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About Canyon Dave Tours
"Canyon
Dave" Thayer's lifelong passion for the majestic Grand Canyon began in his
youth, when as a wide-eyed boy he first beheld the ancient chasm's endless
vistas and dizzying depths. By age 18, he had become an intrepid explorer,
frequently hiking and backpacking along the canyon's precipitous trails. By
29, after countless treks into the canyon's farthest reaches, he had
traversed over 1,500 stunning miles through this natural wonder.
His
academic credentials further solidified Thayer's status as one of the
foremost authorities on the Grand Canyon. He earned a master's degree from
the prestigious University of Arizona, focusing his studies on the canyon's
rich geological and biological mysteries.
For
eight years, Thayer imparted his wisdom as a professor of geology. He then
ascended to the position of Curator of Geology at the esteemed
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, overseeing its acclaimed exhibits and
educational programs.
A
prolific author, Thayer has published extensively on the Grand Canyon,
elevating awareness through trail guides, scientific articles, books, and
more. His seminal works, "Geology of Grand Canyon along Bright Angel Trail"
(1986) and "Introduction to Grand Canyon Fossils" (2009), stand as
definitive guides to the canyon's terrain and prehistoric past.
In
2001, Thayer embarked on his life's crowning achievement, founding 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 vast knowledge and
passion.
Canyon
Dave Tours represents the culmination of Thayer's legendary career -
enabling people worldwide to experience the magic of Grand Canyon inspired
by one of the canyon's most accomplished explorers and experts.
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.
Canyon Dave drew these cartoons to tell how and why we started Grand Canyon educational tours!
"We had a fantastic day with this company - extremely knowledgeable, fun and fabulous people, we actually had THE 'Canyon Dave' on our tour in March this year along with his protégé Rachel who was lovely. Well worth the money and definitely recommended." CaroleJane BT.
“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