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River Rafting Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Hyatt

Seasonal Line Cook

Beaver Creek, CO

$21/hr

The summer brings activities including fly fishing, river rafting and scenic hiking trails - all just outside our doorstep. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is seeking colleagues with unmatched ...

Middle Park Health

RN ED Nights Granby, CO

Granby, CO · On-site

$34 - $57.69/hr

There is skiing, snowboarding, white water river rafting, 600 miles of mountain bike trails, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, hiking and so much more! Home to Winter Park Ski Area and Rocky ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Outpost Management Team - River Manager Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

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River Rafting information

What is river rafting?

River rafting is an outdoor recreational activity that involves navigating a river or other bodies of water in an inflatable raft. It is often done on whitewater or rough waters to provide an adventurous and thrilling experience. Participants work together to paddle and steer the raft through rapids and obstacles, making it a team-oriented and physically engaging sport. River rafting can vary in difficulty, and trips are usually led by experienced guides to ensure safety. It is popular among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

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

To thrive as a River Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, knowledge of river safety, and typically certifications in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue. Familiarity with equipment such as rafts, throw bags, and communication devices is essential, along with the ability to read river conditions. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and ensure guest safety. These skills and qualifications are vital for handling emergencies, ensuring enjoyable experiences, and maintaining safety standards on the water.

What is the difference between River Rafting vs Kayaking Guide?

AspectRiver RaftingKayaking Guide
Required CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting safety certificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, kayaking safety certifications
Work EnvironmentGroup-based, large inflatable rafts on riversIndividual or small group, single kayaks on rivers
Industry UsageTourism, adventure sports companiesTourism, adventure sports companies
Common Search IntentComparing safety, skills, and job rolesComparing skills, certifications, and work settings

Both River Rafting guides and Kayaking guides work in river-based adventure tourism, requiring similar safety certifications and working in outdoor environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used—large rafts versus individual kayaks—and the group dynamics involved. Understanding these distinctions helps aspiring guides choose the right career path in the adventure sports industry.

What are some common challenges river rafting guides face during a typical rafting season?

River rafting guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying river water levels, and managing diverse groups of guests with different skill levels. Maintaining safety while ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience requires strong communication and decision-making skills. Additionally, guides often work long hours outdoors, sometimes in remote locations, which can be physically demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy adventure and teamwork.
What are popular job titles related to River Rafting jobs in Colorado? For River Rafting jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching River Rafting jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for River Rafting jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for River Rafting jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most River Rafting job openings:
River Rafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Rafting job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Buena Vista, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 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:

Location(s):

Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO

Work Season:

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

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, 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.

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 raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have optional areas for employees to stay 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.

  • 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, 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 here 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.

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