Intrepid Travel launches ‘Active-ism’ trips

June 2025

Amid historic budget cuts to national parks, Intrepid is introducing two new trips, hosted by activists, helping to advocate and promote U.S. national parks.  

Intrepid Travel, a world leader in responsible travel, is launching two limited edition ‘Active-ism’ trips in U.S. national parks. Hosted by influential activists from across the United States, these new trips blend active adventure with activist-led discussions, connecting travelers around a shared mission of protecting the parks. The trips are in response to a series of executive actions that resulted in the dismissal of over 1,500 National Park Service staff members, as well as the proposed $1 billion cut to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).  

Each ‘Active-ism’ trip will be led by a local Intrepid guide and hosted by a guest activist, who will provide travelers with unique insight into the challenges facing national parks and guide conversations on how they can advocate for their protection. From Zion and the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone National Park, the trips will visit some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and the country’s best hiking trails. With a maximum group size of only 11 people, Intrepid aims to create a more intimate and supportive travel environment to help travelers foster deeper connections.  

The 5-day Active-ism: Zion & The Grand Canyon trip (from $1,446 USD) will have two departures, one hosted by public lands advocate, Alex Haraus, on November 1^st 2025, and the other by environmental advocate Wawa Gatheru on April 14^th 2026. Travelers will experience the region’s diverse landscapes– hiking Zion’s canyons, touring Monument Valley with an Indigenous guide and walking along the Grand Canyon’s rim. They’ll learn about the history of Northwestern Arizona, gaining insight into today’s challenges and how we can help preserve the park for future generations.   

The 6-day Active-ism: Yellowstone & The Grand Tetons trip (from $2,061 USD) will be hosted by climate educator Michael Mezzatesta on June 7^th 2026 and environmental author Leah Thomas on June 14^th 2026. Travelers will discover Grand Teton National Park’s alpine landscapes, pristine lakes and wildlife like moose and grizzly bears. They’ll spend three days exploring Yellowstone’s iconic northern and southern loops, including a wolf-tracking adventure led by a naturalist wildlife guide. Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the United States, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has become a model for conservation and ecosystem management and continues to inspire conservation efforts worldwide. 

“As a purpose-driven company, we recognize the role that tourism can play in supporting both people and protected areas. With these Active-ism trips, we hope to raise awareness and foster discussion around the challenges facing U.S. national parks, while empowering travelers to advocate on their behalf and have the trip of a lifetime.” says Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel. 

“Whether you travel with Intrepid or not, the most important thing is that you go. And if you can’t visit a park, you can support them by learning, sharing, advocating, volunteering or even donating to your local national park.” Barnes adds. 

Intrepid has also reduced the cost of the Active-ism departures to make them more accessible. These are also the only Intrepid itineraries globally that have an activist host in addition to a local leader. To launch these trips, Intrepid has also partnered with prominent environmentalist and drag artist Pattie Gonia who will help promote the trips as part of their ongoing advocacy work.  

This is part of the company’s wider initiative that includes a commitment to donate $50,000 USD on behalf of its travelers to NGOs protecting the U.S. national parks. More details will be available in the weeks ahead.  

To learn more and book an Intrepid Active-ism trip, visit www.intrepidtravel.com/active-ism