The Great Escape
by Katie Staples
Latest episode
North Rim vs South Rim: How to Choose the Right Grand Canyon…
North Rim vs South Rim: How to Choose the Right Grand Canyon…
About this podcast
Hey, explorers! My name is Katie Staples and I am an adventure enthusiast. I’m going to share my travel stories, tips, and tricks for exploring and creating unforgettable experiences and memories. If you are just looking to get out more, you’re craving a crazy getaway, or you’re an experienced nomad living in your sprinter van, this is the podcast for you.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 78 episodes
- North Rim vs South Rim: How to Choose the Right Grand Canyon Experience · 12 min · Season 1 Episode 77North Rim or South Rim? Many travelers assume they're choosing between two viewpoints at the same destination. In reality, the two rims offer completely different Grand Canyon…
- Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hiking: Training, Safety, Permits & Planning Guide · 15 min · Season 1 Episode 76Can 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…
- Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park | Seasons, Crowds, Weather & Hiking Tips · 9 min · Season 1 Episode 75When 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…
- Grand Canyon Hiking Guide: Trails, Safety, Phantom Ranch & Hiking Below the Rim · 14 min · Season 1 Episode 74Hiking 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 Rescues: Why Visitors Need Saving & Common Hiking Mistakes · 10 min · Season 1 Episode 73Grand 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…
- Grand Canyon National Park: Know Before You Go · 10 min · Season 1 Episode 72Planning 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…
- The Zion Most People Skip: East Zion, Kolob Terrace & Kolob Canyons · 9 min · Season 1 Episode 71Most 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…
- Best Hikes in Zion National Park (And Which One Is Right for You) · 8 minPlanning 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…
- Where to Stay in Zion National Park: Best Areas, Campgrounds & Hotels · 8 min · Season 1 Episode 69Planning 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…
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park (+ Avoid Crowds & Seasonal Tips) · 8 min · Season 1 Episode 68Trying 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…
- 3 Day Zion National Park Itinerary: Exactly What to Do · 7 min · Season 1 Episode 67Planning 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…
- 10 Zion Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Trip (And How to Avoid Them) · 8 min · Season 1 Episode 66Planning 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…
- Zion National Park Shuttle System Explained (Routes, Stops & Tips) · 10 min · Season 1 Episode 65Planning 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…
- Zion National Park: First-Time Visitor Guide (Hikes, Shuttle, Permits & Tips) · 13 min · Season 1 Episode 64Planning 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…
- Angel’s Landing: Permit, Danger & Tips for Hiking Zion’s Most Famous Trail · 7 min · Season 1 Episode 63Angel’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…
- Hiking The Narrows in Zion: What to Know About Water Levels, Permits & Safety · 7 min · Season 1 Episode 62Planning 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…
- Which National Park Should You Visit First? (6 Beginner-Friendly Picks) · 10 min · Season 1 Episode 61If 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…
- How to Plan a National Park Trip (Beginner’s Guide + Tips) · 9 min · Season 1 Episode 60Trying 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 —…
- Camping Must-Haves for Beginners (ep 59) · 9 min · Season 1 Episode 59If 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…
- Ep 58: Yellowstone National Park Ultimate Guide · 25 min · Season 1 Episode 58In 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…







