Experienced River Guide

Whitewater; Colorado; On-site; USD 22,041 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Camping available for $300 for the summer

Daily shuttles provided

Gratuities from guests

Job summary

A prominent rafting outfitter is seeking Experienced River Guides for summer positions on the Arkansas River. Candidates will lead rafting trips, ensuring safety and an unforgettable experience for guests. Applicants should have experience and relevant certifications, with pay ranging from $16 to $22 per hour based on qualifications. Join a supportive community that values professionalism and adventure.

Qualifications

• Experience as a whitewater rafting guide.
• Knowledge of the Arkansas River and ecosystem.
• Completion of required familiarization runs.

Responsibilities

• Guide guests down the Arkansas River during summer.
• Ensure safety and provide an enjoyable experience.
• Complete necessary training and evaluation runs.

Skills

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Leadership qualities

Education

CPR and First Aid certification

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Swiftwater Rescue certification

Job description

Advance your river guiding career with River Runners

Have you trained to be a whitewater rafting guide in Colorado or another state? Are you ready to take your guiding career to the next level with more technical whitewater and trip-leading opportunities? River Runners is now accepting applications for experienced river guides at our Browns Canyon and Royal Gorge outposts. Peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend through August 15, with opportunities to guide through Labor Day.

All experienced guide candidates must complete three familiarization runs plus a checkout run on Class III sections and at least five familiarization runs plus a checkout on Class IV. A leadership team will evaluate your technical skills, teamwork, customer service, and leadership qualities. Upon successful completion of the evaluation process, you’ll spend the summer guiding guests down the world-famous Arkansas River.

Successful applicants are encouraged to learn about the environment, geology, and history of the Arkansas River corridor to better serve our guests.

Colorado-trained guides must provide copies of their Colorado River Outfitter Licensing Minimum Qualifications Form, river log, and documentation of their first regulated trip, along with current CPR and First Aid (or higher) certifications.

Out-of-state applicants must submit a river log, complete the provided Out-of-State Guide Form, and include current medical cards, in addition to completing the required familiarization and checkout runs.

Additional certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Swiftwater Rescue are highly encouraged and can increase your hourly pay once hired.

Experienced guides must be team players with excellent customer service skills—after all, rafting is about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Royal Gorge or Browns Canyon Outposts

River Runners operates two outposts on the Arkansas River: River Runners Royal Gorge near Cañon City, Colorado, and River Runners Browns Canyon near Buena Vista, Colorado. Applicants should indicate their preferred outpost when applying. Either way, you’ll have access to more river sections than any other company on the Arkansas River.

Camping and Compensation

Camping is available for $300 for the summer season (upon hire), and daily shuttles are provided between camp and the River Runners outpost.

Once certified, experienced river guides earn $16–$22 per hour, depending on experience, plus gratuities. Those with advanced medical certifications such as WFR or EMT earn an additional $1 per hour, and guides with a Swiftwater Rescue certification earn another $1 per hour. Many of our guides return year after year, progressing to higher pay rates and more advanced river sections.

At River Runners, you’ll join a supportive and adventurous community that values professionalism, fun, and respect for the river. If you’re ready to spend your summer working hard, learning new skills, and making memories that will last a lifetime, apply now at River Runners—and start your next adventure with us on the Arkansas River.

Please designate “Experienced River Guide Royal Gorge” or “Experienced River Guide Browns Canyon” in the subject line and in your application.

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River Runners is Colorado’s trusted rafting outfitter, delivering unforgettable whitewater adventures since 1972. With convenient locations in Buena Vista and Cañon City, we offer safe, exciting trips for all skill levels. Experience exceptional service with Colorado’s rafting experts.