ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wilderness Therapy Guide Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

ANASAZI Foundation

TrailWalker -

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

Guide and support clients through daily wilderness living and personal growth experiences * Ensure ... Collaborate weekly with therapists regarding client progress * Teach and apply ANASAZI curriculum ...

All JobsWilderness Therapy Guide JobsWilderness Therapy Guide Jobs in Arizona

Wilderness Therapy Guide information

See Arizona salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do wilderness therapy guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness therapy guide in Arizona is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness therapy guide?

A Wilderness Therapy Guide is a professional who leads and supports individuals, often youth or young adults, through therapeutic programs set in outdoor, wilderness environments. Their role combines outdoor leadership with mentorship and emotional support, helping participants build confidence, resilience, and coping skills through nature-based activities. Guides are responsible for ensuring safety, facilitating group dynamics, and collaborating with therapists or counselors to support each individual's treatment plan. The job requires a strong understanding of outdoor survival, risk management, and interpersonal communication. Wilderness Therapy Guides play a vital role in promoting personal growth and healing through structured wilderness experiences.

What are some common challenges wilderness therapy guides face when working with participants in remote environments?

Wilderness Therapy Guides often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring participant safety during outdoor activities, and supporting individuals through emotional breakthroughs in unfamiliar settings. Guides must balance maintaining group morale with enforcing structure and safety protocols, all while adapting to the unique needs of each participant. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong leadership skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and facilitating a positive, transformative experience for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness therapy guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Therapy Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification (such as Wilderness First Responder), and a background in psychology or counseling. Familiarity with GPS navigation, risk management protocols, and group facilitation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and leadership skills help guides build trust and foster personal growth within diverse groups. These abilities ensure client safety, effective therapeutic experiences, and successful outcomes in challenging and unpredictable wilderness environments.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapy Guide vs Wilderness Therapist?

AspectWilderness Therapy GuideWilderness Therapist
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, outdoor leadership certificationsLicensed mental health or clinical certifications, therapy training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor wilderness settings, adventure-based programsOutdoor settings with a focus on therapy sessions
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure programs, youth treatment centersBehavioral health clinics, residential treatment centers

Wilderness Therapy Guides primarily lead outdoor activities and ensure safety, focusing on experiential learning. Wilderness Therapists, on the other hand, provide therapeutic interventions and mental health support. Both roles work outdoors and may overlap in settings, but their core responsibilities differ: guides focus on outdoor leadership, while therapists focus on mental health treatment.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Therapy Guide jobs in Arizona?

For Wilderness Therapy Guide jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Therapy Guide jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Therapy Guide jobs in Arizona are:

Wilderness Therapy Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy Guide job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,195 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

TrailWalker -

ANASAZI Foundation

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$15.15/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

TrailWalker (Field Staff) – Wilderness Program


Overview


As a TrailWalker, you will live and work in the backcountry for 8-day rotations, guiding and supporting a small group (band) of youth and young adults on “The Trail.”


You will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and personal growth of those in our care while hiking through rugged Arizona terrain. TrailWalkers serve as mentors, role models, and steady support for individuals navigating challenges such as substance use, emotional and behavioral struggles, and family difficulties.

This is not just a job—it is an immersive, purpose-driven experience that challenges you physically, emotionally, and personally.


What You’ll Do

  • Guide and support clients through daily wilderness living and personal growth experiences
  • Ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all group members
  • Hike up to 10 miles per day carrying a ~40 lb pack
  • Teach and model:
    • Wilderness survival skills
    • Healthy communication and relationships
    • Personal responsibility and leadership
  • Maintain communication with field leadership (RidgeWalker) multiple times daily
  • Collaborate weekly with therapists regarding client progress
  • Teach and apply ANASAZI curriculum and principles


Schedule & Lifestyle

  • 8 days on the trail / 6 days off
  • Live outdoors full-time during your rotation
  • Work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.)
  • Minimal technology—fully unplugged environment


Qualifications

  • 21+ years old
  • High school diploma or higher
  • Ability to pass:
    • Drug screen
    • Background check & Arizona fingerprint clearance
  • Physically able to:
    • Hike long distances daily
    • Carry a 40 lb pack in rugged terrain
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Dependable, punctual, and adaptable
  • Willingness to grow personally and professionally
  • Commitment of at least 6 months


Our Standard (What Makes This Different)

At ANASAZI, we believe who you are matters more than what you do.

We ask our staff to live by high personal standards because the youth we serve are deeply influenced by authenticity. We strive to model the same growth, accountability, and integrity we invite from them.

As part of this commitment, staff are expected to abstain from substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and to maintain a lifestyle aligned with our values.


Training Process

Training includes three parts:


Part I – Backcountry Training (5–6 days)

  • Learn the ANASAZI Way
  • Wilderness skills, safety, and medical training
  • Fully immersive field experience
  • Unpaid (food and gear provided)


Part II – Office Training (2–3 days)

  • Policies, procedures, and program structure
  • Unpaid (housing/food not provided)


Part III – Field Week (Paid)

  • Join a team on the trail with clients
  • Apply everything you’ve learned in real-time


Hiring Process

  1. Submit application
  2. Initial call (typically within a few weeks of training)
  3. Interview (virtual or in-person)
  4. Invitation to training (or notice of non-selection)
  5. Conditional employment after Part I & II
  6. Final hiring decision after Part III


Compensation & Benefits

  • Starting pay: $15.15/hour + overtime (OT)
  • Average: ~$210+ per day (with overtime)
  • Food provided while on the trail
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification
  • Initial gear provided
  • Potential insurance benefits after 6 months (if seasonal position transitions to regular full-time)
  • Access to pro-deals (outdoor industry discounts)


Important Considerations

  • Upfront costs (approx. $200) may include:
    • Physical exam
    • TB test
    • Immunizations
    • Fingerprint clearance
  • Some medications are not permitted on the trail
    • Contact our nurse with any questions before applying


Why This Role Matters

Being a TrailWalker is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles you can step into.

You will:

  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Develop leadership and resilience
  • Be part of life-changing experiences—for others and yourself


Ready to Apply?

If you’re looking for something real, meaningful, and transformative, we invite you to apply and begin the journey.