National parks represent some of the most fragile environments around the United States — as well as some of the country’s most beautiful places, making them one of the country’s greatest tourism assets.
But this year, funding cuts, staff reductions and other executive actions are threatening the preservation of these precious places. And Intrepid Travel is fighting back.
“At Intrepid Travel, we believe in one simple idea: Travel can be a force for good,” said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid. “That’s why we’re stepping up to help protect one of America’s greatest treasures — our national parks — with an advocacy campaign [called] “United by Nature,” to raise awareness, inspire responsible travel and fund real conservation work across U.S. national parks.”
As part of the campaign, Intrepid’s nonprofit, The Intrepid Foundation, is donating $50,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), which advocates for the National Park System (NPS). The company is also working to raise awareness among the traveling public and urging Americans to take action of their own.
“We are standing with the NPCA to support legislative priorities … [including] reintroducing the America the Beautiful Act to address the maintenance funding backlog that’s estimated at over $23 billion,” Barnes said.
Another way travelers — and their travel advisors — can support the cause? Booking one of Intrepid’s new, limited-edition “Active-ism” itineraries, which offer active discovery of iconic national parks with the added insight of an activist host, who will offer unique insights into the challenges national parks currently face and how travelers can advocate for their protection.
Active-ism: Zion & the Grand Canyon will feature two departures — one on Nov. 1, led by environmentalist Alex Haraus; and an April 14, 2026, edition hosted by Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist. Active-ism: Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons, meanwhile, will feature a departure on June 7, 2026, helmed by climate activist Michael Mezzatesta, and a June 14, 2026, itinerary led by award-winning environmentalist Leah Thomas.
Active-ism: Zion & the Grand Canyon will offer one departure this November, and another next April.
Credit: 2025 Intrepid Travel“The Active-ism collection is led by a diverse group of environmental activists united by a common goal: protecting our natural landscapes,” Barnes said, adding that Intrepid hopes to expand the offerings if interest and bookings support it. “These passionate advocates, known for speaking out and taking action to conserve and protect the environment, will share their expertise and experiences throughout the trip — encouraging others to join them in championing the protection of our national parks.”
We sat down with Barnes to learn more about Intrepid’s efforts to protect U.S. national parks.
What are the current challenges facing U.S. national parks and other protected lands?
Right now, these incredible places are under threat. The U.S. government is proposing more major funding cuts that could hurt more than 75% of the wild spaces we love — from additional job losses and trail closures to damaged habitats and under-resourced rangers. Parks like Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon may never look the same again. We don’t think that’s right.
The U.S. government is proposing more major funding cuts that could hurt more than 75% of the wild spaces we love — from additional job losses and trail closures to damaged habitats and under-resourced rangers.
In 2025, there have been a series of executive actions that resulted in the dismissal of more than 1,500 National Park Service staff members, as well as the proposed $1 billion cut to the NPS. There is widespread concern among the public about the preservation and protection of national parks. The NPCA crunched the numbers and, if the current proposal passes, it is unavoidable that more than 350 parks would have their budgets completely eliminated.
What role can the travel industry play in helping to protect these areas?
Intrepid conducted a Harris Poll of more than 2,000 U.S. adults 18 years and older and found that 75% of respondents oppose the budget cuts; 76% feel that federal budget cuts will threaten the future of U.S. national parks; and 72% fear that political decisions are putting the parks at risk.
The good news is that 81% of respondents are willing to visit a U.S. national park this summer to show their support.
Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid
Credit: 2025 Intrepid TravelSo, we know the travel industry can play a powerful role in protecting national parks through sustainable practices, education, partnerships and advocacy. By leading with sustainability and stewardship, the travel industry can ensure national parks remain protected for future generations — while still allowing people to experience their beauty and significance.
We know the travel industry can play a powerful role in protecting national parks through sustainable practices, education, partnerships and advocacy.
Why is this an important mission for Intrepid specifically?
As a values-driven travel company, one of Intrepid’s key priorities is safeguarding destinations. These parks are more than just pretty places. They’re sacred lands, home to endangered wildlife, Indigenous history and the stories of generations. They also welcomed more than 331 million visitors last year and generated $26 billion for local communities. In other words, they matter — to people, to the planet and to the future of travel. As a tourism company, if we don’t have healthy, thriving national parks, we don’t have a business here. About 80% of our customers in the United States will visit a national park.
As a tourism company, if we don’t have healthy, thriving national parks, we don’t have a business here.
Since 2009, Intrepid Travel has taken more than 20,000 people to U.S. national parks. In 2025, we will take another 5,000. We offer travelers the opportunity to visit 18 different U.S. national parks via almost 250 trip experiences.
Intrepid understands the importance of conservation to protect the breathtaking landscapes and cultural vibrancy that make travel so transformative, and we know our national parks will outlive any administration. Our campaign is a call to action to save our U.S. national parks through tourism. The more people experience the parks and the more they have a personal connection to them, the more they’ll want to join us in protecting them. And this isn’t just about tourism — it’s about supporting sovereignty, small businesses and cultural preservation.
Are there any other ongoing efforts at Intrepid to combat the current threat to U.S. parks?
We believe in education and awareness, which is why Adventure.com, one of the world’s leading voices in adventure and the outdoors (which is also powered by Intrepid), is investing in a dedicated reporter to cover national park stories this summer. I’m proud to be funding this work to help bring greater focus and accountability to what is happening in America’s national parks.
We all have the ability to protect and preserve nature. It’s going to take our collective effort to truly make an impact.
How can travel advisors and their clients help this cause?
We all have the ability to protect and preserve nature. It’s going to take our collective effort to truly make an impact. Recent legislation passed by the House [of Representatives] would slash funding for the National Park Service, which is already operating with 16% fewer staff than before. Our parks can’t afford more cuts. The National Parks Conservation Association has organized a petition. I’ve signed it and encourage others to sign it, as well.
Also, travel advisors can promote sustainable tourism by designing itineraries that spread out visitor traffic across lesser-known parks or in shoulder/off seasons; encourage smaller group sizes and use eco-certified guides to minimize disruption to natural habitats; offer or require carbon offsets for transportation emissions; and educate guests to strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.
