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Wilderness Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Based on experience Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Based on experience Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.

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All JobsWilderness Guide JobsWilderness Guide Jobs in Colorado

Wilderness Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$20

$41

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in Colorado is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Wilderness Guides?

Wilderness Guides are professionals trained to lead individuals or groups safely through natural, undeveloped areas such as forests, mountains, or national parks. They are responsible for planning routes, providing information about local ecology and wildlife, ensuring safety, and sometimes teaching outdoor skills like navigation, camping, and survival techniques. Wilderness Guides help create memorable, educational, and safe outdoor experiences for participants, ranging from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

Wilderness guides typically earn income through outdoor tours, guiding services, or training, which are usually in-person roles and unlikely to be performed entirely from home. To make $2000 weekly, guides may need to increase their rates, offer specialized experiences, or work multiple clients, but most income is tied to physical presence in outdoor environments. Remote work options in this field are limited, so additional skills or certifications in outdoor safety and survival can help increase earning potential if combined with in-person guiding activities.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local geography and ecosystems. Familiarity with navigation tools (like GPS, maps, and compasses), wilderness medicine certifications (such as Wilderness First Responder), and outdoor gear are typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guide groups safely and create memorable experiences. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, managing risks, and providing an informative and enjoyable adventure for clients.

How much do outdoor guides make a year?

Wilderness guides typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of guiding services offered. Experienced guides with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand outdoor environments or through tips and commissions.

What are some common challenges faced by Wilderness Guides during multi-day expeditions, and how are they typically managed?

Wilderness Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, navigation through difficult terrain, and managing group dynamics over extended periods. To handle these, guides rely on thorough pre-trip planning, constant monitoring of weather updates, and strong communication skills to ensure group safety and morale. They are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, allowing them to address any medical or safety issues promptly. Adaptability and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Wilderness guides can earn $4,000 or more per week through tips and high-paying outdoor expeditions, especially with experience and specialized skills like survival training or guiding luxury tours. Such roles often require certifications, physical fitness, and extensive outdoor knowledge but do not typically require a college degree. Earnings vary based on location, clientele, and the type of guiding services offered.

How to become a wilderness guide?

To become a wilderness guide, individuals typically need relevant outdoor experience, knowledge of survival skills, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Gaining experience through outdoor activities, obtaining necessary certifications, and sometimes completing training programs from guiding organizations are essential steps to qualify for the role.

What is the difference between Wilderness Guide vs Outdoor Educator?

AspectWilderness GuideOutdoor Educator
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, outdoor skills certificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentRemote wilderness areas, guiding outdoor activitiesSchools, camps, outdoor programs
Industry UsageTourism, adventure companies, outdoor recreationEducational institutions, youth programs

Wilderness Guides and Outdoor Educators both work outdoors and often hold similar certifications like Wilderness First Aid. However, Wilderness Guides primarily lead adventure activities in remote areas, focusing on guiding clients safely through wilderness experiences. Outdoor Educators typically work in structured settings like schools or camps, emphasizing teaching outdoor skills and environmental education. While their roles overlap in outdoor environments, their main focus and work settings differ.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Guide jobs in Colorado? For Wilderness Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Wilderness Guide jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Wilderness Guide job openings:
Wilderness Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 38% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,098 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Buena Vista, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 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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