    ➡️ Plan & Book Your Trip in 7 Days (7-Day Email guide)

    ➡️Download my free Trip Preparation Checklist

    ➡️Join my private Facebook group

    ➡️Ranger-Guided Arches National Park Tour

    ➡️ Get an America the Beautiful pass

    ➡️ Search for hotels on Expedia

    ➡️ Find a vacation rental on VRBO
    ➡️ Search Discover Cars for the rental car best deals
    ➡️ Search Skyscanner for the best deals on flights

    Support the show

    🔸🔸 WAYS TO WORK WITH ME 🔸🔸

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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