Why Choose Detours
- Small, privately owned business since 2001 started by two tour guides
- Our custom tour vans have leather captain’s chairs and HIGH CEILINGS allowing for standing – this makes big tour days MUCH more comfortable
- Top-rated on Tripadvisor
- Our luxury SUVs for private tours are top-of-the-line and ultra comfortable
- Our tour guides are highly knowledgeable and will greatly enhance your tour
Our Tour Guides
DETOURS tour guides are made up of an eclectic group and come from a varying array of backgrounds including teachers, archaeologists, historians and adventure guides but they all have one thing in common: a passion for travel and exploration. Each guide calls the American West home and relishes in the wonders and touring opportunities which it provides. Some of the best viewpoints or unique local experiences cannot be read about from a travel book and it is our intention to facilitate these highly personal experiences during your guided tour. Through continuous training and ever expanding knowledge, our guides go above and beyond making the most of every destination. Simply put – DETOURS guides are the best of the best. They strive to help you make memories on tour that will stay with you forever and entice you to come back for another tour of this amazing region.
Bruce Gilbert
Dan Cotton
With 25 years of experience as a tour guide in Jeeps, Hummers, and now comfortable 13 passenger vans, I have seen some of the best of the northern Sonoran Desert and the great state of Arizona. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and sharing some of the wonderful and amazing history of the state as we travel through those areas.
Diane Kulpinski
The bug got me at an early age on family camping vacations. As a result, I’ve been to all 50 states plus 30 countries and counting. Leaving behind a 35-year photography career to work with DETOURS, I’ve forgotten to pick up my cameras and find I don’t miss them at all. What I do love is turning people on to this dramatically beautiful area of the country, weaving stories about the rich history and fascinating landscapes that we travel to and through.
John Dzurka
John Dzurka is an energetic and resourceful tour guide with a passion for exploring the outdoors. John has several years of experience accompanying guests on trips throughout America’s Southwest and various locations around the world. Originally from Canada, John and his wife Wendy have called Arizona home for the past 16 years.
Laurel Darren
Mark Haarer
Mark Lane
My whole life I have lived for adventure. From being a kid canoeing in the bayous near my home in Alabama, to climbing pyramids in Mexico with my wife last year. I am always looking for that next path to go down. I have traveled all over the US and my passion for the past 30 years has been studying ancient civilizations and their vibrant cultures. My tours are not just about sightseeing; they are immersive experiences that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the places we visit. Join me on your next journey and discover the world through the eyes of an expert!
Mark Smudzinski
Hailing from La Salle Peru, Illinois, my passion for exploration and storytelling was ignited. Although far from the rugged landscapes of Arizona, I found solace in the simplicity of life and the beauty of nature that surrounded us. It was after moving to Arizona that I discovered my calling as a tour guide, falling in love with the wonders, sites, views and people of the Southwest. Now, I invite others to join me on a journey that connects you with the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, uncovering hidden treasures and making new connections along the way. ADVENTURE AWAITS!!
Nathan Arizona
Born in Utah, I’ve explored the American Southwest since childhood, transitioning into guiding and interpreting over two decades ago. Immersed in the region’s history, I’m dubbed a “Southwest Junkie” and share my passion through photography and storytelling. Raised Mormon, I owe my cultural understanding to my grandparents, who were art traders with established native artisans. My grandparents connected me with Native American communities early on. Known for collecting turquoise and dabbling in UFO folklore, I’m committed to educating others about the Southwest’s rich heritage.
Tracy Guss
When I first arrived in the Phoenix valley, I would walk into the desert to watch the sunrise over the Superstition Mountains. I was captivated and enthralled. This also inspired my change of careers from teaching in the corporate world to a vocation centered on sharing the beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon State. After receiving my Interpretive Guide certification, I joined DETOURS in the spring of 2018. Now I have the opportunity to share the beauty and history of Arizona with people from all over the world. It is my hope that they will be as captivated, enthralled, and inspired as I am.
Our Vehicles
Custom High-Roof Tour Vans
Luxury SUVs
For private tours, DETOURS is proud to feature Lincoln Navigators for groups of five or less. Luxury SUVs allow you and your guests to travel the American West in style and comfort. Our private fleet is maintained with the same care as our larger vehicles with daily maintenance and consistent servicing.
Safety & Maintenance
In addition to providing all day comfort, DETOURS ensures your safety during guided tours. We take your trust seriously which is why the care of our fleet is a top priority. Our vehicles are serviced daily by a local automotive shop that is AAA “Top Shop” certified so you can rest assured that your touring vehicle will be safe and well-maintained. We also employ an in-house fleet manager to oversee the upkeep and management of our fleet.
FROM THE FOUNDER
Jeff Slade
Since I was in high school, I’ve been taking people all over the West and it’s been my passion ever since. I love the American West, there is so much diversity and rich cultural history. Taking people off the beaten path and showing them things they’ve never seen is what DETOURS is all about. Our guides follow the same philosophy as I did when I was a tour guide: you’ll pick up a group of strangers but you’ll bring back a family.
We know these places intimately. We know the best overlooks and the best way to get around crowds. We will take you places and show you things that you normally wouldn’t see if you went on your own. Our custom vehicles and expert guides set us apart from the rest and ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.
The best way to see all the Southwest has to offer is with DETOURS. We love showing off the incredible destinations this area has to offer. Let us help you enjoy your next vacation.
Our Trusted Partners
With years of experience taking guests all over the American West, we work with only the best and most trustworthy brands in the industry to ensure every aspect of your tour is top-notch.
