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Summer Backpacking Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Morgan Hill

Police Officer Recruit

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$9.4K/mo

... summer music festivals, and holiday parades. Downtown Morgan Hill has become a destination for ... backpacking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the ...

Eldoradocounty

Safety/Security Officer

Placerville, CA · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

... backpacking, and fishing far from the crowds. The American River carves through the foothills below, drawing whitewater rafters each spring and summer, while the El Dorado Trail winds through ...

New

City of Morgan Hill, CA

Police Officer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

The community enjoys public art, many local street fairs, summer music festivals, and holiday ... backpacking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the ...

City of Morgan Hill

Police Officer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

... summer music festivals, and holiday parades. Downtown Morgan Hill has become a destination for ... backpacking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the ...

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Summer Backpacking information

See California salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer backpacking in California is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer backpacking job?

A summer backpacking job typically involves leading or assisting outdoor trips, such as hiking or camping excursions, for groups during the summer months. These jobs are often found at summer camps, outdoor adventure programs, or travel companies, and require staff to guide participants, ensure safety, and teach outdoor skills. Employees spend extended periods outdoors, carrying gear, and may be responsible for trip planning, cooking, and group management. It's an ideal role for those who enjoy nature, teamwork, and helping others experience the outdoors.

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

To thrive as a Summer Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and extensive knowledge of navigation and wilderness safety. Familiarity with GPS devices, map and compass use, and basic outdoor gear is typically required, along with certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring group safety, delivering positive experiences, and handling unexpected situations in remote environments.

What are some common challenges faced by guides leading summer backpacking trips, and how can they be managed?

Guides leading summer backpacking trips often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, group dynamics, and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. Managing these challenges involves thorough planning, effective communication, and adaptability. Guides must be prepared to modify routes if necessary, address group concerns promptly, and monitor for signs of dehydration, fatigue, or injury. Building a supportive team environment helps everyone enjoy a safe and rewarding outdoor experience.

What is the difference between Summer Backpacking vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer BackpackingSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsMinimal; outdoor skills beneficialCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote, travel-focusedCampgrounds, recreational facilities, group settings
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, travel agenciesSummer camps, recreational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Summer Backpacking involves traveling and exploring outdoors, often independently or in small groups, focusing on adventure and self-sufficiency. Summer Camp Counselors work at organized camps, supervising children and facilitating activities. While both roles are outdoor-oriented, backpacking emphasizes travel and exploration, whereas camp counseling centers on supervision and activity management in a camp setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs in California?

The most popular types of Backpacking jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Backpacking jobs in California?

For Summer Backpacking jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Backpacking jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Backpacking jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Backpacking jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Backpacking job openings:

Summer Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Backpacking job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,608 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Peak- Outdoor Trip Leader I_II_III

Associated Students, Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $18.15/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description
SUMMARY: This is a year-round position ranging in a variety of duties. The Outdoor Trip Leader is responsible for managing operational and participant needs for Peak Adventures Youth Explorer/Expedition Camp, Outdoor Trips, and Clinics from both on campus and off-site locations. The Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips, Clinics) I/II/III oversees the planning and implementation of trips, is responsible for participants of all ages, provides exemplary customer service, ensure risk management decisions, and meet all trip operational requirements are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) I:
  • Safely perform job duties
  • Knowledgeable in and ability to follow Outdoor Trip standard policies and procedures and Emergency Action Plans
  • Provide basic support during Explorer Camp, Outdoor Trips, and/or Clinics while upholding Peak Adventures policies and procedures and following the identified standard operating procedures
  • Ensure completed documentation for participants and other compliance reporting
  • Oversee group dynamics such as participants interactions within the group as well as interactions between participants and others outside the group to promote a positive experience for all
  • Properly load and unload outdoor gear and supplies to/from van roof rack, gear trailer, etc.
  • Communicate with Outdoor Adventure Manager effectively and on a frequent basis
  • Organization and management of outdoor trip equipment including but limited to maintenance, organization, inventory and usage tracking
  • Assist front desk staff with prepping and distributing rental equipment

Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) II:
  • Operation of a 10-passenger van and gear trailer. Perform a safety inspection on assigned vehicles to be used. Notify supervisor of any vehicle deficiencies. Follow all California State Rules and Regulations surrounding vehicle operation
  • Manage group travel in front and backcountry settings
  • Lead Pre-Trip Meetings
  • Assess and make decisions about risk management in the field
  • Understand and adhere to requirements and restrictions for trip location
  • Manage first aid needs
  • Leading skill instruction and demonstrating proficiency in outdoor activities that include but are not limited to LNT etiquette, hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, caving, bouldering and backpacking
  • Leading Summer Explorer and Expedition Youth camp trips
  • Correctly manage and facilitate participants on trips or clinics, including tracking rosters and ensuring a safe return to campus

Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) III:
  • Able to lead expert skilled instruction in outdoor activities that include but are not limited to LNT etiquette, hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, caving, bouldering and backpacking
  • Provide comprehensive training support to participants, helping them acquire outdoor skills and knowledge
  • Mentor and support lower-level OTL's in their growth and development within the program
  • Ability to demonstrate expert and sound judgement in highly variable outdoor settings and condition assessment, including anticipation of weather and it's effect on environment

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with other staff, and public
  • Demonstrating strong interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptive
  • Ability to work well with other staff
  • Understanding and adherence to safe operating practices
  • Ability to manage large groups
  • Ability to confidently and accurately manage risk
  • Ability to serve as a role model for children
  • Ability to speak publicly in front of youth
  • Ability to work well with other staff and camp partners
  • Strong worth ethic and ability to work long hours
  • Timeliness and ability to maintain commitment to camp and trip schedule

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma and 18 years of age
  • CPR Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Swift Water Rescue Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Demonstrated competency in various outdoor skills
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as overtime and double time
  • California Driver's license
  • Ability to meet ASI driving requirements
  • Availability to work summer hours Monday-Friday 7 AM-6 PM
  • Availability to work 2-6 Outdoor Trips per semester/season of school year
  • Complete Peak Adventures New Hire Orientation (up to 3 weekends of certifications, and a 5-day week of pre-youth camp training)
    • *Online certifications will not be accepted
    • **CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue certifications and raft guide school will be provided

PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at Sacramento State; maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA overall (for Student Assistant incumbents)
  • California Commercial driver's license (Class C or higher) with a passenger endorsement
  • Other outdoor professional certifications, ie. WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
  • Experience on a variety of outdoor trips with a diverse outdoor skill set
  • 1 or more years of trip leading experience
  • Experience working with youth

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must:
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds or 100 pounds assisted.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and be prepared for both heat and cold
  • Must be able to climb, kneel, squat, reach overhead
  • Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces
  • Must be able to meet minimum physical requirements for individual activity
  • Must be able to drive for up to 3 hours in one day
  • Must be able to maintain a high level of focus for long periods

WORK ENVIRONMENT (Choose one only)
  • Outdoors exposed to rain, heat and cold temperature for 24 hours a day

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