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Hiking Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FIRST LIGHT RESORTS LLC

Recreation Guide

Groveland, CA · On-site

$21/hr

While our guided adventures include hiking, biking, backpacking, sightseeing, and snowshoeing trips, the Recreation Guide Service provides a variety of additional services, including expert advice ...

Benchmark

Kayak Guide (PT Seasonal)

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, water skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing ... Lead guided kayak tours that are safe, educational, and aligned with the resort's luxury guest ...

Ensemble Investments

Front Office-Agent

Carmel Valley, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.25/hr

Develop relationships with local service providers: babysitters, florists, hiking guides, transportation providers, etc. * Document maintenance and engineering needs in the front desk log and submit ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$17 - $21.25/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Global Treks and Adventures

$18 - $22.75/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Global Treks and Adventures

$18 - $22.75/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

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Hiking Guide information

See California salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do hiking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hiking guide in California is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hiking guide?

A Hiking Guide is a professional who leads individuals or groups on outdoor hiking adventures. They provide navigation, ensure safety, and educate participants about the environment, wildlife, and local history. Guides assess trail conditions, assist with gear, and offer first aid if needed. Their goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and informative outdoor experience for hikers of all skill levels.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a hiking guide?

To thrive as a Hiking Guide, you need strong navigation skills, knowledge of local flora and fauna, and physical endurance, typically supported by outdoor safety training and certifications in first aid or wilderness survival. Proficiency in using GPS devices, maps, compasses, and communication radios is highly valuable, along with certifications from organizations such as the Red Cross or Wilderness First Responder. Exceptional communication, group leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage diverse groups and ensure a positive experience. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining group safety, creating enjoyable adventures, and responding effectively to emergencies in outdoor settings.

What challenges can a hiking guide expect to face on the job?

Hiking Guides often face unpredictable weather, changing trail conditions, and the varying physical abilities of group members. Keeping everyone safe and engaged requires flexibility, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt plans on the fly. Additionally, guides frequently work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, and may need to handle emergencies calmly in remote locations. However, overcoming these challenges can be very rewarding for those passionate about the outdoors and helping others enjoy nature responsibly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hiking Guide jobs in California? The most popular types of Hiking Guide jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Hiking Guide jobs in California? For Hiking Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hiking Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hiking Guide jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hiking Guide jobs? Cities in California with the most Hiking Guide job openings:
Hiking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hiking Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,450 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Today!

Do you thrive in the great outdoors? Love being active and working with youth? Are some of your best memories from hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports? If you believe kids learn more from hands-on outdoor experiences than sitting in a classroom, and you are looking for a flexible work schedule, then this is your calling!

Arc Experience provides before and after school programs for youth throughout Southern California in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.

We highly value our employees, and we invest in them by providing opportunities to expand their career and life skills. Arc is looking for motivated and compassionate people who want to expand their career working with youth and have a desire to give back to the community.

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert—we will train you in the outdoor skills you need!

As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential—all while having an unforgettable time outdoors!

If you are ready to turn your love for adventure into a meaningful job, join our team today!

Qualifications & Experience

  • 2+ years of experienceworking with K-12 students.
  • Understanding of outdoor educationor leadership development programs.
  • Experience in adventure activitiesis highly preferred. Our most common programs include:
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Kayaking
    • Rock climbing
    • Team-building activities
  • Ability to personally participatein outdoor activities.
  • Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
  • Encouraging and patient approachwhen working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

  • Mustcreate and maintain a physically and mentally safe environmentfor students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • Laser-focused on participant safetyandcertified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety(or willing to complete training).
  • Ability to drive vehicles(with and without student passengers) per Arc's requirements. You will be trained to operate a vehicle towing a climbing wall and must participate in occasional refresher training.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR you take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • You will be required to take CPR and first aid training or provide proof that you have been certified within 12 months.
  • English - Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.
  • Valid California driver's licenserequired (Commercial Driver's License a plus!).

Additional Expectations

  • Available to workboth weekdays and weekends.
  • Someadministrative paperworkis required for each outing.
  • Willingness to assist withevent prep, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
  • Familiarity with Leave No Trace (LNT) principlesis preferred.
  • Open tosharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
  • Bilingual English-Spanish speakerswill have a competitive edge!
  • High school diploma or GED required(Bachelor's degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits

  • Position Type:Part-time, non-exempt
  • Reports To:Director of Outdoor Education Operations
  • Compensation:$20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide

  • Earned paid sick leave
  • All equipment provided for events and activities
  • Company-sponsored certification assistance for long-term guides
  • Arc-branded outdoor wear
  • Ongoing training & professional development opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Reliably commute before starting work (Required)

Arcis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply