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Outdoor Recreation Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

If you are passionate about the outdoors and enjoy sharing your knowledge of the local landscape ... Free Vail Pass recreation area season pass * Free shift meal with full-day guided tour * Employee ...

Regularly works in outdoor weather conditions * Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in ... Guided by values that emphasize being infectiously energetic, consciously kind, and humbly ...

Recreation Attendant

Aurora, CO · On-site

$15.16 - $17/hr

Regularly works in outdoor weather conditions * Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in ... Guided by values that emphasize being infectiously energetic, consciously kind, and humbly ...

Recreation Facility Specialist

Aurora, CO · On-site

$23.56 - $29.45/hr

Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the ... and outdoor aquatic facilities and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

General Manager, Nova Guides

Rifle, CO · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

General Manager, Nova Guides

Red Cliff, CO · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

General Manager, Nova Guides

Red Cliff, CO · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

... outdoor recreation destination. We are seeking an inspiring, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic ... Nova Guides provides ATV/UTV guided tours and rentals, winter snowmobile and snow coach guided ...

Showing results 21-40

Outdoor Recreation Guide information

What does an outdoor recreation guide do?

An Outdoor Recreation Guide leads individuals or groups on outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, or camping. They are responsible for planning and organizing trips, ensuring participant safety, providing instruction on equipment and techniques, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and wildlife. Guides often tailor experiences to suit the skill levels and interests of participants, and they may also handle emergency situations if they arise. Their goal is to create a memorable and safe outdoor experience for everyone involved.

What are some common challenges outdoor recreation guides face in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Outdoor Recreation Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying group skill levels, and ensuring safety in remote environments. Preparing for these situations involves thorough pre-trip planning, staying updated with weather forecasts, and maintaining strong communication and leadership skills. Guides should also be well-versed in first aid and emergency protocols to address unforeseen incidents, and adaptable in adjusting activities to suit the group's abilities and comfort levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor recreation guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Recreation Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and in-depth knowledge of local environments and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS devices, emergency communication systems, and specialized equipment like climbing or paddling gear is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond effectively to challenges. These abilities are crucial to ensure participant safety, deliver memorable experiences, and adapt to dynamic outdoor conditions.

What is the difference between Outdoor Recreation Guide vs Outdoor Activity Instructor?

AspectOutdoor Recreation GuideOutdoor Activity Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, outdoor activity certificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, parks, wilderness areasOutdoor or indoor activity centers, parks
Employer & IndustryTour companies, outdoor recreation businessesRecreation centers, adventure parks

Both roles involve guiding outdoor activities, requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Outdoor Recreation Guides typically work in broader outdoor environments and may oversee multiple activities, while Outdoor Activity Instructors often focus on specific activities within structured settings. Both roles are essential in the outdoor recreation industry and share overlapping skills and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado?

For Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Outdoor Recreation Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Recreation Guide job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.

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:

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides

Location(s):

Moab Utah

Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.

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

A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.

Have River Experience?

AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Utah, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer

What You'll Do
  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!

  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.

  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays

  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!

What we Look For
  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.

  • 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, 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 Whitewater Raft Guide!

Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/

If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.

AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.