An open letter to our community.
At Intrepid, we believe in one simple idea: travel can be a force for good. That’s why we’re stepping up to help protect one of America’s greatest treasures – our national parks. Today we’re launching United by Nature – an advocacy campaign to raise awareness, inspire responsible travel and fund real conservation work across the US national parks.
Right now, these incredible places are under threat. The US government is proposing more major funding cuts that could hurt more than 75 per cent of the wild spaces we love – from additional job losses and trail closures to damaged habitats and under-resourced rangers. Parks like Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon may never look the same again.
We don’t think that’s right.
These parks are more than just pretty places. They’re sacred lands, home to endangered wildlife, Indigenous history and the stories of generations. They also welcomed over 331 million visits last year and generated $26 billion for local communities. In other words: they matter – to people, to the planet and to the future of travel.
As a tourism company, if we don’t have healthy, thriving national parks, we don’t have a business here. About 80 per cent of our customers in the United States will visit a national park. Over the years, Intrepid has taken over 20,000 travelers through US national parks.
The most powerful thing that we can do at Intrepid is get people out into these places to experience them. Here’s what we’re doing – and how you can help:
1. Responsible visitation
The most impactful thing we can all do right now is visit national parks responsibly. Showing up for these essential and iconic wilderness areas is a clear signal that Americans value the parks and everything they offer. It doesn’t matter how you go – whether it’s alone or on a guided trip – just go responsibly.
We’ve launched a range of ‘Active-ism’ trips you can book now. These new experiences combine adventure with advocacy, hosted by US-based climate activists and Intrepid leaders, offering unique insight into the challenges facing the parks – and how to advocate for their future.
To encourage trips closer to home, from June 12 to 26 we’re offering travelers in the US 20% off* all US national park trips, valid for all trips departing in 2025.
2. Sign the petition
Recent legislation passed by the House would slash funding for the National Park Service, which is already operating with 16 per cent fewer staff than before. Our parks can’t afford more cuts. The National Parks Conservation Association has organized a petition. I’ve signed it and encourage you to sign it as well.
3. Funding and philanthropy
Intrepid has pledged to donate $50K to conservation partners through The Intrepid Foundation — and will introduce several fundraising initiatives. In October, a group of Intrepid travelers and supporters will take on the legendary Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon trek, raising up to $100K to support the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
There are numerous NGOs supporting national parks. Find your cause and consider supporting it.
4. Informed action
We believe in education and awareness, which is why Adventure.com, one of the world’s leading voices in adventure and the outdoors (and which is also powered by Intrepid), is investing in a dedicated reporter to cover national park stories this summer. I’m proud to be funding this work to help bring greater focus and accountability to what is happening in America’s national parks.
We’re also supporting more creators, journalists and influencers to visit the parks and use their platforms for good. Their stories will reach more people – more Intrepid people.
It takes all of us
These are some of the ways that we’re stepping up, but the truth is, we all have the ability to protect and preserve nature. It’s going to take our collective effort to truly make an impact. We need to be United by Nature.
So, if you’re a traveler who loves an outdoor adventure, I urge you to consider the ways you can show up for US national parks. Visit, donate or engage , together we can protect the future of the parks.
Leigh Barnes is Intrepid’s president of the Americas and calls Seattle home. Travelers in the US can save 20%* on Intrepid trips that visit national parks in 2025, when you book between June 12 and 26.
