Arkansas Valley Adventures is a whitewater rafting and adventure tour company with locations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We specialize in creating unforgettable outdoor experiences in Colorado. In addition to world-class whitewater rafting on eight different rivers across Colorado, we also provide zip line tours at two locations, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, ATV tours, train rides, hot air balloon rides, hiking, cabins and camping.
The 2015 season will be our 18th year in business providing our guests with amazing adventures. Throughout the existence of AVA, it has been our goal to advance the industry of whitewater rafting and of adventure outfitters.
Our Main Three Outposts For AVA’s Activities:
• Granite, CO (between Buena Vista and Leadville)
• Idaho Springs, CO (30 minutes from downtown Denver)
• Kremmling, CO (45 minutes from Winter Park)
• Plus pick-ups in Keystone and Breckenridge for select rafting trips.
The guide is responsible for safely navigating commercial rafts down the river while managing guest experiences and providing interpretive information.
They must also maintain equipment and remain prepared to perform river rescue maneuvers as needed.
What you need
No previous experience is required, but candidates must be physically capable and passionate about the outdoors.
An up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification is required, though training is provided for those who do not have them.
Join the Team!
At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.
Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado’s outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.
Job Description:
Location(s):
Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO
Work Season:
Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:
Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.
Pay Rate:
Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.
AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.
*NOTE* This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have optional areas for employees to stay during the summer
What You'll Do
Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!
Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.
2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays
Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!
What we Look For
Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
Strong teamwork skills.
People with an emphasis on customer care.
Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!
Work Availability
Part Time < ~30 hours
Full Time ~ 40 hours
Holidays (4th of July)
Benefits
The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.
Base pay is $15.16, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.
Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.
Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new – AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!
Apply here or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/
If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.
AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
