ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rafting Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRafting Guide JobsRafting Guide Jobs in Colorado

Rafting Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting guide in Colorado is $16.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on whitewater rafting trips. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions on paddling techniques, and reading river conditions to avoid hazards. Rafting guides also enhance the experience by sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. Their expertise is crucial for making rafting adventures both exciting and safe.

What are some common challenges faced by Rafting Guides during a typical trip, and how can they be managed effectively?

Rafting Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying river conditions, and managing the safety and expectations of diverse groups of participants. Effective communication, thorough pre-trip briefings, and strong situational awareness are key to addressing these challenges. Guides must be prepared to adapt routes, provide clear instructions, and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure to ensure both safety and a positive guest experience. Being proactive in equipment checks and staying updated on river conditions also help mitigate risks and keep trips running smoothly.

What is the difference between Rafting Guide vs Kayaking Instructor?

AspectRafting GuideKayaking Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseCPR, First Aid, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor adventure settings, group toursRivers, lakes, outdoor classes, individual or group instruction
Industry UsageTour operators, adventure companiesOutdoor recreation centers, adventure schools

Rafting Guides and Kayaking Instructors both work in outdoor water environments and often require similar safety certifications. However, rafting guides typically lead larger groups on rivers using rafts, while kayaking instructors focus on teaching individuals or small groups how to kayak. Both roles are essential in the outdoor adventure industry, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and specific job responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and communication systems like radios is essential. Outstanding leadership, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help deliver safe and enjoyable experiences for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring guest safety, handling emergencies, and providing exceptional outdoor adventures.
What are popular job titles related to Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado? For Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Rafting Guide jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Rafting Guide job openings:
Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,341 per year, or $17 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO • On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 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.

Apply