Grand Canyon River Guide Qualifications

The National Park Service requires all Grand Canyon River Guides to meet these job qualifications and have the following certifications:

• WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
• Food Handlers License
• Grand Canyon Guides License
• Experience of working a predetermined number of river trips

Now that is just the beginning. Prospective guides will then spend from three to five years perfecting their skills on the Colorado River, under the guidance of one of our veteran Arizona River Runners' trip leaders, before earning the position of Guide or Trip Leader for Arizona River Runners.

It takes a very special person to be a successful Grand Canyon River Guide.

Jon Stoner, 1981

Meet Jon Stoner, ARR veteran Colorado River guide

"I first visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1973 after graduating from college while on a solo two-month long road trip through the West. Like most tourists, I only spent a few hours at the rim taking pictures but I was intrigued enough to spend the next five years planning my first river trip into the heart of the Canyon.

"In 1978 I took my first commercial white water raft trip through the Grand Canyon and immediately after returning home, organized a second eight-day trip the next summer. After just two trips the Grand Canyon had worked its magic on me. I got off the river, went home, turned in my resignation at the family-owned hardware business and sold everything I owned, including a 911 Porsche. I moved West and secured a training position with Arizona River Runners. Two and a half decades and 200-plus trips later I still continue to look forward to spending time in the Canyon. No matter how many trips I guide, I always see something different, experience new wonders and enjoy sharing special moments with people from all walks of life."

Like Jon Stoner, each of our guides must posses a multitude of skills, including conservationist, interpreter, whitewater guide, geologist, psychologist, counselor, cook, mechanic, sanitation expert, logistics coordinator and medical tech to name a few. Our guides must have the ability to safely operate and maintain a raft and all other equipment over the course of 300 river miles while constantly anticipating the unknown and always paying attention to the minor details. More importantly each needs to possess a genuine love and respect for the great outdoors; a deep interest in the geology, natural and human history; and a true passion and ability to share and communicate this knowledge.

This is a job like no other ... in a place like no other!