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Adventure Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mammoth Mountain

Sno-Go Guide

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.77/hr

Benefits and perks of your adventure here: * Ski passes for dependents (spouse/child(ren)/domestic ... Teaches & guides all levels of snow bike lessons to our guests in the form of private or group ...

Alterra

Sno-Go Guide

Mammoth Lakes, CA

$20 - $22.77/hr

Benefits and perks of your adventure here: * Ski passes for dependents (spouse/child(ren)/domestic ... Teaches & guides all levels of snow bike lessons to our guests in the form of private or group ...

EAGLERIDER RENTALS + TOURS

Van Guide

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$11 - $20/hr

EagleRider understands the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure travelers; we offer a huge ... The company offers multi-brand rentals, guided and self-guided tours, apparel and service as it ...

EAGLERIDER RENTALS + TOURS

Tour Guide

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$11 - $23/hr

EagleRider understands the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure travelers; we offer a huge ... The company offers multi-brand rentals, guided and self-guided tours, apparel and service as it ...

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Adventure Guide information

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$7

$14

$20

How much do adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure guide in California is $14.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Adventure Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectAdventure GuideTour Guide
CertificationsFirst aid, outdoor activity certificationsTourism or history certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, active, often remote locationsIndoor and outdoor, urban or rural settings
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationTravel, sightseeing, cultural tours
Common Search IntentOutdoor adventure activities, extreme sports guidesCity tours, historical sites, sightseeing

Adventure Guides focus on outdoor, active experiences like hiking, rafting, or zip-lining, requiring outdoor certifications and working in natural environments. Tour Guides typically lead groups through city landmarks or cultural sites, often needing tourism-related certifications. Both roles involve guiding groups, but Adventure Guides emphasize outdoor adventure, while Tour Guides focus on cultural and historical education.

What are Adventure Guides?

Adventure Guides are professionals who lead and assist individuals or groups on outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, climbing, or wildlife tours. Their main responsibilities include ensuring safety, providing instruction, sharing knowledge about the natural environment, and enhancing the overall experience for participants. Adventure Guides often work in diverse settings like national parks, wilderness areas, or travel destinations, and they require strong leadership, communication, and survival skills.

What are some common challenges Adventure Guides face when leading groups in the outdoors?

Adventure Guides often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, ensuring safety in unpredictable outdoor conditions, and adapting activities to suit varying skill levels. Effective communication and quick decision-making are crucial when dealing with unexpected weather, injuries, or changes in itinerary. Guides must also balance providing an enjoyable experience while strictly adhering to safety protocols and environmental regulations.

What Is an Adventure Guide?

An adventure guide is a type of tour guide who takes a group of people out to do recreational and adrenaline-filled activities. In this career, an excursion you lead is usually one that is more exciting and interactive than a typical tour. You may go out on ATV's into the mountains of a foreign country, whitewater raft through the Grand Canyon, or canoe down the Amazon River, leading the way. Creating an exciting recreation environment is only one of the duties of an adventure guide. You must also keep groups safe, keep the trip educational and interactive, and sometimes even cook for your groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adventure Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adventure Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local terrain and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS navigation devices, rescue equipment, and communication radios is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure both the safety and enjoyment of participants, as well as effective management of unexpected situations during excursions.
More about Adventure Guide jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Adventure Guide jobs in California? The most popular types of Adventure Guide jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in California? For Adventure Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Adventure Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Adventure Guide jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Adventure Guide jobs? Cities in California with the most Adventure Guide job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in CA? For Adventure Guide jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Adventure Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adventure Guide job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,687 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Today!
Do you thrive in the great outdoors? Love being active and working with youth? Are some of your best memories from hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports? If you believe kids learn more from hands-on outdoor experiences than sitting in a classroom, and you are looking for a flexible work schedule, then this is your calling!
Arc Experience provides before and after school programs for youth throughout Southern California in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.
We highly value our employees, and we invest in them by providing opportunities to expand their career and life skills. Arc is looking for motivated and compassionate people who want to expand their career working with youth and have a desire to give back to the community.
Arc Experience's Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert-we will train you in the outdoor skills you need!
As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential-all while having an unforgettable time outdoors!
If you are ready to turn your love for adventure into a meaningful job, join our team today!
Qualifications & Experience
  • 2+ years of experience working with K-12 students.
  • Understanding of outdoor education or leadership development programs.
  • Experience in adventure activities is highly preferred. Our most common programs include:
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Kayaking
    • Rock climbing
    • Team-building activities
  • Ability to personally participate in outdoor activities.
  • Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
  • Encouraging and patient approach when working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements
  • Must create and maintain a physically and mentally safe environment for students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • Laser-focused on participant safety and certified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety (or willing to complete training).
  • Ability to drive vehicles (with and without student passengers) per Arc's requirements. You will be trained to operate a vehicle towing a climbing wall and must participate in occasional refresher training.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR you take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • You will be required to take CPR and first aid training or provide proof that you have been certified within 12 months.
  • English - Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.
  • Valid California driver's license required (Commercial Driver's License a plus!).

Additional Expectations
  • Available to work both weekdays and weekends.
  • Some administrative paperwork is required for each outing.
  • Willingness to assist with event prep, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
  • Familiarity with Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is preferred.
  • Open to sharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
  • Bilingual English-Spanish speakers will have a competitive edge!
  • High school diploma or GED required (Bachelor's degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits
  • Position Type: Part-time, non-exempt
  • Reports To: Director of Outdoor Education Operations
  • Compensation: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.
Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide
  • Earned paid sick leave
  • All equipment provided for events and activities
  • Company-sponsored certification assistance for long-term guides
  • Arc-branded outdoor wear
  • Ongoing training & professional development opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Reliably commute before starting work (Required)

Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply