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Adventure Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Eleven Experience

Summer Guide

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

We're an adventure travel company with a diverse portfolio of intimate, extraordinary adventure ... At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels.

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How much do adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure guide in Colorado is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.68 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 Colorado? The most popular types of Adventure Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in Colorado? For Adventure Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Adventure Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Adventure Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Adventure Guide jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Adventure Guide job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in CO? For Adventure Guide jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Adventure Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adventure Guide job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,696 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Aerial Course and Zipline Guide - Rookie

Aerial Course and Zipline Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Idaho Springs, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in the adventure, and in living day to day, in what is real and in front of us. Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.

Job Description:Looking for an exciting summer in the outdoors?

Do you love the mountains of Colorado or just want to try something new? Do you love rock climbing, challenging yourself or flying through the air? Then joinAVAas a Via Ferrata and Zipline Guide for this next summer!

AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as an Aerial Guide for the upcoming season. As a guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun aerial trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

You will work rock climbing trips, via ferrata courses and zipline courses in this role all while managing guests, providing interpretive information, keeping a safe area.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie Zip guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

What You'll Do

  • Conduct safety briefings.

  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

  • Assist guest with equipment.

  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness.

  • ~9-hour workdays

  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!

What we Look For

  • Individuals passionate about the outdoors.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!

Work Availability

  • Part Time < ~30 hours

  • Full Time ~ 40 hours

  • Holidays (4th of July)

Benefits

  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.

  • Base pay is$15.16 plus tips, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.

  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Zipline and Aerial Guide!

Apply