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Adventure Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Van Guide

Hawthorne, CA ยท 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 ...

Tour Guide

Hawthorne, CA ยท 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 ...

Activities Guide - Summer

Bishop, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $21.47/hr

Benefits and perks of your adventure here: * Ski passes for dependents (spouse/child(ren)/domestic partners) includes free skiing at other Alterra Resorts * Free skiing at all Alterra Resorts * Ski ...

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Adventure Guide information

See California salary details

$7

$14

$20

How much do adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.
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 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:
Infographic showing various Adventure Guide job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 54% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,687 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
Adventure Guide

$16.90 - $20/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Objective:

The Adventure Guide is responsible for delivering physically and emotionally engaging adventure tours on our aerial adventure courses while demonstrating excellent customer service by acting with a โ€œguest comes firstโ€ attitude. Guides connect and respond to the needs of guests while following all operational policies and procedures to minimize risk and ensure quality program delivery in a manner consistent with MHAโ€™s mission, vision and values.

General Qualifications:

The Adventure Guideย is a Ministerial position.ย Ministerial staff render their work, stewardship, relationships and behavior as evidence of being followers of Jesus Christ while embracing and affirming Mount Hermon Association, Inc.โ€™s (โ€œMHAโ€) Christian mission, vision, beliefs, culture code and standards of conduct. They are responsible for defining, cultivating and leading MHAโ€™s Christian community, conference programs and retreats.ย All staff are expected to join gatherings which include prayer, worship, and Bible-centered teaching.

Key Job Accountabilities:

  • Co-lead adventure tours on our aerial adventure courses (Sequoia, Discovery Grove, Zayante). Other activities may include, but are not limited to indoor and outdoor climbing walls, and fieldhouse (gymnasium) supervision.
  • Properly fit, train, and monitor guests in the use of all personal protective equipment.
  • Provide for an emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe environment with both guests and staff.
  • Assist with daily opening and closing of the program and support areas.
  • Conduct visual and tactile inspections of all hardware and equipment being used.
  • Effectively lead guest activities to ensure an engaging, informative and inspiring experience.
  • Meet curriculum delivery guidelines specific to the program and needs of the client.
  • Report and log any safety concerns or incidents/accidents.
  • Attend in-service rescue refresher trainings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Education/Certifications/Licenses:
  • Minimum High School Diploma or GED; (must be at least age 18). Some college education and/or equivalent professional experience desired.
  • Attend relevant adventure and recreation training and pass both practical and written testing.
  • Requires current First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.
Work Experience:
  • Previous experience in a customer service role preferred.
  • Previous experience in ropes/challenge course or outdoor recreation activities preferred.
  • Previous experience delivering curriculum or content to diverse populations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience and a desire to work within a positive team setting with diverse people.
  • Absolute attention to detail and safety.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep activities operating to standards and set a positive example for the guests and the team.
  • Strong desire to help participants grow and learn from a variety of experiential challenges.
  • Must have good interpersonal and verbal communication skills and be sensitive, adaptable, professional, and articulate when dealing with guests and coworkers.
Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:ย 

  • The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
  • Requires sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting, and the ability to lift/carry 40+ lbs.
  • Requires the ability to work in a physically strenuous environment.
  • Must be comfortable at heights exceeding 80 feet.
  • After training, employee must be able to rescue a 250 lb. person at heights using a variety of rescue techniques.

Additional Requirements:

  • Must be available to work weekends.
  • May be requested to work overtime for special program events.
  • Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHAโ€™s Mission, Vision, Values and Commitment statements.
  • Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance.
  • Satisfactory completion of background investigation as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Part-time position; wage range $16.50-$20.00/hour.

Education/Certifications/Licenses:
  • Minimum High School Diploma or GED; (must be at least age 18). Some college education and/or equivalent professional experience desired.
  • Attend relevant adventure & recreation training and pass both practical and written testing.
  • Requires current First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.
Work Experience:
  • Previous experience in a customer service role preferred.
  • Previous experience in ropes/challenge course or outdoor recreation activities preferred.
  • Previous experience delivering curriculum or content to diverse populations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience and a desire to work within a positive team setting with diverse people.
  • Absolute attention to detail and safety.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep activities operating to standards and set a positive example for the guests and the team.
  • Strong desire to help participants grow and learn from a variety of experiential challenges.
  • Must have good interpersonal and verbal communication skills and be sensitive, adaptable, professional, and articulate when dealing with guests and coworkers.
Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
  • The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
  • Requires sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting, and the ability to lift/carry 40+ lbs.
  • Requires the ability to work in a physically strenuous environment.
  • Must be comfortable at heights exceeding 80 feet.
  • After training, employee must be able to rescue a 250 lb. person at heights using a variety of rescue techniques.
Additional Requirements/Skills:
  • Must be available to work weekends.
  • May be requested to work overtime for special program events.
  • Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHA's Mission, Vision, Values and Commitment statements.
  • Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance.
  • Satisfactory completion of background investigation as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.