The Canyoneers are trained by Museum staff and other local experts on the plant and animal life and geology of the San Diego area. Canyoneers interpret for others the interactions between the natural elements which give each place its unique character. By leading public hikes in San Diego's canyons, regional parks and preserves, lagoons, deserts and mountains, Canyoneers help the public to appreciate San Diego's special places.
Training is fast-paced and absences severely impact the learning process.
In exchange for the extensive natural history training the Canyoneers receive, they are expected to give two years of service to the program after completion of their training. Also, they are asked to become members of the San Diego Natural History Museum for a two-year period. Friday Guides lead small groups of school children on one-hour walks in local canyons and parks. The Friday Program is extremely popular, and Friday Guides will probably lead one or two walks every Friday throughout the school year. Weekend guides handle the public outreach program on Saturdays and Sundays from September through June.