The Great Escape

Can you really hike across the Grand Canyon in a single day? In this episode of The Great Escape, we're diving into one of the most legendary hiking challenges in America: Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hiking. We'll cover the differences between Rim-to-River-to-Rim, Rim-to-Rim, and Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, including distances, elevation gain, average completion times, transportation options, permits,...

When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park? The answer depends entirely on what kind of experience you want. In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast, Katie breaks down the pros and cons of visiting the Grand Canyon during spring, summer, fall, and winter. Learn how weather, crowds, photography opportunities, hiking conditions, and seasonal changes can dramatically impact your tr...

Hiking below the rim is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Grand Canyon National Park—and one of the easiest to underestimate. In this episode, we're diving deep into Grand Canyon hiking, including the famous South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail, realistic turnaround points, temperature swings inside the canyon, Phantom Ranch, the Colorado River, and the biggest mistakes hikers...

Grand Canyon National Park sees millions of visitors every year, yet hundreds of rescues still happen annually. Most do not begin with dramatic mistakes. They begin with small decisions that seem completely normal at the time. I break down the real reasons people end up needing rescue at the Grand Canyon, including dehydration, heat illness, overconfidence, poor planning, sudden weather changes, a...

Planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park? Start here. I break down everything you need to know before visiting the Grand Canyon, including the South Rim vs North Rim, shuttle system, where to stay, best hikes, weather, permits, wildlife, dogs, crowds, and what most visitors underestimate about the park. This is the foundation episode for our Grand Canyon mini-series and the perfect guide for...

Most visitors spend 1–2 days in Zion Canyon and think they’ve fully experienced Zion National Park. Not even close. In this episode, we’re diving into the three most overlooked sections of Zion: East Zion, Kolob Terrace, and Kolob Canyons. From massive sandstone domes and scenic drives to backcountry adventures and underrated hikes, these areas completely change how you experience the park. We’re...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park and wondering which hikes are actually worth it? In this episode, we break down the best hikes in Zion National Park and help you decide which ones fit your trip, your time, and your hiking style. You’ll learn: the top hikes in Zion (from easy to adventurous) how long each hike takes which hikes are best for views, sunsets, or unique experiences which hikes yo...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park and not sure where to stay? In this episode of The Great Escape , I break down the best places to stay in and around Zion , including: Zion Lodge (inside the park) Watchman, South, and Lava Point campgrounds Staying in Springdale vs Hurricane And a smart strategy if you’re visiting both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks I’ll walk you through the pros, cons,...

Trying to decide the best time to visit Zion National Park? The truth is—there’s no one “perfect” time… but there is a perfect time for YOU. In this episode, I break down exactly what it’s like to visit Zion in spring, summer, fall, and winter —including weather, crowds, trail conditions, and what most people get wrong when choosing their travel dates. You’ll learn: When Zion is most crowded (and...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park and not sure how to fit it all in? In this episode of The Great Escape , I’m walking you through exactly how to spend 3 days in Zion — from the must-do hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows to scenic drives, underrated areas, and how to structure your days so you don’t burn out halfway through your trip. This is a straightforward, real itinerary you can fo...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? Before you go, make sure you’re not making these common rookie mistakes. In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast , I break down the 10 biggest mistakes people make when visiting Zion — from not understanding the shuttle system to missing out on key hikes, underestimating crowds, and failing to plan ahead. These are the mistakes that can turn an incredible...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? The shuttle system is one of the most important — and most confusing — parts of visiting the park. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how the Zion shuttle system works, including the difference between the Zion Canyon shuttle and the Springdale shuttle, all 9 stops inside the park, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time (or a very lo...

Planning a trip to Zion National Park? This episode is your complete first-timer guide to doing it right. Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. — and one of the easiest to mess up if you don’t plan ahead. In this episode, I walk you through everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, how the shuttle system works, where to stay, what hikes require permit...

