Our Story

We take great pride in our guides – not just for their passion for nature, but for their deep curiosity about people. When you travel with us, we want you to feel like family as we welcome you into our world. Our guides bring a diverse range of experiences, from leading international expeditions and working as wilderness youth counselors to serving as retired wildlife biologists. By combining these backgrounds, we create well-rounded tours that offer insights into geography, wildlife, and geology, while also encouraging you to be present in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Utah and beyond.

Our partnerships with tribal groups aim to deepen our guests’ connection to the Earth while empowering Indigenous communities. Through eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and education, we strive to support economic growth and share the rich histories and futures of these communities.

What Makes Our Tours Different?

We seek a deeper connection with the people, cultures, and traditions that are most rooted in the land. Through music, sacred medicines, and spiritual teachings, we explore the past and present without the pretense and spectacle that often accompany modern tourism.

Our Vision

Sunnyside Expeditions was founded on the belief that travel can be more than just sightseeing. Every place holds stories, traditions, and spirit. We believe that group travel can be a transformative experience – one that combines exploration with intentional growth, conscious healing, and personal discovery.

Blake Dyer – Owner
For the past 15 years, I’ve been organizing international trips and events, driven by a passion for connecting people with the Earth. There’s nothing quite like seeing the look of awe on someone’s face as they take in nature’s unparalleled beauty. This company is my way of bringing people together in that shared experience and purpose.

Cramon Mays – Operations Manager
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Cramon hails from St. Louis but relocated to Utah for its incredible backpacking opportunities. His love for nature is only matched by his enthusiasm for sharing it with others. While he appreciates all four seasons, as an avid skier, he has a special love for Utah winters and the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” His favorite color is pink, and he can’t decide between the Great Blue Whale and Komodo Dragon as his favorite animal.

Garth Wilkins – Guide
I’m a passionate nature lover who enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. My interests also include personal development, Indigenous studies, and finding beauty in everyday moments. I’ve traveled across most of the U.S. and make an annual trip to Peru to experience the Amazon jungle and the Andean mountains. I believe in creating a more beautiful world, and helping people connect with nature is one way I contribute to that vision.

Phil Douglass – Guide
Phil has spent his life exploring the wild landscapes of the American West. He worked with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 32 years before retiring, and he has been called “Utah’s Wildlife Ambassador.” An expert in wildlife conservation, history, and cowboy poetry, he loves sharing his knowledge through storytelling, harmonica tunes, and insights into nature’s wonders. His greatest compliment came from his granddaughter, Kenzlie: “Pappy, I think wildlife know you and find you so you can help other people love them too!”

(Find more about Phil’s music and adventures at mrcampfire.wordpress.com.)

Amandha Zhane – Guide
Amandha has been immersed in world cultures since she was a teenager, later traveling the globe as a TV feature reporter exploring wisdom traditions. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, she has led adventure and wellness retreats, lived off-grid in an RV for three years, and reconnected with her Native heritage through her Inuit mentor. She believes that living in connection with ourselves, each other, and the Earth is our true nature.

Guides Darren Oliver, Rick Cobia, and Tyler Obern also bring their unique expertise to our team, ensuring each journey is rich in knowledge, adventure, and cultural connection.