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Wilderness Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

Denver Int'l. Airport

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred) Proficiency with ...

City and County of Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred) Proficiency with ...

Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred) Proficiency with ...

Eleven Experience

Snow Safety Manager

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$6.0K/mo

At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels ... Minimum Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification. * Colorado Type 1 Explosives Permit or the ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Guide! Apply on our jobs portal 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 ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 is a wilderness guide?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness guide?

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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,098 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Field Instructor

Telluride Academy

Telluride, CO • On-site

$20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Field Instructor
Reports To: Program Director
FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt
Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour
Position Summary:
Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential education programs for students ages 5-17. They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build confidence and connection in the outdoors. Field Instructors uphold strong risk-management practices and ensure all participants feel welcomed, supported, and appropriately challenged.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Facilitation
  • Plan and implement daily programming aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.
  • Deliver age-appropriate activities for all program levels, with particular emphasis on the needs of early childhood participants (ages 5-8).
  • Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.
  • Adapt programming and leadership style to meet the developmental, behavioral, and social needs of participants depending on their age group.
  • Adjust plans as needed to respond to changes in weather, participant needs, or other unforeseen circumstances while maintaining program integrity.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth and effective program delivery.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with co-instructors and other staff members to deliver high-quality programs throughout the summer.
  • Organize and manage weekly field reports, manage program logistics, and oversee program budgets as assigned.
  • Teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among participants.
  • Promote leadership, teamwork, and personal development through guided experiences and discussions.
  • Provide weekly program and co-instructor feedback in a timely manner that is constructive, professional, and respectful.
  • Attend Friday staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
  • Perform any additional duties as assigned or deemed necessary by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Student/Camper Engagement:
  • Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by encouraging teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among participants.
  • Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
  • Set clear expectations and model respectful, positive behavior.
  • Proactively address and de-escalate conflicts or challenges in a calm, constructive manner.
  • Utilize effective behavior management and positive discipline techniques to maintain group cohesion and engagement.

Safety & Risk Management:
  • Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants by following safety protocols and best practices.
  • Actively supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being.
  • Respond to minor incidents or emergencies in the field.

Qualifications/Skillsets:
  • Committed, dependable, professional, and organized.
  • Teachable, coachable, reflective, and leadership potential - desire to grow professionally as a leader.
  • Demonstrated selflessness in previous roles being a "team player".
  • Knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor/experiential education.
  • Previous experience and/or enthusiasm for working with children ages 5-17 years old.
  • Strong communication skills with administrators, co-workers, campers, and parents. Willingness to provide and receive feedback constructively and respectfully.
  • Ability to be present and cell phone-free while at work.
  • Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff training in June).
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check and driving background check.
  • Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, be active for up to 8 hours a day, and navigate rugged mountain terrain (trails, scree, slopes).
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate program vehicles safely (if applicable).

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods of time in a variety of desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
  • Willingness to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
  • Comfort with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
  • Ability to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements:
  • Proficiency in leading group activities and providing instruction to diverse age groups.
  • Ability to swim and assist in water-based activities when required.
  • Capable of physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, climbing, biking, hiking, and carrying equipment.

About Telluride Academy:
Telluride Academy's mission is to "Connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship".
Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 40 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please www.tellurideacademy.org to learn more.
Core Values:
  • Enrichment through experiential education.
  • Inclusion of children and teens from all backgrounds.
  • Respect for individual uniqueness.
  • Responsible environmental stewardship.

Hiring Policy:
Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Telluride Academy's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.
TA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual's: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon TA's business operations.

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