Horse & Llama Adventure Guide

Wilderness Ridge Adventures; Torrey (UT); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Tips-based earnings

Job summary

Wilderness Ridge Adventures in Torrey, Utah seeks Adventure Guides for horses and llamas. You’ll lead trail rides, llama treks, and backcountry meals while ensuring guest safety and sharing local nature. The role values animal knowledge, willingness to cross-train, and a positive, team‑oriented attitude.

Housing may be available, and seasonal schedules vary with non‑stop opportunities. You’ll help guests create memorable experiences, learn the area’s flora, fauna, and geology, and mentor newer

Qualifications

• Valid Food Handler's Card is required.
• Wilderness First Responder certification is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of animals, especially horses; llama handling can be taught to an experienced hiker.
• Overnight backcountry experience, including trail cooking and hiking.
• Willingness to cross-train on both horse and llama programs.

Responsibilities

• Keep guests safe at all times and provide excellent guest interaction.
• Lead horse trail rides and arena instruction for guests of varying skill levels.
• Guide llama treks and teach safe handling of llamas at all times.
• Plan and prepare meals on the trail and in backcountry settings.
• Care for horse and llama herds, including feeding, grooming, and health checks.
• Perform ranch chores, maintain trails, and assist in other departments as needed.

Skills

Food Handler's Card

Wilderness First Responder

Animal knowledge

Backcountry experience

Cross-training

People orientation

Teamwork

References provided

Job description

Adventure Guide – Horses & Llamas

Wilderness Ridge Adventures — Torrey, Utah

Every guest who walks through our gate has a different story — and as an Adventure Guide at Wilderness Ridge Adventures, you help write the best chapter of their trip. Whether you're leading a horseback ride through red rock canyons or trekking the backcountry with a string of llamas, your job is to keep guests safe, make them feel welcome, and share the magic of this place with everyone you meet.

This role is for someone who loves animals, thrives outdoors, and genuinely enjoys connecting with people of all ages and skill levels. You'll be held to high standards, stay active, work hard, have fun, and feel proud of the season you spend with us.

While we hire guides to focus on either the horse or llama side of our operation, we are highly interested in individuals who are open to cross‑training and working across both programs as a team.

PAY & SCHEDULE

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, referrals, and work ethic. Tips are a significant part of your earnings and are paid directly to you by guests — our guests are generous and tips on the higher end of normal are common.

We have multiple availability windows to fit different schedules:

• Full Season: March 1st – November 15th (preferred)
• Summer: May 1st – August 1st
• Extended Summer: May 1st – August 31st

Year-round positions are also available for the right candidates.

You’ll receive 2 days off per week because we value personal time. Extra hours are almost always available for those who prefer a 6–7 day work week.

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE

Interacting With Guests

• Keeping guests safe — always
• Learning and sharing local flora, fauna, rock formations, and history
• Getting to know guests and understanding their goals for their visit
• Learning guest names and creating genuinely memorable moments
• Answering questions and making everyone feel welcome, from first‑timers to seasoned riders
• Encouraging guests as they learn and step outside their comfort zone

Guiding Horse Trail Rides & Arena Lessons

• Loading and unloading riders
• Leading guest trail rides through the mountainous desert
• Learning and teaching our vast trail system
• Taking guests of all skill levels into the arena for riding instruction
• Teaching western horsemanship principles clearly and patiently

Guiding Llama Treks

• Leading guests on llama hiking adventures through our exclusive trail system
• Teaching guests how to handle, lead, and interact safely with llamas
• Sharing the story and personality of each llama with guests
• Navigating varied terrain with groups of mixed ages and fitness levels
• Ensuring llamas and guests are paired appropriately for a safe, enjoyable experience

Trail & Overnight Food Preparation

• Preparing and serving meals on the trail for 4-hour and overnight trips
• Planning and packing food for backcountry overnight treks
• Following safe food handling practices at all times, both on and off the trail
• Preparing hearty, well‑organized meals in a backcountry setting for both llama and horse trips
• Maintaining clean and organized food prep areas in the field

Caring for Our Horse Herd

• Sticking to feeding and watering schedules
• Performing basic veterinary procedures
• Learning every horse's name and personality
• Approaching and haltering horses from pasture and catch pen
• Grooming, picking feet, saddling, and bridling
• Turning horses out and working with varied personalities

Caring for Our Llama Herd

• Maintaining feeding and watering schedules
• Haltering, leading, and handling llamas safely
• Grooming and basic health checks
• Learning each llama's name, quirks, and temperament
• Packing and unpacking llama gear for treks
• Supporting the overall health and wellbeing of the herd

Ranch Chores & Operations

• Completing daily checklists
• Picking pens and spreading manure
• Barn and barnyard cleanup
• Clearing trails and prepping for guided activities
• Cleaning, organizing, and making repairs
• Assisting in other departments as needed

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Valid Food Handler's Card — required
• Wilderness First Responder certification — preferred
• Solid knowledge of animals, especially horses; llama handling can be taught to an experienced hiker
• Overnight backcountry experience, including trail cooking and hiking
• Willingness to cross‑train on both horse and llama programs
• A genuine love of people, the outdoors, and sharing that with others
• Team-oriented attitude — we work together here
• At least a 90‑day commitment during the season; full season strongly preferred
• Solid references required — please include full name and phone number for each reference

HOUSING

Limited housing is available for the right candidates. Rooms are double occupancy and include two beds, a private bathroom, and a built-in computer desk. Residents share a common kitchen area. Housing availability is considered as part of your overall compensation package.

ABOUT US

Wilderness Ridge Adventures is a family‑owned ranch in Torrey, Utah, offering guided horseback trail rides and llama hiking adventures near Capitol Reef National Park and Fishlake National Forest. We're real ranchers sharing our way of life — not a theme park. No experience necessary for our guests, but passion and integrity are non‑negotiable for our team.

Your Partners in Adventure!