1

Backcountry Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

$16.25 - $22/hr

... Tour Guide depending on current operational demands. Main Purpose of Role: Guest Service ... Experience and interest in outdoors/wilderness/backcountry settings. * Ability to operate oversized ...

Backcountry Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$7

$18

$31

How much do backcountry guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry guide in Alaska is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $22.79 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.

What are popular job titles related to Backcountry Guide jobs in Alaska? For Backcountry Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backcountry Guide jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Backcountry Guide jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Backcountry Guide job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 77% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,683 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

$11.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Type: Seasonal - Summer 2019


About Stampede Excursions:


Stampede Excursions offers a new take on excursions. Shaking up the local industry by creating a team-focused, service-centric experience for both our teammates and guests. Having begun operations in 2011, Stampede Excursions provides adventure tours near Denali National Park, Alaska.


We operate a backcountry adventure tour of the Stampede Trail, a historic mining road made infamous by the book and movie "Into the Wild." Utilizing highly modified 4x4 and 6x6 off-road vehicles seating up to 14 guests, this excursion traverses open tundra, mud bogs, and boreal forests before stopping for a hearty Alaskan snack deep in the bush. The tour operates three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) from mid-May through mid-September, lasts about 3.5 hours, and is fully narrated by driver-guides. In addition, the company offers other adventures including those by air and operates a visitor center style sales office in the heart of Denali.


Denali is situated between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad. About 600,000 visitors come to Denali each year, primarily between May and September. The area is a mountainous and rugged wilderness, with the highest point on the continent a mere 80 miles away.


Stampede Excursions is an all hands on deck employer. This means each member of our team is hired as a Tour Support Teammate and may serve in different roles such as a Guest Service Represtative, Shuttle Driver, or Tour Guide depending on current operational demands.


Responsibilities:


  • Deliver a well-researched, narrated tour of the local area and backcountry sights to include facts about Denali National Park, flora and fauna, and a history of the Stampede Trail.
  • Safely and skillfully operate 4x4 vans and 6x6 military on/off-road vehicles through a variety of road and trail conditions.
  • Possess excellent customer service skills and interact with travelers of all demographics from all over the world.
  • Ability to prepare and serve a picnic-style snack in the wilderness utilizing a propane grill or similar equipment. 
  • Maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times.
  • Pick up and drop off guests at area hotels while developing positive relationships through interaction with hotel and resort staff.
  • Assist in maintaing trail, vehicles, facilities, and equpiment.
  • Mainitain and prepare Jeeps for rental.
  • Addtional duties as assigned which may include, but are not limited to, shuttle driving and guest service office shifts.
Qualifications:


Minimum qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license and safe driving history.
  • 21+ years of age per insurance guidelines. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to operate oversized, off-road vehicles with manual and automatic transmissions.
  • Knowledge of Jeep-type off-road driving skills and techniques.
  • High mechanical aptitude and ability to use most hand tools and equipment. 
  • Current CPR certification. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Strong work ethic. 
  • Ability to pass pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
  • Ability to conform to and follow appearance and uniform guidelines including limitations on hair color, piercings, and tattoos.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Sales or customer service background, especially in the tourism or hospitality industries. 
  • Documented First Aid training, preferably Wilderness First Responder, EMT, or equivalent certification. 
  • Experience and interest in outdoors/wilderness/backcountry settings.
  • Ability to speak other languages in addition to English.
  • Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to include basic mechanical work on vehicles and equipment, sales/customer service duties, and assisting the team with other facets of the business.
Compensation:


This position pays $11.50 per hour plus earned tips from tours.


How to Apply:


Our online application will give you the option to apply for this role.


We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified people to apply. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please contact us.


We will review applications as they are received and look forward to hearing from you.

Employment Type: OTHER