Travel with purpose. Community with pride.

Our History

Pride Adventures was founded on the belief that travel should be joyful, inclusive, and connection-driven. Through curated group trips and custom journeys, we bring LGBTQ+ travelers together to explore the world—and themselves—with pride.

Our History

Pride Adventures was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that outdoor adventures and travel experiences can create deeper connections within the LGBTQ+ community.

Our journey began in 2017 with the creation of California Gay Adventures (CGA), a grassroots group offering hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures throughout California. What started as local weekend activities quickly evolved into a vibrant community, uniting LGBTQ+ individuals who shared a love for exploration and the outdoors.

As demand grew for bigger experiences and global adventures, Pride Adventures was officially launched as a full-service travel company in 2022.

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Inspiration

Authentic Leadership

Exploration

Global Expeditions

Adventure

Shared Journeys

Unity

LGBTQ+ Bond

Founder & Chief Adventure Officer

Meet Chris Smith

For Chris Smith, adventure isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life. Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, Chris was immersed in the outdoors from an early age, raised in a family where hiking, camping, and exploration were part of everyday life. His father hosted a popular outdoor television show, planting the seeds for a lifelong love of nature, travel, and discovery.
After coming out at 21, Chris found a deep sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community and spent years building a career in gay media, nightlife, and corporate marketing. Yet, he always felt something was missing: a space where LGBTQ+ individuals could connect through shared adventures and authentic experiences.

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Our Hosts

While many trips are personally led by Chris Smith, we’re proud to collaborate with a growing crew of incredible hosts who help bring our adventures to life. Regular hosts include Kevin Smith, Lynn Shrum, and other passionate travelers who share our mission to create unforgettable, affirming experiences around the world.

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Kristen Lewis

Founder

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James O'Neil

Manager

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Nataliya Stepulev

Receptionist

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Tour Partners & Guides (Content coming soon)

This section will spotlight our global partners, local guides, and travel experts who help us deliver safe, authentic, and enriching experiences on every adventure.

Get in touch with us

We Might Be Adventuring...

We’re often out exploring the world—but we’re never too far to connect. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can (usually within a day or two). Your next adventure is just a conversation away!
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Travel proud. Explore loud. Adventure together.

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Our History

Building on the success of CGA, Pride Adventures expanded its reach worldwide, offering curated group trips to destinations like Costa Rica, Southeast Asia, Alaska, and beyond.
Today, Pride Adventures continues to create spaces where LGBTQ+ travelers can connect, explore, and celebrate the world together—whether trekking through the California wilderness or sailing through the Galápagos Islands. Rooted in a passion for community, adventure, and pride, we’re proud to be growing a global network of travelers who share the spirit of discovery.

Founder & Chief Adventure Officer

Meet Chris Smith

In 2017, around a campfire in Yosemite National Park, Chris’s dream began to take shape. What started as local hikes and camping trips with friends quickly grew into California Gay Adventures (CGA), a thriving volunteer community. Driven by his passion to bring people together through exploration, Chris expanded his vision internationally, officially launching Pride Adventures in 2022.
Today, Chris personally curates and leads many of Pride Adventures’ journeys around the world—from trekking rainforests in Costa Rica to sailing the waters of Alaska—always bringing the same spirit of connection, adventure, and heart that sparked it all. His mission is simple: to create spaces where LGBTQ+ travelers feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore the world together.
As both founder and fellow adventurer, Chris continues to guide Pride Adventures with authenticity, excitement, and a deep commitment to building a global community—one unforgettable journey at a time.