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Trail Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jackson Dawson

Off-Road Trail Guide

Gilford, NH · On-site

$250/day

Join us as a Trail Guide! In this role, you'll provide off-road instruction and guidance to our guests, ensuring they have a fun and memorable experience. You'll help Bronco owners feel welcomed ...

P3 Rock Springs LLC

Horseback Trail Guide

Sorrento, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

To provide safe, entertaining, and informative guided trail rides, while ensuring the safety of all human and animal participants. Work under the supervision of the Barn Manager to provide ...

Jackson Stables Inc

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO · On-site

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park and our rides range from a one hour ride to an eight hour ride. We are open March through October. Job would entail care of ...

Jackson Stables Inc

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$2.1K/mo

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

Jackson Stables Inc

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO · On-site

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park and our rides range from a one hour ride to an eight hour ride. We are open March through October. Job would entail care of ...

Biltmore Company

Trail Guides work as a team in providing the highest possible levels of care for the horses and create world class equestrian experiences for guests. Duties include: general care, feeding and ...

Jackson Stables Inc

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$2.1K/mo

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

Jackson Stables Inc

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$2.1K/mo

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

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Trail Guide information

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How much do trail guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trail guide?

Trail guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor excursions, such as hiking, horseback riding, or trekking, often through natural or wilderness areas. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing information about the local environment, flora, fauna, and history, and creating an enjoyable and educational experience. Trail guides are knowledgeable about navigation, first aid, and outdoor survival skills, and often customize their tours to suit the abilities and interests of the group. Their role may also include preparing equipment, managing logistics, and following environmental regulations to preserve the natural setting.

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

To thrive as a Trail Guide, you need strong outdoor navigation skills, first aid certification, and a solid understanding of local terrain and wildlife. Familiarity with GPS devices, map-reading tools, and wilderness safety protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond to unexpected situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring guest safety, delivering informative experiences, and fostering a positive group dynamic in outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges trail guides face when leading groups, and how can they prepare for them?

Trail Guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with varying fitness levels, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring everyone's safety on the trail. To prepare, it's important to thoroughly assess the group's abilities before setting out, carry appropriate first-aid and navigation equipment, and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are also essential for addressing unexpected situations and keeping the group engaged and safe.

What is the difference between Trail Guide vs Outdoor Instructor?

AspectTrail GuideOutdoor Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness NavigationFirst Aid, CPR, Outdoor Education Certifications
Work EnvironmentTrails, parks, wilderness areasSchools, camps, outdoor education centers
Industry UsageRecreational, tourism, adventure companiesEducational, youth programs, camps

While both roles involve outdoor activities, a Trail Guide primarily leads groups on trails and wilderness routes, focusing on navigation and safety. An Outdoor Instructor often teaches outdoor skills and safety in educational or camp settings. The certifications overlap, but the work environments and employer types differ, with Trail Guides more involved in recreational guiding and Outdoor Instructors in educational contexts.

How do you become a trail guide?

To become a trail guide, individuals typically need relevant outdoor experience, knowledge of local trails and safety procedures, and often obtain certifications such as first aid or wilderness survival. Many employers also prefer guides to have good communication skills and a background in outdoor recreation or environmental education.

How to get a job as a trail guide?

To become a trail guide, candidates typically need relevant outdoor experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of local trails and safety procedures. Certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR are often required, and previous guiding or outdoor leadership experience can improve job prospects. Applying to outdoor adventure companies or parks and demonstrating a passion for outdoor activities are common steps in the process.

What cities are hiring for Trail Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Trail Guide job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Trail Guide jobs?

The top employers for Trail Guide jobs are:

What states have the most Trail Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trail Guide jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Trail Guide jobs?

For Trail Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Trail Guide job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

ATV Trail Guide

Best Atv Tours Las Vegas Llc

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Set up and takedown ATV facilities and equipment for tours

  • Assist tour guides in managing guests, ensuring safety and a positive experience

  • Perform light maintenance on ATVs and company vehicles, and manage equipment and supplies

Job description

We are looking for an organized, responsible ATV trail guide to assist with ATV tours, oversee the riding location and perform light maintenance on equipment. As a Trail Guide, you will be responsible for the set-up of our staging area including, but not limited to, loading ATVs onto the truck/trailer and transporting them from our warehouse to the riding location and setting up for each tour. You will be required to check oil, tire pressure, etc. and report any issues to management. During tours, the Trail Guide rides at the back of the tour to ensure the safety of our guests while providing professional and friendly assistance.
Qualifications

  • MUST be over the age of 25
  • MUST be able to ride an ATV while talking on the radio
  • Can or willing to learn to drive a flatbed truck that pulls a loaded 28’ trailer
  • MUST be able to lift and handle materials weighing up to 50lbs
  • Work authorization (required)
  • Valid driver license issued before 2023 (required)
  • 3-year clean driving record (required)
  • CPR Certification (can be done post-hire)
  • CDL (preferred)
  • Previous ATV tour/trail guide experience (strongly preferred)
  • MUST be able to pass criminal background check and drug test and no history of active drug and/or alcohol use
  • MUST have the ability to work in the heat or cold for extended periods of time
  • MUST have the ability to deal with physical demands of the position
  • MUST be willing to work flexible hours including holidays and weekends
  • MUST be able to change a flat tire
Responsibilities

  • Set-up and takedown the ATV facilities and equipment
  • Assist tour guides in managing up to 14 people per tour including greeting guests in a courteous and professional manner and ensuring guests have a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the tour
  • Gather, assemble, clean and disinfect equipment and supplies
  • Instruct and demonstrate related skills and techniques
  • Respect and maintain natural resources, including but not limited to protected desert tortoises
  • Comply and enforce all local, company, and state required regulations, as to ensure the safety of guests at all times
  • Perform and/or help with light, routine maintenance of ATVs and all other company vehicles
  • Keep good care of company’s equipment (vehicles, radios, tablet, GPS, etc…)
  • Keep an accurate inventory of supplies and request more as needed in a timely manner
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work in teams and independently
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent customer relations skills
  • Excellent instructional skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Working knowledge of terrain, environment and local area
  • Working knowledge of relevant legislation
  • Basic knowledge of mechanics
  • Ability to enforce company policies in a professional manner