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Wilderness Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily

Grand Marais, MN · On-site

$95/day

... wilderness camping, canoeing, and backpacking Participate in camp programs, such as campfires, group singing, and games Guide and influence the trail group's social interaction and personal growth ...

Youth Dynamics

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development * Keeping current to industry standards ... Knowledge of wilderness travel and mountain environments * Skills in Rock climbing, belaying, and ...

Youth Dynamics

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development * Keeping current to industry standards ... Knowledge of wilderness travel and mountain environments * Skills in Rock climbing, belaying, and ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$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 ...

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Wilderness Backpacking Guide information

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$7

$19

$39

How much do wilderness backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness 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 is a wilderness backpacking guide?

Wilderness Backpacking Guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on multi-day hiking and camping trips through remote natural areas. They are responsible for planning routes, ensuring safety, teaching outdoor skills, and interpreting the environment for participants. These guides often have extensive knowledge of wilderness survival, navigation, first aid, and local flora and fauna. Their main goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational outdoor experience for their clients.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, navigation abilities, and first aid certification, often supported by experience in backcountry environments. Familiarity with GPS devices, topographic maps, satellite communication tools, and wilderness medicine certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) are typically required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond calmly to emergencies. These competencies ensure safety, enhance the outdoor experience, and build trust with clients in unpredictable wilderness conditions.

What are some common challenges wilderness backpacking guides face during multi-day trips, and how can they prepare for them?

Wilderness Backpacking Guides often encounter unpredictable weather, group dynamics, and unexpected route changes during multi-day trips. Preparation includes thorough route planning, monitoring weather patterns, and developing strong communication skills to manage diverse group needs. Guides also need to be proficient in first aid and wilderness survival techniques to ensure safety and adapt to emergencies, making flexibility and problem-solving key aspects of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Backpacking Guide jobs?

For Wilderness Backpacking Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States 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 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Backpacking Guide (PnP)

Glen Jean, WV • On-site

Summit Bechtel Reserve
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Summit Bechtel Reserveexternal

$1.6K - $1.7K/mo

Temporary

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
Oversee the execution of a meaningful Pack N' Paddle Trek program. Providing leadership, support, and instruction to participants of varying ability levels in a through the New River Gorge.
Key Responsibilities
  • Guide and teach scouts through a 5 day trek utilizing trail skills, map reading, and general outdoor knowledge
  • Instruct scouts on how to purify water, start a fire, pack a backpack, tie knots, and be aware of animal danger
  • Shows compassion to those who may struggle with difficult hikes
  • Be ready for unforeseen circumstances or hazards to provide first aid
  • Properly inspect, appropriately use, and maintain all equipment and supplies
  • Provide guidance and safety to all participants and staff through program
  • Model the Scout Oath and Law in daily interactions
  • Maintain a clean, organized, inspected, neat, and safe work area
  • Perform additional duties assigned by SBR leadership
  • Abide by policies and procedures outlined in the SBR staff handbook

Qualifications
  • Minimum age: 18+
  • Comfortable with 5 days hiking/camping in remote setting without running water/electricity
  • Preferred: Experience backpacking or camping for multiple nights
  • Ability to become certified in Wilderness First Aid (training provided)
  • Willing to become a registered Scouting America member (includes background screening)
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Teams for daily work-related communication

Physical & Practical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, and hike, up to 10 hours daily and ability to lift/move up to 70 pounds
  • Complete the Annual Health and Medical Record, including height/weight guidelines
  • Housing: 10'x12' platform tent in Staff Camp | Uniform: Summit Staff Uniform | Work Hours: 5-6 day trek

Desired Traits
  • High emotional intelligence (such as self/social awareness and team dynamics)
  • Positive and cheerful attitude with a strong customer-service focus
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with ability to learn/develop hard and soft skills
  • Ability to connect with individuals from diverse age groups, maturity, and backgrounds

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