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Backcountry Guide Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

ThreePeaks Ascent

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:

ThreePeaks Ascent

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:

ThreePeaks Ascent

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:

Backcountry.com

Paid Search Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1

At Backcountry, we are rooted in adventure, recognition, and wellbeing on and off the mountain. We ... guide budget allocation decisions. * Monitor competitive dynamics and market trends, leveraging ...

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ThreePeaks Ascent

Outdoor Youth Mentor

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:

ThreePeaks Ascent

Outdoor Youth Mentor

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:

ThreePeaks Ascent

Outdoor Youth Mentor

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:

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Be Seen First

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Saint George, UT · On-site

$165 - $246/day

Star Guides is a wilderness therapy program that takes at-risk youth backpacking in Utah's desert backcountry. Our clients issues include ADD, depression, anxiety, sexual behavioral problems, and ...

Career Site

Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Moab, UT · On-site

$1.10K/wk

Guides will: 1) Become knowledgeable about park resources and proficient at explaining them. 2) ... plan backcountry trips, 65% * Rove scenic overlooks and park trails, 10% * Research and present ...

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How much do backcountry guide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry guide in Utah is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $19.28 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 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 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.
More about Backcountry Guide jobs
What are popular job titles related to Backcountry Guide jobs in Utah? For Backcountry Guide jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backcountry Guide jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Backcountry Guide jobs in Utah are:
Backcountry Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backcountry Guide job openings in Utah as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 30% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,699 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Outdoor Field Guide

ThreePeaks Ascent

Enterprise, UT • On-site

$153 - $260/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Full time 8 days on/6 days off $153-260/day Benefits
Orientation Weeks: March 26th, April 23rd, May 21st & June 18th
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 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: Groups that live at a basecamp 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 adventure activities, such as riding mountain biking, walking slack lines, snowshoeing, and more.

RedCliff: Expedition groups which 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.What makes wilderness therapy so effective?
  1. Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships, in small groups where social influence and feedback can be given and received.
  2. Wilderness therapy involves the entire family in the treatment process, not just the adolescent.
  3. Wilderness therapy provides a novel and challenging environment that empowers.
  4. Wilderness therapy requires skill mastery through an experiential curriculum and primitive living
  5. Wilderness therapy uses an Integrated Care approach to assess and treat the adolescent as a whole person.
  6. Wilderness therapy provides clinical interventions that are evidenced-based and culturally sensitive, and employs progress monitoring to accomplish treatment goals.
  7. Wilderness therapy uses ceremony and ritual to promote change and internalize growth.

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.
Help heal families and save lives while sharing your passion for the outdoors.
Become a part of the RedCliff and ThreePeaks team.
Responsibilities
  • Field Guides work 8 consecutive days in the backcountry with struggling teenagers (i.e. hike almost daily, 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)
  • Potential for bonuses
  • 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

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