Guides & Company Bio • Desert Solitude

Company Bio

WHO WE ARE

Desert Solitude was created around the vision of providing an authentic local experience to national park tourists in a way that has never been done before. Blending the comforts of luxury and the ruggedness of adventure is the bedrock on which Desert Solitude is built. Offering only private tours is the key that unlocks the freedom for Desert Solitude guests to explore Utah like a local. On a private tour, itineraries become suggestions, destinations become expeditions, and landscapes become playgrounds.

Desert Solitude’s founder, Neil Peterson, has been exploring Utah for two decades. His passion to conquer remote backcountry trails, and to share those adventures with friends, caused him to consider offering tours commercially. While adventuring in the canyons of Moab in 2012, close friends helped complete Neil’s vision for a company that would provide private tours combined with luxury RV camping. Desert Solitude has successfully bridged the gap between lavish resorts and rigorous tent-camping group tours while maintaining a pinpoint focus on quality, comfort, and personalized service.

WHY CHOOSE US

Desert Solitude offers a unique experience not available anywhere else in the world
Desert Solitude is more flexible and versatile than any other tour company
Desert Solitude caters to all ages and all physical ability levels
Desert Solitude provides 24-hour access to our guides and chauffeured touring SUV
All inclusive tour packages which include logistics, lodging, and dining

MEET THE TOUR GUIDES

Neil

LEAD GUIDE/OWNER

Playing outdoors has been a way of life for Neil from a very young age. He would explore as far as he could – first the backyard, then the neighborhood, soon the Salt Lake Valley, and finally the magnificent state of Utah. “I wonder where that trail goes,” has been the simple catalyst that has propelled Neil on to many memorable adventures.

It was the bond between man and machine that first carried Neil over the untamed landscapes, whether it be by 4×4, ATV, or Dirtbike. Then a slot canyon hike in Little Wild Horse Canyon ignited a new passion in him which has drawn him deeper into the canyons than he could go before. His favorite hike is the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park and his favorite off-road trail is the Gold Bar Rim north of Moab.

Currently, Neil serves as a trained member of the Utah Off-Road Recovery Team, which provides free vehicle recovery services to explorers who become stranded while in Utah’s backcountry. Neil also serves as the tourism liaison on the planning board of the Utah Off-Road Expo, which promotes responsible trail use and stewardship of Utah’s public lands. He enjoys the artistic nature of photography and is the photographer and editor of most of the images at DesertSolitude.com. He is a loving husband and father of three girls and loves to be out enjoying nature with his beautiful, young family.

Zach

TOUR GUIDE

Zach is full of passion for all things outdoors especially when it comes to adventure. His favorite outdoor sports include mountain biking, snowboarding, dirt biking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Before guiding for Desert Solitude Zach spent three seasons guiding whitewater rafting excursions down the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Zach has begun EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training courses and is CPR and First Aid certified.

When not guiding for Desert Solitude Zach can be found spending time with his family at their cabin in the Wasatch Mountains of Northern Utah. Zach speaks fluent Spanish, enjoys playing the guitar, and is an Eagle Scout.

BENEFITS OF TOURING WITH US

Local Guides

Our guides are outdoorsmen who were driven to become guides by their passion for nature and their desire to share it with others.

Having lived in Utah the majority of their lives, our guides know the culture and history of the people that live here. When not guiding tours for Desert Solitude our guides are hiking, hunting, exploring, and photographing the unique state of Utah.

Experience

Come hear the distinct sounds of wildlife that interrupt the quiet crackle and pop of the fire. Breath in the clean morning air perfumed by juniper trees.

Tour with Desert Solitude and experience Utah! Come hear the distinct sounds of wildlife that interrupt the quiet crackle and pop of the fire. Breath in the clean morning air perfumed by juniper trees. Tour with Desert Solitude and experience Utah!

Exclusive Tours

All Desert Solitude tours are private tours serving your group of 2-6 guests. Travel, dine and explore at your pace.

Even small group tours can’t compete with the ultimate flexibility of a private group tour. A tour day with Desert Solitude starts and ends when you decide. Watch the sunrise from a clifftop or have a lazy morning. See the sunset from your chair by the campfire or hike the desert by moonlight. Whatever you decide, your Desert Solitude guides will be there to help personalize your southwest desert tour.

All Inclusive

All tours include lodging, meals, tour guides, park entrance fees, and all excursion activities.

From the coffee to the campfire, we’ve got you covered. Let us handle the logistics, planning, and preparation so that you can enjoy every moment of your vacation.

Luxury RV Camping

Every multi-day tour includes lodging in a luxury level camping RV complete with air conditioning, heating, full bathroom, kitchen, and queen sized beds.

Desert Solitude is the only multi-day tour company that offers mobile accommodations which eliminates the hassle of checking in and out of hotels. RV camping creates opportunities to experience wildlife, stargazing, and the subtle sounds of nature. Take in the great outdoors in comfort and solitude.

24-hour service

Our guides are at your service to provide personal and professional service 24 hours a day. You are going to feel like you are touring with friends!

Our guides genuinely care about you and your vacation and consider it a privilege to share their favorite parts of Utah with you. In addition to chauffeuring your daily tour, your guides will prepare meals and will perform daily housekeeping duties.