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Outdoor Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

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 ...

This position provides a positive outdoor recreational experience for our guests. Guides will be responsible to lead both on-property and off-property adventures, as well as provide instruction for ...

This position provides a positive outdoor recreational experience for our guests. Guides will be responsible to lead both on-property and off-property adventures, as well as provide instruction for ...

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Lenox, MA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

The Outdoor Adventure Guide will lead guest-facing programs for leisure, corporate, and group guests of varying abilities, ensuring a safe and meaningful experience. They should have an interest in ...

Outdoor Pursuits Guide

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Ability to teach all guided activities especially mountain biking and hiking. Demonstrate expert knowledge of Big Sky Resort winter and summer; technical background of outdoor equipment; basic local ...

Outdoor Pursuits Guide

Big Sky, MT

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Ability to teach all guided activities especially mountain biking and hiking. Demonstrate expert knowledge of Big Sky Resort winter and summer; technical background of outdoor equipment; basic local ...

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Outdoor Guide information

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$7

$19

$39

How much do outdoor guide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Guide, you need expertise in outdoor skills, navigation, first aid, and a solid understanding of environmental safety, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and specialized gear for activities such as hiking, kayaking, or climbing is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and education of participants while minimizing risks in dynamic outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges Outdoor Guides face during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Outdoor Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather, varying group fitness levels, and maintaining group safety in remote environments. Effective Outdoor Guides stay prepared with contingency plans, adapt itineraries on the fly, and communicate clearly with participants to ensure everyone understands expectations and safety procedures. Building rapport and fostering teamwork within diverse groups is also key for a positive and safe experience.

What are outdoor guides?

Outdoor guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, climbing, fishing, or camping. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, sharing knowledge about the environment, and providing instruction on techniques and equipment. Outdoor guides often have specialized training in first aid, navigation, and natural history. Their goal is to create enjoyable, educational, and safe experiences in various outdoor settings.

What is the difference between Outdoor Guide vs Hiking Instructor?

AspectOutdoor GuideHiking Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, various terrains, group supervisionDesignated hiking trails, group instruction, outdoor
Employer & IndustryTour companies, adventure tourism, outdoor recreationOutdoor education centers, adventure programs, outdoor recreation
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking outdoor adventure jobs or toursIndividuals interested in outdoor education or guiding hikes

While both roles involve outdoor activities and safety certifications, an Outdoor Guide typically leads various outdoor adventures across different terrains, focusing on guiding groups through activities like rafting, climbing, or camping. A Hiking Instructor specializes in teaching hiking skills, leading groups on trails, and providing outdoor education specifically related to hiking. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope and activity focus.

More about Outdoor Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Outdoor Guide jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Guide job openings:
What states have the most Outdoor Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Guide jobs include:
Infographic showing various Outdoor Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

$153 - $260/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 19 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