River Guide School

Are you an active person looking for a fun and adventurous outdoor job in Colorado this summer? Do you love working on the water, meeting new people, and spending your days outside in one of the most beautiful places in the Rocky Mountains? River Runners is now accepting applications for our annual River Guide School, beginning Monday, May 18, 2026.

Each spring, River Runners trains a select group of students to become professional whitewater river guides. Our program combines technical skills, teamwork, and leadership development to prepare you for a rewarding summer guiding guests down the world-famous Arkansas River. Successful participants will be hired as first-year guides at our Browns Canyon or Royal Gorge rafting outposts.

The River Guide School lasts approximately three weeks (Monday through Friday) and includes both on-water and classroom instruction. Students learn how to read water, maneuver rafts, and perform essential swiftwater rescue techniques such as swimming in current, flipping rafts, and using throw ropes effectively. Other training topics include river safety, guest communication, gear management, and how to interpret the environmental, geological, and historical aspects of the Arkansas River corridor.

The course requires a $300 deposit, which will be refunded if you are hired and work through August 15, 2026. This helps ensure commitment to the full program and guarantees space in our highly sought-after training.

Applicants should be active, safety-conscious, and strong swimmers who are comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions. Just as important, guides must be team players with excellent customer service skills — after all, rafting is about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Before guiding, all students must hold a current CPR and First Aid certification. 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.

Nearby camping is available during training, providing a great opportunity to bond with fellow students and enjoy the river lifestyle. Camping costs $300 for the summer season (upon hire), and shuttles are provided daily between camp and the River Runners outpost.

Once certified, first-year river guides earn $15 per hour plus gratuity. 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 guides return year after year, progressing to higher pay rates and 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 for River Guide School 2026 — and start your next adventure with us on the Arkansas River.

Please designate “River Guide School” in the subject line and in your application.

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.