Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks

Planning a trip to Glacier Bay National Park ? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to make your adventure smooth and unforgettable! We’ll cover how to get to Glacier Bay , including flights and ferries, plus the best ways to get around once you’re there . Learn about where to stay , from cozy lodges in Gustavus to nearby accommodations, and find out the best spots for delici...

Come join us for a chat about the experience of Glacier Bay National Park. It is a place where nature, culture, and history come together in breathtaking ways. For thousands of years, the Huna Tlingit people have called this land home, weaving their traditions and stories into the glaciers, mountains, and waters that sustain life. In the late 1700s, explorers like Captain George Vancouver first re...

Whether you're drawn to the thundering falls after a Texas rain, curious about ancient cultures that once lived along the riverbanks, or just looking to hike through Hill Country serenity, Pedernales Falls State Park offers a rich blend of nature, history, and soul-soothing escape. Come take a listen to our podcast about this magical place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

Hiking bags aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are the goodies you’ll stash inside. In this episode, we explore the many styles of carrying your trail treasures—from lightweight fanny packs for quick nature strolls, to crossbody slings for photo-snapping wanderers, to fully-loaded daypacks and multi-day backpacks for the big adventures. We’ll also unpack the essentials every hiker should carry...

Today, we are covering Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. It is far more than just a battleground or a pretty view. It is a living crossroads of American ideals, conflicts, and transformations . It’s where abolitionists clashed with the institution of slavery , where freedom and education took root , and where history and nature still meet . Whether you're walking through its cobbled streets, s...

Join us on this journey through history as we explore El Camino Real de los Tejas. It is one of the most significant routes in early American and Spanish colonial history. In this episode, we uncover the story behind this ancient trail that once stretched from Mexico City to Louisiana, cutting right through the heart of Texas. From Spanish missions and military forts to vibrant Native American tra...

** Notes ** Monica references where Acoma is driving West out fo Albuquerque, NM and proceeeds to say that Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) is North. It is, in fact, South when driving West from Albuquerque, NM. ** Perched high atop a sandstone mesa in New Mexico, Acoma Pueblo, known as Sky City, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. In this episode, we journey into the...

Taking time out to thank each and every one of you who continue to support our show. We thrive highlighting the cultural, historical and natural world around us and bringing it to you each week. We are on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts - each week, every Thursday at 10am CT. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss anything! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the hidden wonders of Great Basin National Park in this episode! From ancient bristlecone pines to the depths of Lehman Caves, we explore the natural beauty, cultural history, and stargazing adventures that make this park a true gem of Nevada. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about one of America’s lesser-known parks, this episode uncovers everything you need to know. ** Ep...

In this episode, we explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park: One of America’s most stunning underground destinations. Discover the history of the caverns, fascinating geology, massive cave chambers like the Big Room, and the famous bat flights that draw visitors each summer evening. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about this natural wonder, join us for expert tips, fun facts, and ev...

Explore Big Thicket National Preserve, known as “America’s biological crossroads.” Located in Southeast Texas, this unique park protects nine distinct ecosystems—pine forests, cypress swamps, bogs, and more—all packed with diverse wildlife like alligators, carnivorous plants, and rare birds. With over 40 miles of hiking trails, scenic paddling routes, and rich cultural history from Indigenous trib...

In this episode, we’re answering your questions! First up: what’s the difference between a hike and a walk? We break down the nuances—terrain, distance, mindset—and why sometimes the line is blurrier than you'd think. Next, we share our favorite small but mighty parks; hidden gems that pack a punch. And finally, the big one: can you take things like shells or rocks from parks? We get into the rule...

Step into the steamy, storied waters of Hot Springs National Park , one of the most unique and historic places in the National Park Service. Nicknamed “America’s First Resort,” this Arkansas gem welcomes over 2.4 million visitors each year to explore its 5,550 acres , 26 miles of trails , and the iconic Bathhouse Row that includes eight turn-of-the-century buildings. The area has been cherished by...

Today we have quite the show to share with all of you! Welcome to America's first National Monument, Devils Tower, which was designated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act. Rising 867 feet above the Wyoming landscape, this stunning geologic feature is made of phonolite porphyry (igneous rock) and showcases some of the most dramatic columnar jointing on earth. Science...

Welcome to West Texas, where the desert springs to life right in front of you. Balmorhea State Park, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is home to one of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pools. Fed by 15 million gallons of water daily from the San Solomon Springs, this desert oasis stays a perfect 72 to 76 degrees year-round. With depths up to 25 feet and covering 1.3 acres,...

Today, join us as we dive into our comments, inbox and messages to answer your questions about pets on trails, forest bathing and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re reflecting on a powerful chapter in American history at Minidoka National Historic Site , located in southern Idaho. This site preserves the memory of one of ten incarceration camps where over 13,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned during World War II following Executive Order 9066. From 1942 to 1945, families—many U.S. citizens—were forcibly removed from their homes and h...

This episode dives into the rich and layered history of Padre Island, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. From its early indigenous inhabitants, the Karankawa, through colonial claims by Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and finally the U.S., the island has a complex past. Listeners learn about Padre Nicolas Ballí, the island's namesake, and how the land served as a naval bomb...

From frontier forts to mountain trails, West Texas has it all. Discover the rich history of Fort Davis National Historic Site and the breathtaking beauty of Davis Mountains State Park in our latest blog post. Whether you're a history buff, a hiker, or just love Texas road trips, this one’s for you! 👉 Read more at Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks website. #FortDavis #DavisMountains #TexasTravel #Hist...

In this episode, we take you on a relaxing journey through some of the park’s easy hikes. Discover trails like Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Alberta Falls—perfect for beginners or those looking to enjoy the scenery without the strain. Along the way, we talk wildlife spotting tips, picnic-perfect spots, and where to catch the most stunning mountain views with minimal effort. Whether you're a first-t...

Long before Canyon de Chelly was officially designated in 1931, its walls already echoed with centuries of life and resilience. The Ancient Puebloans first carved out a life there, followed by the Hopi. By the mid-1600s, the Navajo—who call themselves the Diné—had made the canyon their home, building a vibrant, self-sustaining community amid the red rock cliffs. But the peace would not last. In th...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we journey into the heart of one of the world’s most storied pilgrimages— The Camino de Santiago , also known as The Way of St. James . For centuries, pilgrims have walked from various points across England and Europe, all making their way to a single sacred destination: the Church of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . But did you know that the Camino no...

In this episode, we explore the rich heritage of the San Antonio Missions—Texas’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, designated on July 5, 2015. Nestled within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, these historic missions are more than stone and mortar; they are living stories of cultural fusion, resilience, and transformation. Learn how Spanish missionaries and Indigenous peoples forg...

Welcome to Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks — the trail talk you didn’t know you needed. Join us, two adventure-loving chicks with an appreciation of nature, culture, history, and hiking. Don't be intimidated! We love the hikes but we also want to share the history and culture behind some of our favorite places. We'd love for you, especially if you're a little bit older and are ready to try something...