Andy was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He served four years in the U.S. Army and is currently a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Andy moved to the desert in 1994 where he lives with his wife and two sons. In his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities such as offroading, backpacking, sporting events and spending time at the beach.

Bill, a native Los Angeleno, has been coming to the desert since he was six - "boy, has he seen some changes". He is a retired investment professional who enjoys taking groups out of the city into the world of the desert. Bill is a member of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and in his spare time enjoys a round of golf.

Bruce Dodd is an award winning wildlife artist (Sculptor) who has traveled the world studying nature. From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to Botswanas Okavango River Delta, Bruce has encountered a spectacular array of wildlife and looks forward to new encounters with the clients of Elite Land Tours.

Bruce has been an avid rock climber in Joshua Tree National Park and the Valley since 1986. He retired from a federal job (air traffic controller) and moved to Palm Springs permanently in 2002. He volunteered at San Jacinto State Park before coming to Elite. He currently enjoys working on remodeling his mid-century modern house and taking breaks to explore the local canyons and mountains.

Dana is one of our more entertaining guides. She was a Miss America Beauty Pageant Winner (runner-up) and hosted her own Talk Show here in the Coachella Valley for the past 3 years. She has interviewed everyone from celebrities to politicians...but she ain't tellin'! Some of you might recognize her from your favorite Soap Opera. Dana says that being a tour guide for Elite is her BEST gig yet as she is an avid outdoors person. If she breaks into song on your tour, don't be surprised...she is a professional singer too!

Hugh, a New Hampshire native, relocated to the Valley in 1999, after a fulfilling civil service career. His many interests here are in genealogy, square dancing, swimming, and hiking. Hugh has always savored the outdoors and loves exploring remote areas, never knowing what new plant or animal lies over the horizon. He loves people and looks forward to meeting and interacting with the many fascinating tour guests from both here and abroad. Like many of our guides, Hugh is a current member of both the Joshua Tree National Park Association and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Kerry is a retired real estate executive who started his real estate career in Palm Springs in the early 70’s.  He served three years in the United States Marine Corps (1966-1969) with an 18 month tour of duty in Vietnam as a Radio Operator & Tunnel Rat. When he was growing up most days after school you would find him out in the wash in the San Fernando Valley catching lizards, snakes, frogs, and turtles.  His love for nature and the out-of-doors is still as strong as ever. Working as a guide with Elite Land Tours has given Kerry the opportunity to share his knowledge, passion, and love for this beautiful Southern California Paradise.

Mark is a current member of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the Joshua Tree National Park Association (where he attends classes at the Desert Institute), and the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Mark is a Master Trainer for the Tread Lightly! organization. He plans to share the Tread Lightly! principles with others concerned about impacts on the environment. His hobbies include biking, hiking, rafting, traveling, and exploring.

Matt developed a love for the outdoors while growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Western Pennsylvania.  He went on to a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy as a Cryptologic Technician.  In addition to the ships he served aboard, Matt also enjoyed being stationed in Japan, London and Scotland.  Matt moved to the desert in 2003 where he lives with his wife, son & daughter.  He is a current member of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Joshua Tree National Park Association.  In his spare time Matt enjoys playing with his children, teaching them about nature and practicing Iyengar Yoga.

 

Tom was born in Poland. He came to the U.S. fourteen years ago after doing some research on the National Park System. He fell in love with what he discovered. Tom is an avid backpacker and naturalist. He hiked from Mexico to Canada (Pacific Crest Trail) and from Georgia to Maine (Appalachian Trail). That totals over 5,000 miles of walking! Not to mention his numerous European hikes in the Alps and Pyrenees. His two greatest passions are the outdoors and Tai Chi.