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Backcountry Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Our students join an existing group when they are admitted and stay in the backcountry while they ...

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$140 - $260/day

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Our students join an existing group when they are admitted and stay in the backcountry while they ...

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$140 - $260/day

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Our students join an existing group when they are admitted and stay in the backcountry while they ...

As our Field Guide, you will work 8 day shifts in the backcountry in a small group of at-risk teenagers with 1-4 other guides. We have two types of groups that you will work with: * ThreePeaks:

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

As our Field Guide, you will work 8 day shifts in the backcountry in a small group of at-risk teenagers with 1-4 other guides. We have two types of groups that you will work with: * ThreePeaks:

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

As our Field Guide, you will work 8 day shifts in the backcountry in a small group of at-risk teenagers with 1-4 other guides. We have two types of groups that you will work with: * ThreePeaks:

$11.50/hr

We operate a backcountry adventure tour of the Stampede Trail, a historic mining road made infamous ... guides. In addition, the company offers other adventures including those by air and operates a ...

Park Guide Seasonal

Natchez, MS · On-site +1

$19.52 - $25.37/hr

Some park locations issue backcountry camping permits and provide backcountry camping information ... Guide large groups (up to 50 people) on longer walks or programs. * Provide a wide range of ...

Summer Guide

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels. Our lodges, chalets, and beach houses combine five-star accommodations with incredible cuisine. To our ...

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Backcountry Guide information

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$7

$17

$29

How much do backcountry guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Backcountry Guide job?

A Backcountry Guide leads outdoor adventures in remote, rugged areas, ensuring safety while providing an enriching experience. They may guide activities like hiking, skiing, or camping, often teaching survival and navigation skills. Responsibilities include route planning, risk assessment, and emergency response. Strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local terrain are essential. Many guides work for tour companies, outdoor education programs, or as independent contractors.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Backcountry Guide?

Backcountry Guides are responsible for planning routes, leading groups through remote areas, monitoring participants’ safety, and interpreting local ecology and terrain. Their day often includes tasks such as setting up camps, cooking in outdoor conditions, and performing basic first aid if needed. Guides also play a key role in fostering group cohesion and ensuring adherence to responsible backcountry practices. Most trips require adapting to changing weather and trail conditions, making flexibility and quick problem-solving essential for daily success. You can expect to work closely with both guests and fellow guides to provide a memorable and safe outdoor adventure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Backcountry Guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backcountry Guide, you need expert knowledge of wilderness navigation, survival techniques, and outdoor safety, often backed by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, topographic maps, and communication tools like satellite phones is essential for safe and effective trip management. Exceptional leadership, interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond calmly to emergencies. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and educational value of each guided backcountry experience.

More about Backcountry Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Backcountry Guide jobs? Cities with the most Backcountry Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backcountry Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Backcountry Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Backcountry Guide jobs include:
Infographic showing various Backcountry Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$140 - $260/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

____________________________________________________________

Full time | 8 days on/6 days off | $140-260/day | Benefits

____________________________________________________________

With the wilderness as our catalyst, we reveal potential, inspire hope, and heal families. We believe it. We live it.

This is our mission statement. The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing process. As a Field Guide, you will get to know our students and deliver the best program possible to them. This includes creating a safe, healthy, and supervised environment, mentoring, and working as a team. Teach students how to create their own bowdrill fire set and build the group's shelters from tarps, visit petroglyphs and ghost towns, peak mountains, and watch herds of mustang as the sun rises.

As our Field Guide, you will join one of our two shifts that continually swap back and forth, working 8 day shifts in the backcountry in a small group of at-risk teenagers with 2-3 other guides. We have two types of groups that you can work with:

1) Our RedCliff groups, which generally have 8 students each, live primitively and nomadically. Our students join an existing group when they are admitted and stay in the backcountry while they complete our program (length of stay is, on average, two and a half months). We do not have a set route or designated campsites; our groups practice low-impact principles as they continually hike and set up camp in our field of over 400 square miles.

2) Our ThreePeaks groups, which generally have 8 students each, live at a base and learn the skills for wilderness camping. The students join an existing group that stays in yurts and has access to a shower and bath house. These groups will do day hikes and other activities as the students learn to acclimate to their new environment. The goal is for students to learn the skills necessary to transition to our RedCliff groups.

Our students struggle with a variety of mental, behavioral, and substance abuse disorders and may have failed to thrive in previous treatment settings. We are often the last hope to the families who turn to us to help their son or daughter. Working with families in crisis can be very difficult, but nothing is more rewarding than seeing pain and suffering slowly replaced by genuine change and healing through the shared experiences provided by wilderness.

Gain behavioral and mental health experience.

Help heal families and save lives while sharing your passion for the outdoors.

Become a part of the RedCliff and ThreePeak team.


Responsibilities
  • Field Guides work 8 consecutive days in the backcountry with struggling teenagers, usually living primitively and nomadically (i.e. hike almost daily, no base camp, no cell service, etc.)
  • Ensure the supervision and safety of students
  • Mentor students in primitive and outdoor skills
  • Assist students in their curriculum work
  • Share appreciation and knowledge of nature and the outdoors
  • Lead students through experiential activities
  • Facilitate group discussions
  • Create a safe environment for students to process their emotions
  • De-escalate and manage crises within group
  • Provide support, direction, and feedback to coworkers during shifts
  • Creatively, collaboratively, and safely address challenges and obstacles of the backcountry
  • Carry essential gear such as 1st Aid kit, radio, and SPOT device
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Follow all local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws
  • Remember to have fun--we are working with kids!

Requirements

Please note: Your resume should include education, work experience, certifications, and licenses.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements at the time they submit their application will not be considered.

Hard Skills

  • High School diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred
  • Must be 1st Aid & CPR certified within first month of employment, WFR (Wilderness First Responder) preferred
  • 19+ years of age
  • Able to pass criminal investigation background check
  • Able to pass pre-employment health assessment
  • Eligible to work in the USA
  • Physical ability and stamina to work 8 day shifts in the back country and live primitively
  • Walk, hike, and/or climb daily over uneven terrain in all weather conditions carrying 40+ pounds

Soft Skills

  • Work well within a team
  • Leadership skills and ability to make decisions
  • Strong problem-solving aptitude
  • Able to emotionally self-regulate
  • Good judgement
  • Safety-oriented
  • Able to give and receive feedback
  • Firm, healthy boundaries
  • Fully outfitted

Benefits

  • Find your tribe: A supportive and close-knit niche in the outdoor community. These are your people.
  • 8 on/6 off schedule means you have about 150 days off each year!
  • Only have to drive to work 4-5 times a month
  • Accommodation available at base for the nights before and after your shift (beds, kitchen, showers)
  • Bonuses for completing the internship period and referrals
  • Full-time job with guaranteed overtime
  • Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after first 60 days
  • Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Pro deals! Significant discounts for hundreds of professional outdoor gear brands
  • Long off-shifts ideal for travel, exploring Utah's Big 5, or any other adventure!
  • A few hours from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell
  • A few hours from many world-class ski resorts
  • Close to Mccarran International Airport in Las Vegas