ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsBackpacking Guide Jobs

Backpacking Guide information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 in the Backpacking Guide position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Backpacking Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Backpacking Guide jobs? Cities with the most Backpacking Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backpacking Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Backpacking Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Backpacking Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backpacking Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking Guide jobs are:
Backpacking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Bold & Gold Trip Leader PP- Hi Rock

Bold & Gold Trip Leader PP- Hi Rock

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA

Mount Washington, MA • On-site

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Instructor leads primarily single-gender outdoor expeditions for adolescents. The role focuses on building confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, and community awareness, helping participants develop their own leadership style through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
Essential Functions:
  • Demonstrate YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors, and guests
  • Promote and support the potential of all youth, facilitating peer-to-peer connections as part of the camp experience
  • Teach and guide outdoor skills during 7-14 day wilderness-based backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, or mountaineering courses
  • Ensure a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants
  • Create values-based experiences that support adolescent development
  • Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for youth in outdoor settings
  • Assist with various camp needs when not leading field activities
  • Understand and uphold all licensing standards, grant requirements, YMCA policies, state and local laws, and YMCA risk management guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Professional instructional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, and/or mountaineering
  • Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth
  • Excellent judgment, decision-making, and risk management skills
  • Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
  • Experience facilitating activities that address challenges faced by adolescent girls and/or boys
  • Ability to translate wilderness experiences into meaningful lessons for the everyday lives of underserved youth

Apply