Our Founder

Dee Ann Smith
Founder/President

After growing up in Southern California, I moved to the Yosemite area in 1985. I wanted a better place to raise my kids, and love the fresh, clean air of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and living close to nature.

My background in hospitality began while I was still in high school, working as a waitress in restaurants after school and on weekends. This led to a career in restaurant management and several years as Banquet and Catering Manager at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake, Calif., where I planned and orchestrated meetings, weddings, meals and activities. During that time I had the pleasure of serving hundreds of organizations and found that I truly enjoyed event planning and working with groups.

When I realized there was a need for both group transportation in the area and tours of Yosemite, I decided to found a tour company with my husband at that time. We started with one bus, offering daily tours into Yosemite as well as group services. Our company grew and became more successful for each of the next 13 years. As President of the company, I handled individual and group bookings, scheduling, finances and public relations while my husband gave the tours, dispatched and maintained the buses.

Over the years of owning and operating the tour company I worked with over 400 group and corporate clients on a wide spectrum of services, ranging from group tours and dinner shuttles for small groups to complete off-site tour and transportation services for conference groups of several hundred.

My commitment to Yosemite has led me to a deep involvement in the community. I served as Director, Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Yosemite-Sierra Visitors Center from 2000 to 2004 and was very active on numerous committees.

I am excited about the launch of my new company and having the opportunity to once again introduce both individuals and groups to Yosemite. It’s also great to be working again with all of the outstanding guides I have worked with in the past and our accomplished Reservation Specialists Jennifer Swartz and Dana Glitch. My commitment, whether I’m working with one person or 100 people, is to guarantee that your time in Yosemite is effortless and filled with cherished memories.