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 travellers 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 US$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 travellers 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 travellers foster deeper connections.
Leigh Barnes, Intrepid’s Managing Director for the Americas, said: “As a purpose-driven company, we recognise 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 travellers to advocate on their behalf and have the trip of a lifetime. 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.”
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 1st 2025, and the other by environmental advocate Wawa Gatheru on April 14th 2026. Travellers 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 7th 2026 and environmental author Leah Thomas on June 14th 2026. Travellers 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.
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 US$50,000 on behalf of its travellers 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/us/
