With a billion-dollar budget slash looming over the U.S. National Park Service, Intrepid Travel is inviting Aussies to take action (literally) with a new style of purpose-driven trip blending hiking, activism, and advocacy.
Intrepid Travel has launched two limited-edition itineraries: ‘Active-ism: Zion & The Grand Canyon‘ and ‘Active-ism: Yellowstone & The Grand Tetons‘, with profits going to grassroots organisations supporting the protection of national parks in the United States.
The trips are timed in response to proposed U.S. federal budget cuts of US$1 billion and the loss of more than 1,500 National Park Service staff, with the aim of giving travellers a chance to support conservation efforts on the ground.
Each itinerary will be hosted by a local Intrepid guide alongside a guest activist, ranging from environmental authors to public lands advocates, who will facilitate discussions and bring firsthand insight into the challenges facing these protected areas.
Why now?
Leigh Barnes, Intrepid‘s Managing Director for the Americas, said the timing of the trips was deliberate.
“As a purpose-driven company, we recognise the role that tourism can play in supporting both people and protected areas,” Barnes said.
“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.”
Who’s involved
The new trips feature well-known activist hosts including:
- Alex Haraus (public lands advocate)
- Wawa Gatheru (environmental advocate)
- Michael Mezzatesta (climate educator)
- Leah Thomas (environmental author)
In addition, Intrepid has partnered with Pattie Gonia, a prominent environmentalist and drag artist, to promote the initiative.
“I’m proud to partner with Intrepid Travel to champion our national parks at a critical time,” Pattie Gonia said.
“Travel can awaken something powerful in us, a deeper connection, and a drive to protect what matters.”
What’s included
Active-ism: Zion & The Grand Canyon (5 days)
- Priced from US$1,446
- November 1, 2025 (hosted by Alex Haraus)
- April 14, 2026 (hosted by Wawa Gatheru)
- Includes hikes through Zion’s canyons, Grand Canyon rim walks, and a Monument Valley tour with an Indigenous guide
Active-ism: Yellowstone & The Grand Tetons (6 days)
- Priced from US$2,061
- June 7, 2026 (hosted by Michael Mezzatesta)
- June 14, 2026 (hosted by Leah Thomas)
- Features three days in Yellowstone, wildlife tracking with a naturalist guide, and alpine hiking in Grand Teton National Park
Group sizes are capped at 11 to ensure intimacy and engagement.
A broader mission
The Active-ism program is part of Intrepid’s broader commitment to responsible travel. The company has pledged to donate US$50,000 to NGOs focused on U.S. national park protection and has made these trips more affordable to encourage wider participation.
These are currently the only Intrepid trips to feature both a local leader and an activist host.
KARRYON UNPACKS: For agents, Intrepid’s Active-ism trips are a rare chance to offer clients a cause-led adventure with tangible impact. Limited spots, activist hosts and a strong conservation focus make these easy to pitch to purpose-driven travellers. Pattie Gonia’s involvement also opens up ready-made campaign angles for socials and EDMs.
