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How much do summer backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer backpacking in the United States is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Backpacking Guide, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

More about Summer Backpacking jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Backpacking jobs? Cities with the most Summer Backpacking job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs? The most popular types of Backpacking jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Backpacking jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Backpacking jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Backpacking jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Backpacking jobs are:
Summer Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Backpacking job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,041 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Overnight Trip Guide - Summer 2026

Trailside Discovery Camp

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Temporary

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Trailside Discovery Camp is an award winning 12-week summer camp for local Alaskans ages 5-14 that offers environmental education and high adventure day programs as well as overnight trips that take campers into Alaska's wilderness. Trip Guides lead groups of campers on 1 to 4 night trips (called "Quest Trips") focusing on a range of skills, including front country camping, backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. This position is great for adventurous and responsible people who love spending time in nature and can make sound judgment calls in the backcountry.
Qualifications:
  • Available for the duration of our summer season
  • Have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old
  • Current First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications (Wilderness First Responder certification preferred)
  • Previous leadership experience in the backcountry, preferably leading overnight wilderness trips
  • Previous experience kayaking, backpacking, and/or front country camping
  • Previous experience working outdoors with kids in a formal or informal setting
  • Comfortable driving a 15 passenger van and willingness to learn to drive with a trailer
  • Ability to work well with managers, instructors, trip guides, and campers ages 8-14
  • Ability to spend multiple days with little support in the backcountry while caring for a group of up to 13 campers
  • Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
  • Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, and/or canoeing
  • Enthusiastic about leading campers on high adventure field trips around the Anchorage, Chugiak and Palmer areas
  • Knowledge of outdoor recreation activities and interest in developing curriculum for biking, boating and archery programs
  • Experience preparing for the backcountry and willingness to help prepare for and unpack our overnight Quest Trips

Essential Functions:
  • Working with Managers and other Trip Guides to coordinate logistics required for trips including a travel plan, meal planning and preparation, and acquiring necessary equipment
  • Working with your co-Trip Guide to maintain safety and have fun while out on Quest trips
  • Remaining with an assigned group of campers at all times while at camp and out on trips
  • Creating group contracts to establish clear expectations for camper behavior
  • Preparing campers for the backcountry prior to the Quest trip excursion by building group morale, facilitating team bonding, teaching backcountry skills and practicing techniques
  • Assisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury)
  • Preparing group meals, delegating meal time and clean up roles to campers, and teaching campers backcountry cooking skills
  • Teaching campers Leave No Trace principles and following them closely while out on trips
  • Ensuring group's timeliness for scheduled activities and communicating with campground hosts, rangers, tour guides, etc.

Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
  • Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship
  • Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
  • Maintaining the standards of the American Camp Association
  • Working with the Trip Guides, High Adventure Instructors, Logistics Manager, Site Manager, Program Managers, and Camp Director to provide high quality adventure education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
  • Preparing lesson plans and implementing environmental and adventure education programs and activities
  • Supervising participants and ensuring the safety of all staff and campers.
  • Transporting participants in 15 passenger vans to tours, charters, campgrounds, trailheads, etc.
  • Coordinating with the Logistics Manager and Camp Director for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
  • Supervising the use and care of all Trailside outdoor equipment
  • Preparing and rationing the food for overnight trips

Child Care
  • Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
  • Maintaining ACA standards for instructor to camper ratios
  • Encouraging the personal and social development of children
  • Observing children and reporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and/or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp Director

Records
  • Updating health and attendance records on a daily basis
  • Protecting the confidentiality of the participant's records
  • Having parents sign any required waivers required for trips
  • Filling out required medical papers while out on trips

Supervision and Support
  • Trip Guides will report to the Camp Director
  • Trip Guides will be supported by the Russian Jack Site Manager and Logistics Manager

Attendance
  • Must attend staff training
  • Must read the entirety of our Trips Manual and attend Trip Guide debriefing before camp begins
  • Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract
  • Be prepared to participate in multi-day trips as needed

Miscellaneous
  • Trip placement will depend on experience and skill set
  • Trip Guides are expected to act as High Adventure Instructors for weeks that they are not out on trips

Compensation: See our wage schedule based on education and experience. Two hours of overtime pay + $45/night stipend while out on trips

Apply