Our Team
It would be our pleasure to have you travel with us on our journey to “Explore, Experience, Enrich!” We are so fortunate to have a diverse and talented team who provide endless possibilities for your next adventure!
Meet the Team
Jason Murray - Owner/CEO
As a native of Utah, Jason grew up visiting the National Parks, Monuments, and other regions throughout the Western United States. That is where he first fell in love with the history and geology of the area.
As he grew older, he continued to enrich his education and knowledge at nature camps and class trips throughout the Southwest. One of his favorite trips was down to Havasupai Falls and the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Even when he attended college in California, he continued to enjoy the diverse geological and ecological environments nearby.
He has enjoyed camping, hiking, backpacking, and touring throughout the west for the last 20 years. One of his greatest loves is sharing his passion of the history, geology, and beauty of the Southwestern United States with those he tours with.
Jill Smith - Administrative Assistant
Jill has deep roots in the southern Utah area. For 5 generations her family has called this beautiful landscape home. Growing up with Zion National Park in her backyard and just 40 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park she has visited both parks since she was a child. She is now sharing her love of southern Utah with the 6th and 7th generations of her family. Jill started as a part time employee at Southwest Adventure Tours answering phones during the busy summer months before coming on board full time as an Administrative Assistant. She feels incredibly lucky to share her "home" with those who come to visit as part of our Southwest Adventure Tours family!
Shawn Horman - Director of Group Sales
A native of Utah, Shawn grew up spending as much time outdoors as possible on family camping trips, scout camps, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking and mountain biking. From exploring the backcountry of Yellowstone to the slick rock of southern Utah, the National Parks became a lifelong passion. While a student at the University of Utah and working as a ski instructor, he began his tourism career in 1988 when hired by a local company to work as a Japanese speaking ski guide. This led to summertime work as a Japanese speaking tour director taking groups to the National Parks & Scenic wonders of the west. In 1990 he was hired to work as a sales manager for the Japanese market and spent the next three decades handling sales and designing tours for both the Japanese and domestic markets with a few promotions along the way including Vice President in 2000. Joining the Southwest Adventure Tours team in early 2019, Shawn brings over 30 years of experience designing custom tours across the west for all types of groups from a few passengers to a few hundred. He also brings his passion for the outdoors and scenic wonders of the west and can’t wait to help you and your clients experience them for yourself.
Shawn brings 30 years of experience designing custom tours for all types of groups from a few passengers to a few hundred to the Southwest Adventure Tours team. He also brings his passion for the outdoors and scenic wonders of the west and can’t wait to help you and your clients experience them for yourself.
Jason Beach, Director of Operations
With a background in geology and a lifetime spent exploring the western U.S., Jason leads the operations team at Southwest Adventure Tours with a passion for the landscapes and experiences that make this region extraordinary. Born and raised in Utah, he has an intimate knowledge of the unique natural beauty and geological wonders found across the West. His commitment to delivering seamless and enriching tours reflects in every detail, ensuring that each journey with Southwest Adventure Tours is as remarkable as the landscapes that are explored.
Michelle Hillyard - Operations Administrator
My name is Michelle Hillyard, and I live in Cedar City, UT. My family has been here for 19 years. I have always been a sports enthusiast. You can usually find me either on the field watching a game or outside on my back patio also watching a game. If I was ever to win the lottery, I would spend all my winnings going to the Olympics and World Cup soccer games. In fact, my kids and I are already planning what events to go watch in 2028 when the Olympics are in LA--women's soccer and volleyball are at the top of the list. I am a mom to 3 daughters, 1 son, 1 daughter in law and 1 adorable granddaughter. I graduated from BYU in Business Administration but didn't really put that to good use until I joined Southwest Adventure Tours. My prior work experience revolved around being a stay-at-home mom and being available to support my kids in everything they did--how lucky was I? I chose to work part time for the Iron County School District as the take home librarian and secretary. What a dream job....part time daily and part time year-round. Now I work full time for Southwest Adventure Tours as an Operations Administrator and concentrate mostly on the large group motorcoach tours. SWAT keeps me on my toes, and I love to see a tour go from planning to execution and making guests' experience come to life.
Ryan Hildner - Operations Administrator
While born in Texas, Ryan grew up in a military family and moved around constantly, living in 6 different states and 9 different cities before graduating high school. This kickstarted his love for the United States and all the beauty that it holds. Ryan attended Texas A&M for finance where he realized that his passion was not in numbers and that he needed a change. Shortly after this realization he moved to Durango, Colorado where he worked with a tourist train and discovered that he wanted to share his love of traveling and the natural beauty of the US with others. It was not long after this realization that Ryan was offered an opportunity to work with Southwest Adventure Tours. Now he gets to fulfill his dream everyday by creating lasting memories of what he loves for other people!
