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Guide Training

The National Park Service has used the recent Trails & Rails hiatus to completely revamp the Trails & Rails training, adding online components and self study similar to a college internship. This page provides a summary of the training requirements and links to enable you to complete the pre-training requirements.

Training Requirements Summary

1. Pre-Training—jump to details

  • Trails & Rails Program Orientation (face to face or webinar format)
  • Trails & Rails Program Application
  • Document Review

2. Group Training Class (4 hours, in person or webinar format)

This four hour group training class will include an overview of the National Trails & Rails program, content specific to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and our the Coast Starlight route, interpretive techniques, and operating procedures. We will also address questions regarding emergency response onboard Amtrak trains. Required at least once every two years for ALL Guides.

Group Training Options

Santa Barbara: Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Santa Clara: Saturday, June 1 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (with lunch break)
Webinar: Tuesday evenings 4/16, 4/23, 5/7, 5/14, 7:00-8:00 pm
(Must attend all 4 webinar sessions)

The Trails & Rails Application form (linked below) will ask which training you will attend.

3. Self-paced Online Training *

  • Emergency Operations Online Training
  • Foundations of Interpretation Online Course
  • Self Study – Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
  • Research and contribute one relevant article to the AnzaGuides.org blog

4. Onboard Peer to Peer Training *

  • Observe and assist experienced 2-person guide partnerships, traveling with all current guides at least once
  • Partner with one other experienced guide for 3 additional trips

* Pages with details regarding self-paced online training and onboard peer-to-peer training are password protected. You’ll get a password once you complete your pre-training requirements.

Pre-Training Requirement Details

Before beginning the group training class or the online self-paced training, you’ll need to complete the following:

Program Orientation (a.k.a. the “Meet & Greet”)

  • This 30 minute program orientation meeting is offered via Zoom prior to and during the first few months of each season. It’s purpose is to give you an overview of the Trails & Rails program before you decide to commit to the training sessions.
  • (You can opt out of the orientation if you know you will attend the group training sessions.)
Register for your Zoom Orientation Here

Trails & Rails Program Application

Complete a guide application and choose your training format and date(s) if you have not already done so.

Document Review

  1. Read the Trails & Rails Volunteer Position Description. (File will automatically download.)
  2. Print and sign the Volunteer Position Description Acknowledgement (last page of the position description)