River Guide - Durango, Moab, Idaho springs, Buena Vista

AAM's Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours, Inc.; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

State-certified instructors

PFD and helmet included

Camping during training

Job summary

AAM's Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours, Inc. in Durango, Colorado, is offering raft guide training and certification courses for individuals looking to become professional guides. Courses are designed to exceed state requirements for certification in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.

Applicants must be available for immediate employment after the course and commit to working during peak seasons with limited vacation. Training includes essential skills like guest care, safety, and river navigation.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and able to work at least 5 days a week during the peak season.
• Completion of first-aid and CPR training is recommended.
• Must commit to the duration of the courses.

Responsibilities

• Participate in raft guide training and certification courses.
• Learn oar and paddle boat navigational skills.
• Be available for immediate employment after certification.

Skills

Leadership and Group Dynamics

Guest Care, Camp Setup and Meal Preparation

River Rescue and Safety

River Reading and Navigation

Education

18 years or older

Job description

Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours is proud to offer a state-certified white water rafting instructional certification course for those interested in becoming professional raft guides. The course exceeds the state requirements of Arizona, Colorado and Utah for guide certification.

Due to the seasonal nature of rafting, Mild to Wild is limited to training qualified applicants who can commit to the following:

• Available for employment immediately after guide school.
• Able to work at least 5 days a week.
• Limits vacation days to 2 days during our peak season from June to August.
• No vacations during peak weekends (including July 4th, Memorial Day)
• Available to work some of days off during the peak season.
• Available to work until August 12th.

Mild to Wild Guide Certification Classes

Our raft guide training and certification courses are open for anyone seeking employment with Mild to Wild for the upcoming rafting season (must be 18+).

An application will be required from each participant prior to the start of the course. Participants will learn both oar and paddle boat navigational skills as well as full outfitter skills.

Where?

Our training corresponds to the area in which the guide will spend the majority of the season. Those who are interested in working in Utah should take the Utah Raft Guide Training Course located in Moab, Utah and those who want to work in Colorado should take either of the Colorado Raft Guide Training Courses located in Durango, CO or Idaho Springs, CO. Please note that Durango & Idaho Springs are 6 hours apart – it is unlikely you will be working in both locations.

May Raft Guide Training Courses: The May courses will start in Durango on the Lower Animas, and then move to their respective locations (either Idaho Springs or Moab) about half-way through. Each of the three courses will include a 3 day, 2 night overnight trip; the Idaho Springs course will experience the Arkansas River and the Durango course will take on the exciting San Miguel.

June Raft Guide Training Course: The June course will be based entirely in Durango, CO and stay in Southwest Colorado area.

When?

Durango Area Raft Guide Training Course 1: May 5 – May 21, 2026

Idaho Springs & Buena Vista Raft Guide Training Course 2:May 5 – May 21, 2026

Durango Area Raft Guide Training Course 2: May 25 – June 9, 2026

Why Mild to Wild’s Guide Training Course

• We’ve been whitewater experts for 30 years and have trained hundreds of guides. Many of our guide schoolers go on to guide Class V rivers.
• Our highly experienced, Class V instructors are state certified.
• We teach everything related to guiding, from providing quality guest services to rigging, and everything in between.
• Possibility for employment in Durango, Idaho Springs, Buena Vista, Moab and Telluride.
• Possibility to guide legendary multi-day trips on the Colorado, Green and Yampa Rivers.

Skills training will include:

• Leadership and Group Dynamics
• Guest Care, Camp Setup and Meal Preparation
• Crew Orientation
• River Rescue and Safety
• River Reading and River Navigation in both oar and paddle rafts

Upon completion of either course, you will exceed the requirements of a Class III river guide (subject to completion of separate first-aid and CPR training). These are intensive courses that emphasize skill training and personal development among the spectacular setting of deep rock canyons and river corridors.

Tuition includesstate certified instructors, transportation from our meeting point, PFD (life jacket), helmet and boating equipment.

• It is highly recommended that participants take advantage of our wetsuit package which includes a wetsuit, wetsuit boots, and a splash jacket. This package costs $50 for the whole course.
• Full payment is due at time of enrollment.
• Cancellation Policy: Must provide written notice 60 + days prior to start date to receive a refund of $200. Less notice, no refund.
• Completing guide school does not guarantee a job with Mild to Wild.
• We recommend arriving with current first-aid and CPR certifications.

Sign Up for Guide School

Durango Area Raft Guide Training Course 1

When:May 5 – May 21, 2026

The course is based out of Durango, CO and includes training on the Lower Animas, San Miguel, and possibly other rivers we operate on. This course includes camping some days during training. Personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.) is not included. Participants will also need to arrange their own lodging during the course.

Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.

Idaho Springs & Buena Vista Raft Guide Training Course

When:May 5 – May 21, 2026

*Note: this course begins in Durango, Colorado. Roughly halfway through, the course will relocate to Idaho Springs, CO.

The course includes training on the Lower Animas, Clear Creek & Arkansas Rivers, and possibly other rivers we operate on.This course includes camping some days during training. Personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.) is not included. Participants will also need to arrange their own lodging during the course.

Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.

*Note: this course begins in Durango, Colorado. Roughly halfway through, the course will relocate to Moab, UT.

The course is located in Moab, Utah and includes training on the Lower Animas, Colorado River, and possibly other sections where we operate our trips. Upon completion of the course, guides who are hired will have the opportunity to guide in Moab in addition to assisting on legendary multi-day trips on the Colorado, Green and Yampa rivers.This course includes camping some days during training. Personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.) is not included. Participants will also need to arrange their own lodging during the course.

Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.

Durango Area Raft Guide Training Course 2

When:May 26 – June 9, 2026

This course is based out of Durango, CO and includes training on the Lower Animas, San Miguel, and other sections where we operate our trips. Upon completion of the course, guides who are hired on will have the opportunity to guide in Durango and Telluride.

Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.