Lexi Sampson Operations Administrator
Lexi Sampson is a part of the Operations Team here at Southwest Adventure Tours. Originally from northern Utah, she is currently attending Southern Utah University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism. Her hobbies include hiking, skiing, rock climbing and exploring the National Parks. Her favorite National Park so far would have to be Bryce Canyon. Some of her duties here at Southwest Adventure Tours include making food and hotel reservations for the tour guests and uploading data into our new software system Tour Amigo. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves being a part of making memorable experiences for guests that go on adventures with us!
Kenley McMinn - Operations Administrator
Born and raised in Utah, Kenley has been very blessed to be able to experience the beautiful sights and sceneries that Utah has to offer. Kenley's dad has a passion for the outdoors and adventure. He always took her and her older sister on trips with him to hike, camp, fish, star gaze, target shoot, and other fun outdoor activities. At the time, Kenley did not appreciate these things as much as she does now. She realizes how special that was to be able to make those unique memories with her family. She explored many of Utah's classic landmarks and sites and learned so much. Kenley learned that she is tough, smart, and loves to explore. She loves that this job allows her to help create those memories that she has, for people all around the world. Kenley is able to show off what she loves so much about Utah and create life changing experiences!
Nicky Dunn - Operations Administrator
Nicky was born and raised in Colorado but moved to Utah about 12 years ago. She fell in love with the hiking trails and the inviting mountains. To Nicky there is nothing like walking the trails in Fall. The colors and sunrises cannot be described with words alone. She feels the best part is, even an amateur will feel welcomed but there are also great opportunities for the experienced hikers as well. While her background is mostly in logistics, she realized she needed a change. After finding Southwest Adventure Tours, she realized that doing day tours around Salt Lake City is enjoyable, but her skill set is better utilized in the office. She loves hearing all the stories from the guides, who happen to be the most amazing people, and the reviews from our wonderful guests!
Dagan Murray - Operations Administrator
Dagan Murray grew up in Southern Utah surrounded by the beautiful landscape there. He spent an extensive amount of time in the outdoors and fostered a love for camping, hiking, and all things outdoors. He has visited all of the national parks in the Grand Circle area as a youth many times and loved those experiences. His most memorable trips include a trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park. Currently attending Utah Valley University, he tries to take trips to new places whenever he can find time to do so. He loves helping people see and experience the wonderful landscape in the Southwestern US.
The Accounting Department
Ashlee, Jami, and Lisa make up our accounting department. They strive to help Southwest Adventure Tours operate on sound financial principles. Their goal is to complete tasks in a timely manner and to serve our customers to the best of their ability. They are committed to excellence, both in supporting our customers and our fellow team members.
Amie Bills - Creator and Marketer of Experiences/Customer Service
Amie Bills is a passionate traveler and adventure enthusiast who has explored the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, the vibrant cultures of Europe, and the idyllic Caribbean islands. Among her travels, Alaska stands out as her favorite destination, captivating her with its majestic beauty and unspoiled wilderness. Amie’s journey in the travel industry began many years ago when she discovered her talent for crafting unforgettable experiences for others. She now channels her expertise and enthusiasm into her role at Southwest Adventure Tours, specializing in creating personalized adventures that inspire and delight her clients. Before dedicating herself fully to the travel industry, Amie built a long and impactful career as a surgical technician, a role she excelled in. This unique blend of precision, care, and creativity defines her approach to life and work, making her an exceptional guide for those seeking memorable travel experiences. Whether she’s helping clients plan their dream vacations or sharing her own stories from the road, Amie’s love for discovery and connection shines through in everything she does.
Samantha Laney - Creator and Marketer of Experiences/Customer Service
Samantha Laney is a marketer and creator of experiences. She was born and raised in South Alabama. She works on the front line here at Southwest Adventure Tours in customer service. She is a highly motivated individual with strong communication skills. Her strengths are handling high volume customer interactions and building positive relationships. She holds a bachelor's in business management and has 25+ years in customer service & sales. Outside of SWAT you can find her spending time with her family, biking, fishing, going to the beach, playing bingo, watching football, or traveling. Her motto is: A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step!
Monica Sawicki - Creator and Marketer of Experiences
After 20 years in the entertainment industry as a singer, actress, and host, Monica created the award-winning travel show Monica Goes on YouTube in 2014. She worked with over 40 DMO's to create travel itineraries and episodes doing adventures that as she puts it "If she can do, anyone can". When the pandemic hit, and the show came to a halt, Monica wrote the bestselling book "The Power of Pivoting - How to Embrace Change and Create a Life You Love." Monica's biggest passion in life is to help people face their fears and get out of their comfort zones. Monica began working for Southwest Adventure Tours in 2022 as the Creator and Marketer of Experiences and now helps other people plan their bucket list adventures! Monica currently lives in Denver Colorado with her husband, two kids, and adventure dog Millie.
Adeina Anderson - Creator and Marketer of Experiences
As a travel journalist, Adeina creates travel and outdoor adventure segments for multiple local television lifestyle shows throughout the United States on NBC, ABC, CBS CW, and Fox affiliates. She has written and photographed for outlets including A Girls Guide to Cars, Prime Women, Texas Travel Talk, and Microsoft Start. Adeina specializes in unique outdoor adventures, empty nest travel, adventurous road trips, weekend road trips, luxury travel, and exploring the most beautiful places in the United States. Her adventure bio includes road tripping to 34 states in 30 days, hiking many National Parks like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and many more. She has explored Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge Caverns, Lost Cave, Jewel Cave, and Marvel Cave, and she has fly-fished numerous rivers in Montana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. She has zip-lined, kayaked, 4-wheeled, and water rafted in many states across the country, and chasing waterfalls is one of her favorite things to do. She currently lives in Texas but loves to share this beautiful country with everyone. Her motto is "get out there and explore".
Amber Pepe - Creator and Marketer of Experiences
Hi there! Amber Pepe, your go-to travel enthusiast and adventure matchmaker is here to help you explore the best experiences across the United States. With years of experience in building connections, curating journeys, and delivering top-notch service, she is all about helping you discover your next unforgettable adventure. Her background? Think of it as a blend of wanderlust and strategic know-how. Whether collaborating with clients to grow beverage brands, managing a bustling restaurant, or crafting personalized getaways as a travel advisor, she has always been passionate about creating exceptional experiences. That same energy now fuels her work in helping travelers like you explore the beauty, culture, and hidden gems across the U.S. Amber believes every adventure should have the perfect mix of planning, spontaneity, and storytelling. So, whether you’re chasing mountain sunsets, hiking national parks, exploring vibrant cities, or road-tripping along coastal highways, she’ll make sure your journey feels personal, seamless, and unforgettable. Let’s explore the road less traveled—together. Ready to plan your next adventure? Because the United States is calling, and Amber has the map.
Robin Hill – Creator and Marketer of Experiences
Robin was born and raised in Plymouth Massachusetts and currently resides in Florida. She grew up camping for many years in New Hampshire and skiing in the New England area.
Over the years she has been involved with Cub Scouts and the Young Marine Program, while spending lots of time outdoors. Robin has a very active military family with 3 children on active duty and a husband who is retired. They spend as much time as possible helping and supporting our Veterans through the American Legion and the Marine Corps League.
Robin's hobbies are riding motorcycles, camping, foodie events, building a container home for their retirement in NE Tennessee, spending time with grandbabies and of course traveling and visiting new destinations. She has been in the travel industry in many different facets for over 37 years. She is a Destination Specialist in many different locations, that has included extensive training in multiple destinations. She has been to lots of different destinations and learned about their cultures and food. Robin loves creating experiences of a lifetime and making dreams come to life, while making memories last.
Becky Word - Business and Product Development
Becky has been in the travel industry for ten years, having started out as a certified tour director and then in leisure sales. She has had her own agency for 7 years. Before her career in travel, Becky was a Registered Nurse for over 3 decades. Becky has been working with Southwest Adventure Tours as the BDM for Business and Product Development since April 2024. She focuses some of her time on establishing new relationships with travel advisors and training on how SWAT can help increase their domestic bookings. Becky is passionate about developing new itineraries and refreshing tried-and-true itineraries for SWAT’s guests.
Dennis Bailey - Tour Director
After spending 12 years in Southern California, Dennis was fortunate to move to Moab, Utah, my father's hometown. He grew up with the Arches and Canyonlands as his backyard and spent many hours exploring the wonders of these parks. His career choice led him to become a Professional Land Surveyor, and his background is in the Mining and Energy fields. This has enabled Dennis to travel extensively in Southern Utah, working in all areas surrounding National Parks, Monuments and State Parks.
As his family was growing up, they visited many of the scenic areas in the Western United States. Whether they were Camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Boating or operating all sorts of off-road vehicles his family was able to see all of what the West offers. Dennis' passion for reading about History and learning more about Geology enhances his ability to appreciate what we have here in Utah and surrounding States. Go along for a ride, share in the past, go back in time, let Dennis share the beauty that lies upon the scenic byways, on and off the beaten paths.
