Visiting our nation’s national parks provides a strong testament to nature’s power to uplift and inspire. Given recent political changes that have heightened
worries regarding the upcoming days of these beloved spots
, one travel company is offering its first-ever activist-led trips designed to help travelers engage in protecting America’s parks.
In May, the Trump Administration released its new budget proposal, which included cutting more than
$1.2 billion from the national parks budget
– an almost 25% reduction – after
laying off nearly 1,000 National Park Service
staff in February. While some fired staffers were rehired, some advocates called the move an “all-out assault on America’s national parks.”
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According to the proposal, funding cuts would not only impact park service operations but would also affect crucial sectors such as historic preservation. Additionally, other public spaces, including national monuments, might be handed over to state authorities for their administration.
As a result, the sustainable tourism firm
Intrepid Travel
has created two exclusive ”
Active-ism
Trips centered around safeguarding these sacred natural areas will kick off this June. Merging the spirit of exploration with environmental advocacy, these excursions will be conducted for the first time under the leadership of both a professional guide and an invited activist. They aim to foster comprehensive conversations about the significance of our national parks as participants experience them directly.
“At this point, our parks find themselves at an incredibly crucial juncture—possibly one of the most pivotal times for park conservation during my life—where we’re witnessing billions being slashed from the budget of the National Park Service along with reduced care for these lands. This comes as we may also face a future generation lacking access to experiences similar to ours,” stated Wawa Gatheru, who hosted an activism tour and founded the non-profit organization Black Girl Environmentalist aimed at bridging gaps in climate justice and environmental education.
What do the Active-ism trips entail?
The Active-ism excursions will transport visitors to two of America’s most renowned national parks: the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. During these adventures, participants will engage in hiking activities, interact with local residents, and participate in thought-provoking conversations led by an activist guide who will discuss current issues faced by the parks and ways to inspire personal action for change.
Simply visiting our national parks can be seen as an act of advocacy; once you experience these places, you’ll become more enthusiastic, more intrigued, and likely engage in further actions afterward,” stated Leigh Barnes, who serves as the president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel. Additionally, the firm plans to contribute $50,000 to non-governmental organizations dedicated to safeguarding America’s national parks. “We not only boast exceptional individuals contributing to their enhancement, but merely by exploring and engaging with these areas, you’ll foster positive transformation.
The Active-ism tours are also more budget-friendly, costing up to $600 less than other Intrepid trips. Each group will be limited to 10 participants to ensure a more personal travel experience.
-
The 5-Day Activist Adventure: Exploring Zion and The Grand Canyon
(The trip starts at $1,446) includes two departure dates: one led by national parks supporter Alex Haraus on November 1, 2025, and another guided by environmental activist Wawa Gatheru on April 14, 2026. Participants will trek through canyons and explore Monument Valley accompanied by an Indigenous guide. -
The 6-Day Activist Adventure: Exploring Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons
trip
($2,061 onwards) will include two departures: one led by climate educator Michael Mezzatesta on June 7, 2026, and another facilitated by environmental writer Leah Thomas on June 14, 2026.
Visitors will journey through the majestic landscapes of both Grand Teton National Park and the north and south loops of Yellowstone National Park, accompanied by an experienced naturalist who specializes in wildlife encounters.
Making sure the parks are accessible to all
Intrepid meticulously selected the activist hosts for the trip with the aim of jumpstarting discussions around the intersectionality and inclusiveness within environmentalism, as stated by Barnes. Despite the fact that climate change affects everybody, those who rely heavily on natural resources and belong to lower-income groups bear the brunt of these effects, according to the same source.
Earth.org.
Barnes mentioned that we observe an increasing presence of Indigenous individuals and BIPOC communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change. The aim is to address both aspects of this issue and engage in these discussions. These visits seek to highlight that U.S. national parks are intended for all.
For drag queen, environmentalist, and Intrepid partner Pattie Gonia, our national parks were a way for her to not only connect with nature but also with other people. “I started hiking in heels to let my queerness shine, but along the way, I met thousands of park rangers, scientists, advocates, and organizations who opened my eyes to the challenges facing our public lands,” Pattie Gonia told USA TODAY in a statement.
“Travel has the power to transform awe into action. When you’re immersed in these incredible landscapes, you don’t just see what’s at stake – you truly feel it.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:
‘Such a critical moment’: Protect US national parks on these activist-led trips
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