National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 231 | Stone Road Press And The National Parks

By Jess Repanshek - July 16th, 2023

There are seemingly endless guides to exploring the national parks — Moon, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and various other corporate publishers. Indeed, it’s rare these days that you find a writer who takes on the role of both guidebook author and publisher.

Most of these guidebooks take the same approach: a nice overview of the park in question, followed by a breakdown of places to stay, where to eat, things to do, nearby attractions. Mike Oswald is swimming against the current with his park guidebooks.

First he came out with “Your Guide to the National Parks,” a thick, hefty volume that has won awards from the Independent Book Publishers Association. Along with the usual park basics, he fills his chapters with history, maps that point out some of his favorite hikes and don’t-miss attractions, some details on plants and animals, a suggested vacation planner, and of course, full-color photographs of some iconic settings.

Today we’re sitting down with Mike to discuss not only his decision to “go independent against those giants in the guidebook publishing world," but also his latest park-related projects. Don't forget, use code NPT25 during checkout to save 25%.

:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode Intro with Kurt Repanshek
1:08 Vista Verde - Tim Heintz - The Sounds of Peaks, Plateaus and Canyons
1:24 Potrero Group
1:50 Yosemite Conservancy
2:12 Washington’s National Park Fund
2:51 Stone Road Press and the national parks
17:51 The Road Scholar - Bill Mize - The Spirit of South Dakota
18:05 National Parks RVing Guide
18:59 Great Smoky Mountains Association
19:20 Friends of Acadia
19:46 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
20:18 Stone Road Press and The National Parks Continues
37:04 Black Woods - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
37:20 NPT Promo
37:32 Interior Federal Credit Union
37:52 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
38:14 The Everglades Foundation
38:29 Stone Road Press and the national parks continues
48:27 Schoodic - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
49:01 Episode Closing
49:30 Orange Tree Productions
50:02 Splitbeard Productions
50:13 National Parks Traveler footer

Grand Canyon National Park

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Submitted by Barb Oswald on July 18, 2023 - 8:48am.

Really enjoyed your podcast with Mike Oswald about his new books on our National parks. To this day I use maps for all travels. When I saw his Atlas I loved it. Also his Journal book is really great and helpful for everyone especially the kids that can have their own journal for all their thoughts of their experiences. Great job Mike!!

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The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks