Travel That Feels Personal From the Start
Rivers to Peaks is built on the belief that the best trips stay with you long after you return home. The name reflects the kind of travel we believe in—journeys that move through contrast, from quiet rivers to towering peaks, balancing adventure, culture, rest, and discovery along the way.
our story
When you work with Rivers to Peaks, you’re not handed a templated itinerary or a list of bookings. You’re working with someone who understands how transformative travel can be, and who’s committed to designing a trip that feels deeply personal to you from beginning to end.
Sam Johnson
founder & lead advisor
Big Sky, Montana isn’t just where I’m from—it’s where the spirit of Rivers to Peaks was born. Surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, fast-moving rivers, and a community grounded in grit and hospitality, I learned early on the power of a warm welcome and the magic of the outdoors. My family’s legacy in real estate taught me that exploration is about more than geography—it’s about connection, curiosity, and care.
Those values—adventure, integrity, and thoughtful service—are the foundation of everything we do at Rivers to Peaks.
My passion lies in crafting experiences that are as rich in culture as they are in adventure. Every journey I design is built from real experience and a passion for helping others discover the life-changing power of travel. Whether it’s skiing in Austria or slowing down on a jungle-lined river in Cambodia, I help travelers find the kind of adventures that stay with them long after they return.
Rose Santarosa
Raised in the architectural charm of Buffalo, New York, and later immersed in the sunlit elegance of Scottsdale, Arizona for nearly a decade, Rose brings a life shaped by contrast, curiosity, and connection. Before entering the world of bespoke travel, she built a distinguished 20-year career as a dental hygienist—an experience that cultivated precision, care, and the freedom to explore the world extensively.
Through her travels, Rose developed a profound appreciation for culture, cuisine, history, and human connection. What began as a personal passion evolved naturally into a vocation: curating refined, immersive journeys that balance luxury with authenticity. From multigenerational family escapes and culinary explorations to transformative wellness retreats and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to engage the senses and enrich the spirit.
For Rose, true luxury is not simply where you go, but how deeply you experience it. Her greatest reward is seeing clients return home with not only unforgettable memories, but a lasting sense of connection, inspiration, and discovery.
Shianne rose
Style, storytelling, and genuine human connection sit at the heart of Shianne’s approach to travel. With a background in marketing and luxury partnerships, she brings a thoughtful, creative lens to every itinerary she curates, believing travel is never just about where you go, but who you experience it with and the moments that unfold along the way.
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Shianne naturally gravitates toward coastal destinations, though she is equally at home exploring the energy and culture of a great city. A published author and graphic designer, her work has been featured in the Montecito Journal, Santa Barbara Magazine, and beyond, reflecting her eye for detail and passion for storytelling.
Her career spans both the nonprofit and luxury sectors, including social media and event marketing work with Dress for Success San Francisco. Whether planning a relaxed beach escape, a dynamic city break, or a seamless cruise experience, Shianne brings creativity, insight, and a personal touch to every journey she designs.
