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Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ... Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence ...

Banner Health

POS15761, POS15762

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Well-Being Program, including healthy-habit building, fitness challenges, nutrition guides, on ... backpacking, rock climbing, world-class cycling, horseback riding, and championship golf courses.

Youth Dynamics

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA

$42K - $54K/yr

Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development * Keeping current to industry standards ... See specific requirements for Rock, Mountain, and Backpacking * People skills - To manage and ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ... Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence ...

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Bartender

Philipsburg, MT · On-site

... Guide Five-Star Ranch. Forbes Five-Star property, we have spent the last 15 years expanding the ... backpacking in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. From horseback riding and archery to skiing at ...

SAV Digital Environments

AV Project Manager

Bozeman, MT · On-site

... backpacking, rafting, SUP, climbing, mountain biking and hiking within minutes from town. Bozeman ... Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to listen to, lead and guide a team * Capable of ...

Matchstick

Associate Pastor

Denver, CO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

... guiding others toward deeper faith and connection. The Position: New Denver Church is seeking a ... Plan and lead key community events including men's retreats, backpacking trips, contemplative ...

Miamioh

Outdoor Pursuit Center Student Assistant

Center, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Guide participants through activities, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for everyone ... Lead backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and biking trips. Required Application ...

Miamioh

Outdoor Pursuit Center Student Assistant

Oxford, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Guide participants through activities, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for everyone ... Lead backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and biking trips. Required Application ...

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Backpacking Guide information

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$7

$19

$39

How much do backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backpacking guide do?

A Backpacking Guide leads individuals or groups on multi-day hiking trips in remote or wilderness areas. They ensure safety, provide navigation, teach outdoor skills, and share knowledge about local flora, fauna, and geography. Guides also assist with camp setup, meal preparation, and emergency response if needed. Their goal is to provide an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backpacking guide?

Excelling as a Backpacking Guide requires comprehensive outdoor skills, strong navigation abilities, and first aid certifications, often supported by Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) credentials. Familiarity with GPS devices, topographic maps, satellite communicators, and permitting systems is typically necessary. Exceptional leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help guides foster positive group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring group safety, delivering a memorable experience, and successfully leading trips in remote environments.

What are some common challenges a backpacking guide may face on the job?

Backpacking Guides often encounter unexpected challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, route alterations, group members with varying fitness levels, and wildlife encounters. Adapting plans to keep groups safe while maintaining morale is a key part of the job. Guides must be prepared for long hours outdoors, carrying group gear, and providing support during emergencies. The role is both physically and mentally demanding, but it offers the reward of leading others in immersive outdoor experiences and honing a wide range of skills.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking Guide jobs?

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Backpacking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Field Instructor

Telluride Academy

Telluride, CO • On-site

$20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Field Instructor
Reports To: Program Director
FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt
Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour
Position Summary:
Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential education programs for students ages 5-17. They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build confidence and connection in the outdoors. Field Instructors uphold strong risk-management practices and ensure all participants feel welcomed, supported, and appropriately challenged.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Facilitation
  • Plan and implement daily programming aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.
  • Deliver age-appropriate activities for all program levels, with particular emphasis on the needs of early childhood participants (ages 5-8).
  • Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.
  • Adapt programming and leadership style to meet the developmental, behavioral, and social needs of participants depending on their age group.
  • Adjust plans as needed to respond to changes in weather, participant needs, or other unforeseen circumstances while maintaining program integrity.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth and effective program delivery.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with co-instructors and other staff members to deliver high-quality programs throughout the summer.
  • Organize and manage weekly field reports, manage program logistics, and oversee program budgets as assigned.
  • Teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among participants.
  • Promote leadership, teamwork, and personal development through guided experiences and discussions.
  • Provide weekly program and co-instructor feedback in a timely manner that is constructive, professional, and respectful.
  • Attend Friday staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
  • Perform any additional duties as assigned or deemed necessary by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Student/Camper Engagement:
  • Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by encouraging teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among participants.
  • Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
  • Set clear expectations and model respectful, positive behavior.
  • Proactively address and de-escalate conflicts or challenges in a calm, constructive manner.
  • Utilize effective behavior management and positive discipline techniques to maintain group cohesion and engagement.

Safety & Risk Management:
  • Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants by following safety protocols and best practices.
  • Actively supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being.
  • Respond to minor incidents or emergencies in the field.

Qualifications/Skillsets:
  • Committed, dependable, professional, and organized.
  • Teachable, coachable, reflective, and leadership potential - desire to grow professionally as a leader.
  • Demonstrated selflessness in previous roles being a "team player".
  • Knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor/experiential education.
  • Previous experience and/or enthusiasm for working with children ages 5-17 years old.
  • Strong communication skills with administrators, co-workers, campers, and parents. Willingness to provide and receive feedback constructively and respectfully.
  • Ability to be present and cell phone-free while at work.
  • Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff training in June).
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check and driving background check.
  • Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, be active for up to 8 hours a day, and navigate rugged mountain terrain (trails, scree, slopes).
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate program vehicles safely (if applicable).

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods of time in a variety of desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
  • Willingness to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
  • Comfort with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
  • Ability to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements:
  • Proficiency in leading group activities and providing instruction to diverse age groups.
  • Ability to swim and assist in water-based activities when required.
  • Capable of physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, climbing, biking, hiking, and carrying equipment.

About Telluride Academy:
Telluride Academy's mission is to "Connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship".
Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 40 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please www.tellurideacademy.org to learn more.
Core Values:
  • Enrichment through experiential education.
  • Inclusion of children and teens from all backgrounds.
  • Respect for individual uniqueness.
  • Responsible environmental stewardship.

Hiring Policy:
Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Telluride Academy's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.
TA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual's: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon TA's business operations.

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