Our world-class guides have diverse backgrounds and extensive experience. What unites them is a tireless commitment to helping folks from all walks of life have a blast outside. Their infectious charm, boundless empathy and safety-first approach will have you wondering how you ever got by without them.
REI guides receive extensive training and certifications from the most trusted organizations in the outdoor industry
Wilderness first aid & CPR
REI guides receive advanced training in first aid, CPR and wilderness medicine, earning certifications from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and other top providers
Safety & rescue training
Depending on their roles, many guides receive additional safety training, taking courses in avalanche awareness, mountain rescue, swift-water rescue and more
Instructor certification
Every guide completes comprehensive instructor training that meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards for climbing, paddling, biking, and other outdoor skills
Environmental stewardship
To reduce our impact on the natural world, we train our guides on how to minimize the environmental footprint of every REI Co-op Experience
My guide tailored the instruction to my learning style and personal challenges. He was patient and encouraging and did not talk down to me or push me too hard. I live two hours away but this was completely worth the trip!
The guides got along with our group right from the start. One thing I loved is they took so many pictures for us! The food was amazing and plentiful. Two of us are vegan and they completely accommodated.
We had two of the best guides we could ask for—both highly skilled and intimately familiar with the area. They were great at motivating people and invested in making the trip fun for all, whether you were coasting or struggling on the trail. They were patient with everyone, and an immense source of knowledge.
The guides were fantastic and all the safety info was great. As I got out on the lake, a smile popped up on my face and wouldn't leave. It took me 73 years to find this new hobby, and with the instruction I received from REI I can keep smiling, fishing, and paddling. Thanks REI—your classes and guides are great!!!
I cannot rave enough about the great quality of our food, varied menus, variety of fresh vegetables and fruits with each meal and snack, and the attention given to individual dietary needs or desires. They even emphasized food presentation. It added so much to our fantastic experience in one of the most beautiful national parks!
For scheduling reasons, the exact guides leading your experience will be determined as the date nears. Whomever your guides are, they will make sure you leave with a smile on your face and some new skills in your back pocket.
For multiday adventures, your trip specialist can answer all your questions as you prepare for the trip.
Our private group experiences are the best way to book a specific guide—that way we can work with both your calendars to find the right date. For our regularly scheduled programs, we try to honor guide requests but cannot guarantee them—our staffing calendar is a giant puzzle!
REI guides have extensive and varied experience in recreational and educational programming. Some have been guiding for most of their lives, while others are relatively new to guiding after years of honing their outdoor skills. No matter their history, we train every guide to lead our programs safely and consistently, all while ensuring you have a great time and meet your personal goals too!
Our guides' backgrounds are as varied as those of our customers! Some grew up in cities, some in the country. Some have camped since childhood, others didn’t discover it until the kids left home. Some are just starting their careers, while for others this is a second (or third!) career.
In addition to completing various safety, first aid and technical skill certifications, our guides go the extra mile to make sure anyone feeling anxious or unsure has the support they need to get the most out of our time together. This might mean giving someone more personal attention, slowing the pace down, or simply explaining the processes and tactics in place to keep everyone safe.
We believe the outdoors is for all, so we design experiences that can accommodate a variety of paces, skillsets and fitness levels. You’ll want to pay attention to the fitness/activity rating of our classes and trips while you search to find the best fit for you.
Once you’re out there, our guides have many tricks up their sleeves to meet the unique needs of each group, including short cuts, optional add-ons, extra snacks/water/rest stops and more.
Our guides love welcoming newcomers to play outside and build new skills—they’ll admire you for trying something different.
When you’re with an REI guide, you’re in a 100% judgment-free zone. Promise!
Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline—not an expectation—is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10–20% of the registration/booking fee.
If you have the interest, the empathy and the enthusiasm for leading folks outside, we’d love to hear from you, even if you’re new to guiding! Learn more & see available openings.
We invest in our guides
With industry-leading pay and benefits, year-round opportunities, and diverse programming from coast to coast, guiding for REI Co-op might be the most fulfilling career move you can make!
