Arizona State Parks and Trails Podcast

Feb 06 2024 30 ep. 38 mins 21

Arizona State Parks and Trails Podcast artwork

Do you enjoy outdoor recreation, or want to learn more about Arizona’s outdoor scene? You know…Camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife and bird watching, and more! Join us every other Wednesday as we discuss adventure, beautiful places, and hidden treasures in Arizona’s state parks! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor veteran or someone looking to get into outdoor recreation, there’s something in this podcast for you!

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360 Degrees of Camping ⛺️

Feb 06 2024 68 mins

New to camping? Want to make your weekend outdoors a success? This information-packed episode cuts the learning curve for any camper looking for new techniques to improve your overnight experience in the outdoors. Hear from experts on the equipment you'll need, the food you can prepare and make at camp, selecting your campsite and being safe out there, and why time in nature is so

Oh snap... It's a Photo Contest!

Nov 22 2023 50 mins

Announcing (drum roll, please 🥁)... the 2023-2024 Opt Outside Photo Contest at Arizona State Parks! Join us in this episode to hear all about the photo contest, its categories, and sweet prize packages. See the full contest details, rules, deadlines, and submission form at AZStateParks.com/photo-contest. Professional photographer for Arizona State Parks, Carlos Ramirez, joins Ne

Go outside... it's good for your health!

Oct 25 2023 31 mins

Humans seem to be hardwired for nature, but did you know there is an actual term for this feeling? It's the concept of biophilia, and research is helping medicine incorporate time in the outdoors and a connection to nature with our health! Dr. Brent Bauer, a general internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota joins us on the show to explain how our physical a

Going underground with the Kartchner Caverns Cave Unit

Sep 28 2023 56 mins

For Chelsea Ballard, the world underneath the ground we stand on has always had a draw. She earned a Karst Hydrogeology degree and went on to work in several different caves before moving to Arizona to lead our Cave Unit team at Kartchner Caverns State Park.In this episode, Chelsea shares what excites her about working in the unique ecosystem of caves and karsts, and gives us insig

Just Wingin' It with Arizona Birding Expert Richard C. Taylor

Aug 25 2023 59 mins

If there's anyone who knows Arizona's birds, it's our guest Richard "Rick" C. Taylor, who literally wrote the book Birds of Arizona! On this episode we fly into the amazing world of the elegant trogon, ruffs, Scott's oriole, sparrows, hummingbirds and so much more.Whether you're a beginning birder or a seasoned ornithologist, you'll be delighted by Rick's knowledge and passion for

Stars, Snails, and Social Media: Sonoran Insiders Program in the Spotlight

Jul 26 2023 53 mins

The Sonoran Insiders program promotes and amplifies good stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation in the Sonoran Desert and landscapes across Arizona. The group hosts fun and informative Insider Experiences for program ambassadors. Apply to become an ambassador HERE or learn more about becoming a partner for the Sonoran Insiders HERE.Want to try an Insider Experience for your

Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots: A conversation with Lew Theokas

Jun 27 2023 29 mins

Lew Theokas, the grandfather of Granite Mountain Hotshots crewmember Garret Zuppiger, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Lew is a former wildland firefighter and currently serves as the Public Relations Officer for the town of Peeple's Valley.Find y

Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots: A conversation with Ben Palm

Jun 26 2023 33 mins

Ben Palm, former fire chief for the town of Yarnell, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Ben served as the Yarnell Fire Chief after the fire up through 2019, and currently works as the department's Assistant Chief and a Liaison Officer on Incident Ma

Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots: A conversation with Karen Norris

Jun 26 2023 26 mins

Karen Norris, the mother of Granite Mountain Hotshots crewmember Scott Norris, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Karen is a founding member and sits on the board of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center in Presco

Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots, 10 Years Later

Jun 23 2023 37 mins

This episode is dedicated in tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013: Andrew Ashcraft, Robert Caldwell, Travis Carter, Dustin DeFord, Christopher MacKenzie, Eric Marsh, Grant McKee, Sean Misner, Scott Norris, Wade Parker, John Percin Jr., Anthony Rose, Jesse Steed, Joe Thurston, Travis Turbyfill, William Warneke, Clayt