"Canyon Dave" Thayer's lifelong passion for the Grand Canyon began in his youth, when as a boy he first saw and hiked the ancient chasm. By age 18, he had become a frequent backpacker along the canyon's trails. By 29, after countless treks, he had traversed 1,500 miles through this natural wonder.
His academic credentials further solidified Thayer's status as an authority on the Grand Canyon. He earned his master's degree in Geology from the University of Arizona.
For eight years, Thayer was a professor of geology. He then took the position of Curator of Geology at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, overseeing its acclaimed exhibits and geology programs.
A prolific author, Thayer has published extensively on the Grand Canyon, elevating awareness through trail guides, scientific articles, books, and more. His "Geology of Grand Canyon along Bright Angel Trail" (1986) and "Introduction to Grand Canyon Fossils" (2009), are guides to the canyon's terrain and prehistoric past.
In 2001, Thayer founded Canyon Dave Tours. The company incorporated in 2007 with Dave as CEO. Canyon Dave personally trains his guides in the history, geology, and ecology of the Grand Canyon. They usher his guests on transformative journeys along the South Rim of the canyon he knows so intimately. His wife Dora, former park ranger, CFO and guide, partners in sharing Thayer's knowledge and love of the Grand Canyon.
Canyon Dave Tours represents the culmination of Thayer's career - enabling people worldwide to experience the magic of Grand Canyon guided by the best tour guides at the Canyon.
While at the Desert Museum, Dave met his wife, Dora. Dora has her BS degree in field biology, specializing in marine biology.
Dora, then a Grand Canyon ranger, joined Dave full time in 2004, operating their tour business at Grand Canyon.
In 2007 the company incorporated, with Dave as President and CEO and Dora as Vice-President and CFO. Canyon
Dave Tours, Inc. is currently based in Williams, Arizona.
At the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Dave and Dora were inspired by the delightful tours and field trips, many of which
they led or in which they participated. They were each further inspired by a stated and implied invitation to every visitor
that they participate in conservation of nature and natural areas. Canyon Dave Tours, Inc. was and is founded on these same
principles.
“At Canyon Dave Tours, we really listen to you, the tour guest—we never spout information like a TV that no one is
watching. Your contribution to our tour is essential because you are doing something bigger than yourself or your guide:
you are increasing your own understanding of local nature, history, and culture. Learning leads to love, and love to
protection and care.
We have designed your tour so that you will visit interesting people and viewpoints. We foster open-minded conversation
rather than giving a canned spiel. While the goal is to learn about our destination, having fun is also vital—happy,
engaged people are more alert--they learn and experience more. That’s why your contribution is
the very heart of our tour. You are much more than a mere passenger. We want you to bring your viewpoints to our viewpoints.
We always hope your tour is not over when it’s over.”
--Canyon Dave
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