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Trail Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Albemarle Limousine & Travel

Chauffeur

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

Chauffeurs, CDL DRIVERS, & Wine Trail Guides Help wanted: Will train the right person to be a chauffeur or wine trail guide. Also seeking trained and qualified CDL drivers with a Class B license and ...

Salesforce, Inc.

Senior Executive Assistant

Mclean, VA · On-site

You will lead initiatives within our internal Admin community, act as a Trail Guide for new hires, and help shape a positive team culture. You're Our Person If: * Location: This is a hybrid role ...

The Lodge At Old Trail

Food Server

Crozet, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Lodge at Old Trail in Crozet, VA is now hiring full‑time and part‑time Food Servers to join ... Guided by values of community, respect, and enriching lives, we prioritize well-being, inclusion ...

The Lodge At Old Trail

Food Server

Crozet, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Lodge at Old Trail in Crozet, VA is now hiring fulltime and parttime Food Servers to join our ... Guided by values of community, respect, and enriching lives, we prioritize well-being, inclusion ...

The Lodge At Old Trail

Food Server

Crozet, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Lodge at Old Trail in Crozet, VA is now hiring full-time and part-time Food Servers to join our ... Guided by values of community, respect, and enriching lives, we prioritize well-being, inclusion ...

Salesforce

Senior Executive Assistant

Mclean, VA

You will lead initiatives within our internal Admin community, act as a Trail Guide for new hires, and help shape a positive team culture. You're Our Person If: * Location: This is a hybrid role ...

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How much do trail guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail guide in Virginia is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A trail guide can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through tips, high-volume bookings, or working in popular outdoor destinations. Success often depends on experience, reputation, certifications, and the location's demand for guided outdoor activities.

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 much does a trail guide make?

A trail guide typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the type of guiding services offered. Certifications in first aid, navigation, or wilderness skills can enhance earning potential, and guides often work seasonally or part-time.

How much do trail stewards make?

Trail stewards typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the organization and location. Some positions may offer stipends, volunteer opportunities, or additional benefits for those with relevant certifications or experience working outdoors.

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.

How to become a trail guide?

To become a trail guide, individuals typically need relevant outdoor experience, knowledge of local trails and safety procedures, and often a certification such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Many employers also require good communication skills and physical fitness, and some may prefer prior guiding or outdoor leadership experience.

What are trail guides?

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Trail Guide jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Trail Guide job openings:
Infographic showing various Trail Guide job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,611 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Stables - Trail Guide FT

Stables - Trail Guide FT

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Hot Springs, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Omni Hotels rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 105 rated hotels

Job description

The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa has been delighting vacationers - including 24 U.S. Presidents - for over 250 years. A recently completed $170 million dollar renovation restored the historic character to this Allegheny Mountain resort in
Virginia. We are a four-season resort that boasts superb restaurant dining experiences, championship golf, spa, winter sports and numerous other activities ideal for families and corporate outings.
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa's associates enjoy a dynamic and exciting work environment, comprehensive training and mentoring, along with the pride that comes from working for a company with a reputation for exceptional service. We embody a culture of respect, gratitude and empowerment day in and day out. If you are a friendly, motivated person, with a passion to serve others, the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa may be your perfect match.
Overview:
To ensure that the hotel guest, associates, and equestrian area are maintained in a safe and secure environment.
Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate commitment to making a conscientious effort to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury to our guests and employee partners, damage to our property or the property of others. Know the correct action to take in the event of an emergency and demonstrate this knowledge by acting appropriately in the event of an emergency.
• Know and share information about the resort and activities, demonstrate this knowledge by accurately communicating daily events, hours of operation and resort/activity information to our guests and employee partners
• Feed horses appropriately: check water buckets, mixes and apportions feed and feed supplements according to feeding instructions
• Groom horses by washing, brushing, trimming and currying horses coat to clean and improve appearance.
• Tack and untack horses as needed.
• Inspect horses for disease, illness, and injury while handling and grooming
• Clean horse stalls daily by mucking out stalls and replenishing with fresh sawdust.
• Clean water buckets per schedule
• Guide resort guests/members on trail rides in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Provide Hand led rides for children under four feet six inches tall.
• Responsible for Stables appearance. All floors are cleaned daily; cobwebs are kept at a minimum, and grounds around the stables area is kept neatly.
• Will remove all matter from the Manure Pit daily
• Keeps the stables free of clutter, trash and other debris replacing all tools to appropriate areas
• Inform manager when supplies are low: sawdust, hay, etc
• Assist when needed in mounting guests on horses
• Check to determine Stables is secure when leaving at end of day.
Qualifications:
• A valid driver's license and meet company MVR requirements (strongly preferred).
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather extremes.
• Must be able to learn to operate and work around potentially hazardous equipment.
• Must be able to work weekdays and weekends as necessary.
• Must be able to stand up to 60 minutes per hour worked.
• Must be able to walk, climb, bend/stoop, overhead reach, hand/eye coordination, arm/hand movement up to 60 minutes per hour worked.
• Must be able to lift over 40 pounds horizontal, floor to waist, grasping/holding, pushing/pulling, and carrying.
• Must be 21 years or older
• Tools and Equipment:
o Radio
o Tack &/or Harness
o Pitchfork, shovel, wheelbarrow
o Tractor, Truck & Side-by-side four-wheeler
• Working Environment:
o Stables area with exposure to weather conditions.
Omni Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster is available using the following link:
EEOC is the Law Poster.
Omni Hotels & Resorts does not discriminate on the basis of any protected category with respect to the payment of wages.
If you are interested in applying for employment with Omni Hotels & Resorts and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, please send an email to: applicationassistance@omnihotels.com.

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