Join our fun & diverse team for an unbelievable working environment in the Royal Gorge—a world-class rafting experience. Our varied and unique staff, from the office team checking guest in to the support kayakers keeping them safe, has helped us grow to be one of the most revered companies on the Arkansas River. Our guides and supporting staff set us apart from the rest!
We always keep our focus on quality over quantity and make sure our guests remain our #1 priority in everything we do, from their overall safety to our goal of exceeding their expectations. We know that in order to get this right we need to have the best staff on and off the river.
We accept applications year-round and we're currently accepting applications for our 2023 raft guide training program
Prior experience is not required
We hire both experienced and new guides
We anticipate every trainee applicant will become a professional guide
A quick video chat interview will help us determine if we are a good fit for one another.
Fill out the online application below to get started.
A View Into the RGR World
We Pay Above Industry Averages, Offer Free Lodging & More
Our pay rates are above industry averages and our senior staff have the opportunity to be paid at the highest industry rates.
Our pay rate is the best in the industry.
New guide pay is on a per trip basis at a salaried rate of $60.00+ per trip and experienced guides can earn up to $90.00+ per trip.
You can potentially run (two trips – rafting) in a day during the busy season.
Most outfitters mention the season gross pay for first-year guides is $2000.00 before gratuities. This is typically based on a starting trip pay of $30.00 per trip. Our guides exceed the average in all capacities.
A rafting guide job is a phenomenal experience and it's an opportunity of a lifetime if you are up for the challenge!
What We're Looking For:
Great guides can come from all avenues. We have employed college professors, teachers, lawyers, medics, pilots, authors, students, and of course year-round river guides with many exceeding 20+ years in the industry. In addition, we have always employed support kayakers to round out the Royal Gorge Rafting team. We invite you to inquire about joining our team of professional river guides, kayakers, and representatives!
We are looking for team members who:
Are genuine
Possess outstanding "people" skills
Have a respectful sense of humor
Can read social cues and adapt to your guests' demeanor
Easily connect with a variety of personalities and welcome our guests for who they are
Can anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve challenging situations and embrace adventure in all its capacities
Can stay energized and deliver exceptional service
Are flexible, motivated team players tackling a myriad of tasks through the potential of long days
Embrace the lifestyle of being a guide with its challenges and corresponding rewards
Have a passion and respect for the outdoors and for those that approach life professionally whether the challenge is large or small
If this is you, apply for the role!
Rafting Guide Criteria
Guides with Royal Gorge Rafting need to meet the following requirements:
Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
Successfully pass our guide training program (See guide training details below).
Must pass a checkout run before becoming a guide.
Maintain a high fitness level to work outdoors in various weather and challenging scenarios.
Possess current First Aid and CPR certifications. (Courses are held during or after training, but we encourage to have certifications in order).
We encourage our staff to seek higher levels of certifications such as OEC WFA or WFR & SRT.
Commit to 2 full seasons of work which include weekends and holidays. (Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. Exceptions are made for students).
You will be expected to assist our team in maintaining the quality and cleanliness of our base locations, beaches, and associated gear.
You must adhere to Royal Gorge Rafting's guidelines and always treat colleagues and guests with the highest level of respect.
Rafting Guide Training
For new rafting guides:
White Water Rafting Guide training will run from May 16th to June 6th 2022
We can not guarantee you will pass guide training although we will give you all the necessary tools you need to succeed.
For new rafting guides:
The cost of our training program (Rafting $500.00 + 5.25% AHRA Colorado State Parks fee. Total $526.25).
A 50% deposit will be required once accepted into the training program. The remaining balance is due at a minimum two weeks before training.
Guide trainees will need to be financially soluble throughout the three-week rafting training period.
Guides and trainees typically camp for the summer or rent accommodations in Canon City.
All equipment for training is provided during training: Wetsuits, river boots, PFD's etc.
After training, all raft guides will need to purchase the “tools of the trade” PFD, helmet, footwear, throw bag, whistle, river knife, and other everyday guide items. We offer wholesale rates on river gear so you will not be expected to arrive with the equipment you need to be a guide.
Are You An Experienced Guide?
Were you trained in another State or Country other than Colorado? If so, download and fill out this form: Out of State Guide Form and email it to R[email protected]
We also request:
Your current river logs.
Current First Aid & CPR.
Any additional Certifications you have obtained.
Apply Now
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