Ann Evans - Tour Director
Ann grew up all over the western United States, even homesteading in Alaska for a while, living in a log cabin. After graduating from Brigham Young University, She spent the next 25 years working for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, spending most of those years as a park Ranger/Naturalist for Utah State Parks, with a few years with Wildlife Resources. Ann has been an EMT for 12 years and volunteer for the American Red Cross and Davis County Medical Reserve Corps. She is currently serving in her second term as president of the Utah Tour Guide Association.
Ann raised her family recreating in Utah’s national parks and loves the opportunity to share them with the guests of Southwest Adventure Tours. She knows you’ll love the parks and cherish them as much as she does. Come see the wonderful scenery that Utah has to offer, she guarantees you’ll leave a changed person
Robin Luse - Tour Director
Joining Southwest Adventures in 2014, Robin’s trail from the farm fields of the Midwest to our deserts, canyons, mountains and forests was a long and winding one. And he doesn’t regret a step of it.
Born and raised in Indiana, Robin crisscrossed the country in a successful radio career until 1999, when he walked away, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and took his first steps as a tour guide. He’s never looked back. The love for a region that began during a childhood family vacation blossomed into a second career that’s lasted over 20 years, allowing Robin to take guests to places he never tires of visiting and sharing his passion for. It’s a feeling he can’t explain—he just “connects” with the places here. And it’s become a way of life. Even in the offseason you’ll find him wandering around and exploring, from the ruins, parks and landmarks of New Mexico and the Four Corners he’s known for over two decades, to the high country of Wyoming and Montana, and everywhere in between.
Today Robin’s base remains in Albuquerque, but his home and heart are out with the roads, trails, places and views of the West and Southwest. And he’s always ready to show it off to others who share his curiosity and sense of wonder.
Wynn Hall - Tour Director
Wynn was born in Idaho and lived there until he was Jr. high school age. He then moved with his family to Utah and has been in Utah for 50+ years. He enjoys being outdoors and has been hiking, camping, fishing in the Wasatch mountains since he was old enough to walk. He has 7 children and has been married to his wife Joanne for 40 years. The whole family enjoys mtn biking, hiking, camping, skiing, Snowboarding, & fishing. He has been guiding for the past 4 years and is First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Responder certified. He enjoys people and likes nothing better than sharing the great outdoors with others.
Wayne Parker - Tour Director
Wayne G. Parker has over 50 years of entrepreneurial and management experience. He served as the President of U-Haul Company/Minnesota, North and South Dakota, building U-Haul’s Midwest territory. He then transferred to Phoenix as Vice President of U-Haul International, overseeing expansion into Canada. Subsequently, Wayne built three successful companies in both manufacturing and tourism. He started doing tours from Phoenix to Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Tucson, Tombstone, Prescott, Antelope Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Glacier, Sawtooth Mountains, Oregon Coast, California Coast in 1986. He built his tour company, Open Road Tours from a small one-man tour business to a 40-person tour operation at which time he sold it to a larger tour operator in Sedona.
Today he is doing what he loves to do, share his love of the Western United States with travelers from all over the world by using his knowledge gained over the last 40 years in the travel industry. He actively hikes, travels, photographs, and shares history, geology, flora and fauna with tour groups at Southwest Adventure Tours.
Wayne is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Marketing and Sales Administration. While at the University, Wayne was active in the music program and performed in both marching and jazz performance bands. A long-time marathon runner, Wayne has completed 32 marathons and 2 ultra- marathons. His passions include encouraging others who are in training to run races and giving back to his community as a volunteer and current Board member of the Phoenix Philanthropists.
Larry Hansen - Tour Director
Larry has had a love affair with the outdoors from an early age. During his childhood, his family was always out hiking, camping and exploring Utah — from Logan Canyon in the North, to the Red Rocks of Southern Utah — leaving no stone unturned. To this day, he still loves every aspect of what Utah, and the Southwest has to offer and has a deep and profound love for the area. An avid cyclist, hiker and skier, Larry is always wondering what is over the next ridge, or around the next bend, and loves to take the extra step to find out.
Larry’s professional life has been in professional Photography, as well as Marketing and Advertising. During his career, he worked closely with the tourism and travel industry and had part in the campaign to bring the 2002 Winter Olympic Games to Utah and the creation of the logos for the speed events at Snowbasin. He is an accomplished photographer and has been published worldwide — along with publishing many regional and statewide travel guides for Utah. That work allowed him to be the producer of business and marketing videos — including those done for Antelope Island and the Oregon Coast.
A self-proclaimed history buff, he is always looking for little known facts, about the area, Larry loves to make sure that everyone goes home with the best experience. When not guiding, he plays in a Rock and Roll cover band, loves to take rock hounding trips with his wife, and keep up a great garden in the summer.