River Runners has 4 locations throughout the Arkansas River Valley spanning over 100 miles of river.
River Runners started in 1972 as one of the first whitewater rafting companies in Colorado. Safety and guest experience has always been our top priorities, which is why there are now four River Runners locations spanning more than 100 miles of the Arkansas River.
River Runners is a whitewater rafting company with four locations on Colorado's Arkansas River. With outposts in Buena Vista, Browns Canyon National Monument, Canon City, and Salida In Colorado's Upper Arkansas River Valley with 14-000 ft mountains in every direction. Enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, hiking and more.
About River Runners
River Runners has been in business since 1972. There are now four locations spanning more than 100 miles of the Arkansas River in Central Colorado. Services include guided family floats, class III to class V whitewater rafting tours, multi-day rafting trips, stand-up paddleboard tours, inflatable kayak tours, and off-road packages. Plus we have a Riverside Bar and Grill near Buena Vista, which is a popular hangout with live music, special events, and weddings throughout the summer.
Safety and customer service are what we're about. Our river guide school, which exceeds state requirements, has proven to be one of the best training programs in the state. Guests and guides from all over the world come back to us year after year as the Arkansas River has one of the longest whitewater seasons in the country and they fall in love with the River Runners family.
From the 14,000' peaks in the Buena Vista and Salida area to the high desert canyons near Cañon City and the Royal Gorge, there is a multitude of activities throughout the summer to keep you busy after work including rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, fly fishing and more.
Employees are offered affordable camping options so build out that truck camper or dig out your tent from the closet and get ready for an outdoor summer of a lifetime - until you come back next year.
The Employee Experience
With four locations it's easy for our guides and other staff members to travel to different sections of the river to raft a new stretch or simply have fun after hours. From hang gliding to world-class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, bagging 14ers, fly fishing gold medal trout waters, or swimming in an alpine lake - there's no shortage of activities we participate in after work. And, fortunately for us, working involves some of the best whitewater in the country!
From the immaculate beauty of Buena Vista to the plentiful sunshine of the Royal Gorge Region, there are not many places better to spend summers than Colorado's Arkansas River Valley!
Ideal Candidate
Our employees are dedicated to living life to the fullest and engaging our guests into doing so as well. Being able to entertain guests, and yourself is a must.
Hard work in adverse conditions is part of what we do. Being able to handle that while maintaining a good attitude makes the sunny days and big waves all the more enjoyable. We're here for fun and safety.
Room and Board
River Runners has riverside and desert camping available for a minimal charge. Other lodging options are available in Buena Vista, Salida and Cañon City but you would be responsible for setting that up.
Employee Perks
River Runners employees are offered free rafting, discounted food and merchandise at the company shops, discounted train rides, and deals on the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park pass. Staff also receive various discounts to local restaurants and shops throughout the valley. Additionally, pro-deals are available through several river and camping gear manufacturers.
Getting Here and Getting Around
The Colorado towns we operate in and around include Buena Vista, Salida and Cañon City. It is recommended you have your own vehicle but it is possible to take a bus from Denver or Colorado Springs to one of these locations.
Employee shuttles are provided from camping to work. Bicycles are also viable methods for commuting.
For Fun
Paddling festivals such as FIBARK, Paddlefest, and the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival take place in our backyard. River Runners employees are encouraged to participate in any and all of these, which we sponsor.
There are numerous music festivals throughout the summer and live music every weekend, if music is your thing. World class venues are within a couple of hours - Red Rocks, Telluride, Aspen, etc.
How to Apply
Readmore about our opportunities here: https://whitewater.net/rafting-jobs/
Click APPLY HERE to submit an introductory Contact Form
Or, E-mail cover letter, resume, and three references to
Please state what job you are applying for in the e-mail.