Colorado Outback Adventures is Hiring (experienced and non-experienced) Raft Guides for 2026!

Looking for experienced raft guides and new raft guides looking to learn!

If you do not have experience, we have two guide school course options. 

Advanced Course:
Dates: May 16th-May 27th (5/24-5/25 off)
Duration: 9 days to earn 75 hours on river training
Rate: $325 Per person
Itinerary: 5/16-5/23 Daily 8am to 5pm
5/24-5/25 off
5/26-5/27 Trip to Buena Vista to raft the Arkansas River
Meeting Location: 1212 State Hwy 3, Durango, CO 81301

Basic Course:
Dates: June 5th-June 11th (6/7 off)
Duration: 6 days to earn 50 hours on river training
Rate: $210 Per person
Itinerary: 6/5-6/6 Daily 8am to 5pm
6/7 off
6/8-6/11 Daily 8am to 5pm
Meeting Location: 1212 State Hwy 3, Durango, CO 81301

Learn about raft guide school: https://www.coloradooutbackadventures.com/raft-guide-school/ 

• Fun working environment

• Discounts on raft gear

• Must be 18+ years old, work well with others, and have excellent people skills.

• Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

• Pay: $15.50 - $22.00 per hour

• Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

The Employee Experience - As a company we're dedicated to the experience of our staff just as much as the experience of our guests. We feel very strongly that our employees shouldn't have to sacrifice in order to pursue a career that they love.  Driven by this belief we've been industry leaders in increasing guide wages, paying for overtime, providing additional certification training free of cost or at reduced rates, offering continuing education events, and opportunities to grow professionally and personally. 

We feel that an excellent work/life balance creates happy employees and happy employees provide amazing experiences for our guests!  This is why we're an industry leader in CO! 

Ideal Candidate - The ideal candidate for employment at Colorado Outback Adventures is someone who loves the outdoors and is motivated to share their passion with others.  We strive to create authentic connections through hospitality focused outdoor adventures!  Whether it's a connection with your guests, your fellow guides, and/or the outdoors, that's what we're all about.

We're looking for:

• Hard Workers who thrive in challenging, fast-paced environments

• Problem Solvers who are flexible and enjoy variety in their workplace

• Leaders who strive to enhance the experience of everyone around them

• Team Players who understand the importance of collaboration

Room and Board - The most popular choice of living accommodations for our employees is the FREE Camping option that we offer at our Outpost.  We allow car camping or small pop-up campers (space dependent). Not only is this an excellent option for financial reasons, but it's a huge part of creating the family-like culture at our company!  Our staff works together, they live together, they recreate together, and they build bonds that last well beyond the summer season and your time on the river!

Camping at our Outpost includes access to:

• Restrooms

• Showers

• Potable water

• Free wi-fi

• Guide Lounge with Fridge and Freezer

In addition to camping at our location there's the option of renting apartments or homes in one of the surrounding area. Just ask and we can point you in the right direction.

Employee Perks - In addition to all of the amazing natural wonders that this area of Colorado has to offer, our employees receive numerous benefits including but not limited to:

• Competitive pay, gratuities on top of base salary, incentive based bonus programs

• FREE housing available (on-site camping)

• Complimentary & discounted advanced training opportunities (Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, etc.)

• Pro-deal pricing on a wide range of outdoor equipment and clothing

• Access to company equipment on days off (rafts, trailers, vehicles, etc.)

 Getting Here and Getting Around - We're located in the historic town of Durango, CO.  Nestled in the San Juan Mountains at the southern terminus of the Colorado Trail.  We're conveniently located 1 hour from Silverton and 1.5 hours from Ouray.