Thursday, June 5, 2025
US National Parks are the backdrop for Intrepid’s adventurous Active-ism tours, where travelers can experience the ultimate fusion of active discovery and passionate environmental activism. These life-changing journeys enable travelers to see some of America’s most iconic landscapes while actually giving back to the country’s natural legacy. With stimulating hikes, off-the-beaten-path explorations, and enriching dialogue, travelers are empowered to be forces of change in the future of these national icons.
Intrepid Introduces Active-ism Trips to Support National Parks and Advocate for Environmental Protection
In response to recent government actions that led to the dismissal of over 1,500 National Park Service (NPS) employees and the proposed \$1 billion budget cut to the U.S. National Park Service, Intrepid Travel has launched a new series of tours designed to raise awareness and advocacy for the preservation of America’s national parks. These ‘Active-ism’ trips are created to not only offer travelers the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most iconic natural landscapes but also to engage them in meaningful conversations on the challenges these parks face and how they can actively contribute to their protection.
Active-ism Trips: Merging Adventure with Advocacy
The new Active-ism trips feature guided tours through renowned parks like Zion, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. Each trip is led by a local Intrepid guide and hosted by a guest activist who offers unique insights into the pressing issues confronting U.S. national parks. Through these tours, participants will learn about the environmental challenges these natural spaces are experiencing, the efforts being made to protect them, and how travelers can be part of the solution. The integration of activism with travel provides an impactful and educational travel experience.
The trips aim to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism while encouraging advocacy and stewardship for national parks. The partnership with guest activists further enriches the experience, as it allows travelers to engage with experts who have dedicated their lives to environmental causes, offering a deeper, more informed perspective on the issues at hand.
Intimate Group Settings for Deeper Connections
One of the key aspects of the Active-ism trips is the intimate group size. With a maximum of only 11 participants, Intrepid fosters a more personalized and supportive travel environment, allowing guests to connect with both the natural world and their fellow travelers. The small group size enables more meaningful conversations with the activist hosts, as well as the opportunity to engage in discussions about the conservation efforts for the parks being visited.
The trips are designed to provide not just an adventure but also an educational journey, combining active exploration of iconic landscapes with crucial discussions about environmental sustainability and protection. These tours are aimed at people who are passionate about nature and interested in learning how they can make a real difference in preserving the natural beauty of national parks for future generations.
Highlights of Active-ism Trips
The Active-ism tours offer a unique blend of scenic beauty, physical activity, and environmental education. The first of these tours, the 5-day Active-ism: Zion & The Grand Canyon trip, starts at \$1,446 (around AU\$2,238). With departures on November 1, 2025, and April 14, 2026, this trip is hosted by public lands advocate Alex Haraus and environmental advocate Wawa Gatheru. Guests will explore the diverse landscapes of Zion National Park, including hiking through its dramatic canyons. They will also tour Monument Valley with an Indigenous guide and walk along the rim of the Grand Canyon. Throughout the journey, participants will gain insight into the history of Northwestern Arizona and explore the ongoing challenges these parks face. The trip will focus on how individuals can play an active role in preserving these parks and advocating for their protection.
The second option, the 6-day Active-ism: Yellowstone & The Grand Tetons tour, is priced from \$2,061 (around AU\$3,190). This tour departs on June 7, 2026, and June 14, 2026, and is hosted by climate educator Michael Mezzatesta and environmental author Leah Thomas. During the tour, participants will experience the stunning alpine landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, complete with pristine lakes and the chance to spot wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears. Travelers will then spend three days exploring Yellowstone’s famous northern and southern loops, including an exciting wolf-tracking adventure led by a naturalist wildlife guide. The tour offers a deep dive into the park’s ecosystem, discussing the balance between conservation efforts and maintaining the area’s wild, untamed beauty.
Making Active-ism Accessible
To ensure that these meaningful experiences are accessible to a wide range of travelers, Intrepid has worked to reduce the cost of the Active-ism tours. By offering more affordable departures, the company aims to make these important advocacy tours more inclusive, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to join in the effort to protect America’s national parks.
This accessibility is part of Intrepid’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. The tours are designed to give participants not only an adventure but also a sense of responsibility for the places they visit. As travelers explore the natural wonders of the U.S., they will be armed with the knowledge and inspiration to advocate for the preservation of these landscapes, both during the trip and long after they return home.
A Meaningful Impact Beyond the Journey
The Active-ism trips offer much more than a traditional vacation; they offer an opportunity for travelers to be part of something bigger—an effort to protect some of the most beloved natural spaces in the world. Through these trips, participants will learn about the environmental issues affecting these parks, how the proposed budget cuts to the National Park Service threaten their preservation, and the vital role that advocacy and tourism play in their future.
As climate change, over-tourism, and reduced funding threaten the sustainability of national parks, the Active-ism trips provide travelers with the tools and knowledge needed to engage with these issues on a global scale. The combination of active exploration, education, and direct action makes these trips a powerful way for individuals to contribute to the preservation of some of the world’s most treasured landscapes.
Conclusion: Advocacy Through Adventure
US National Parks are at the forefront of Intrepid’s innovative Active-ism tours, where adventure and advocacy are combined. These life-changing journeys marry exciting discovery with action-oriented calls to action supporting the protection of America’s wonders.
The Active-ism tours represent a new wave of travel experiences that blend adventure with purpose. By providing travelers with opportunities to learn about the environmental challenges facing national parks and how they can make a tangible difference, these tours offer a unique way to Engage with nature and play an active role in conserving it for future generations. As Intrepid Travel continues to expand its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, the Active-ism trips stand as a testament to the power of travel to inspire action and create positive change for future generations.