Angel’s Landing is one of the most famous — and dangerous — hikes in Zion National Park. With a narrow ridge, steep drop-offs, and a permit lottery, many visitors wonder: Is Angel’s Landing worth the risk? In this episode, I share exactly how to hike Angel’s Landing safely — including how the permit lottery works, what the chains section is really like, and what to do if you don’t get a permit.• H...

Planning your first hike in The Narrows at Zion National Park? In this episode of The Great Escape , I cover everything you need to know to hike The Narrows safely and confidently — from permits and shuttle access to water depth, gear, best time of year, and how long it really takes. Whether it’s your first slot canyon hike or you’re just planning a weekend adventure, you’ll learn the top mistakes...

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to visit a national park… but which one should I choose?” — this episode is for you. 🎯 Grab your free National Park Starter Guide atgreatescapepodcast.com Today I’m breaking down six of the best national parks for first-time visitors — parks that are easier to navigate, don’t require extreme hiking experience, and still deliver that unforgettable “this is why peopl...

Trying to plan a national park trip and already feel overwhelmed? In this episode, I break down a simple, repeatable system for planning your first national park vacation — without overplanning, overspending, or spiraling.👇 Grab the FREE National Park Starter Kit:Download it at thegreatescapepodcast.comIt walks you through the exact framework we cover in this episode. You’ll learn:• The 3-Decisio...

If you’re new to camping and want gear that actually makes it enjoyable — start here. These are my personal camping must-haves after years of trial and error. No survival gear. No fluff. Just beginner-friendly essentials that make camping more comfortable, less stressful, and way more fun.🛒 Shop My Full Camping Gear List (Amazon Affiliate):https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3THOMX94GDYR0?tag=t...

In this episode, I’m sharing your realistic, no-fluff ultimate Yellowstone guide to help you plan a trip that’s actually enjoyable — not chaotic, overcrowded, or full of mistakes you’ll regret later. In this Yellowstone travel guide, I cover:• The best things to do in Yellowstone National Park• Must-see geyser basins, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints• Which Yellowstone hikes are actually worth yo...

What happens when your honeymoon redo to Aruba gets canceled at the airport? In this episode, I talk with my friend Kristen about her travel nightmare that started with flight delays, airport chaos, and a last-minute flight cancellation—and ended with an unexpected pivot to Cancun, Mexico. If you’re searching for: • What to do when your flight is canceled • How to handle airport chaos and delays •...

What if your next national park trip wasn’t something you planned alone — but something you  joined ? I’m sharing all the details of my  April group trip  to  Everglades and Biscayne National Parks . We’ll be hiking and riding an airboat through the Everglades, exploring above and below Biscayne’s turquoise waters, and experiencing a side of Florida most people never see. This trip is for people w...

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most surprising national parks in the U.S. 🏜️ In this episode, we break down when to go, what to pack, and what first-time visitors always get wrong. 👇 Gear I recommend for Great Sand Dunes National Park 🔗 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3KQVCM6T075KQ?tag=thegreatesc00-20 In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast, we explore everything you nee...

Let’s be honest — travel feels wildly expensive right now. Flights cost more. Hotels cost more. Food costs more. And luggage fees? Somehow those cost more than the luggage itself. If you’re thinking, “I want to travel in 2026, but I don’t want to financially sabotage my future,” this episode is for you. We cover: ✈️ How to find flight deals without obsessively searching 💳 When travel credit cards...

It is officially winter, and I trust that’s not going to stop you from exploring our beautiful national parks. This is actually the best time in my opinion to escape the winter weather where you live and enjoy some parks which are the best to visit right now. Here are my suggestions for the parks you should see December through March.

On The Great Escape we talk about adventure, growth, and occasionally doing things that make people say, "You did WHAT?" So today's episode is all about something that sounds intense… because it IS. We're talking about Misogi Challenges — where they came from, why they're powerful, and how choosing just ONE brutally hard thing can completely change the trajectory of your year...