Spending time in our country’s national parks offers a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to uplift and inspire. In light of recent political developments that have raised concerns about the future of these cherished places, 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 park service 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.”
Under the proposal, not only will park service operations lose funding, but other critical areas, like historic preservation, will also be affected. Other public lands, like national monuments, risk being turned over to the state for management.
In response, sustainable tourism company Intrepid Travel has curated two limited edition “Active-ism” trips focused on protecting these revered landscapes, launching this June. Blending the concept of adventure with activism, each trip will be led by a professional guide and guest activist for the first time to lead in-depth discussions on the importance of our parks while experiencing them firsthand.
“We are at such a critical moment for our parks – arguably one of the most critical moments for our parks in my lifetime – where we’re seeing billion dollar cuts to our National Park Service and the stewardship of that land, while simultaneously might be seeing a future where generations aren’t afforded what we all have access when we were there,” said Wawa Gatheru, one of the Active-ism trip hosts and founder of the nonprofit Black Girl Environmentalist that works to close the gap of climate justice and education.
The Active-ism trips will take travelers to two of the most iconic U.S. national parks, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. There, they’ll hike, connect with local communities, and have discussions guided by their activist host on topics such as what challenges parks are currently facing and how we can empower ourselves to make change.
“Just going to our national parks is a form of activism, going and experiencing will mean you’re more passionate, more curious, and will take more action afterwards,” said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas for Intrepid Travel. The company will also donate $50,000 to nongovernmental organizations protecting the U.S. national parks. “Not only do we have great people leading and adding to them, but just by going and experiencing it, you’re going to be creating positive change.”
The Active-ism trips are also more affordable, up to $600 cheaper than other Intrepid trips. The group size will max out at 10 people for a more intimate travel environment.
Intrepid carefully curated the activists hosts the trip to ensure they could kick-start conversations about the intersectionality and inclusivity of environmentalism, according to Barnes. Although climate change impacts everyone, low-income communities that depend the most on natural resources are hit the hardest, according to Earth.org.
“We see more First Nations People, more BIPOC people that are disproportionately impacted by climate change, so wanting to be able to focus on two sides of that coin and have those conversations,” Barnes said. These trips hope to shed light on how U.S. national parks are truly for everyone.
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,” 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.”
