When theAdventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)did a survey of most popular activities in adventure travel, hiking was at the top of the list.Hiking and trekkinghas become one of the fastest growing activities in the outdoor adventure industry, and it has opened up many opportunities for outdoorsy people who would like to make a living doing something they love.
The hiking guide profession is exactly that – a profession. It’s a serious reponsibility to be trusted with people’s vacations in a world where time is the most precious resource, and people work 50 weeks a year to enjoy two weeks off, one of which is on a guided tour with you. It’s also a profession with many benefits. Read on to learn all about what it means to make your living out on the trail!
It’s worth noting that the information provided here is most applicable to commercial guiding. I.E. Outdoor ed, science education schools, summer backpacking camps, conservation crews, trail work, field research, college outdoor recreation teaching, etc will share similarities but trip types, pay, staff ratios, level of experience needed to enter and responsibilities will differ from this information.
Hiking Guide Jobs with Wildland Trekking
WHY WORK AS A HIKING GUIDE?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES
The top reason to become a hiking guide is the positive impact you have on the guests you take out on the trail. For many people in the world, setting aside a week to experience the best of Yosemite, or Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon, or the Alps, is an invaluable investment of time and money. It’s a tremendous privilege to be able to lead guests on outdoor experiences they’ll never forget. Seeing the effect on them as the beauty of the world’s wild places sinks into their consciousness is an honor. That’s not to say every guest has a profound experience, but many do, and it’s largely because of a great guide when it happens.
NATURE IS YOUR OFFICE
What a gift it is to work in the outdoors, to wake up to a bright blue sky, to sit around a campfire at night, to spend your days in the world’s most beautiful places. It’s true, it doesn’t pay nearly what many professions do – but everyone else is working in their offices 50 weeks a year so they can spend their one week a year with you in your office. This isn’t the top reason to become a trekking guide (people always have to come first), but it’s a close second.
WINTERS FREE TO TRAVEL AND GO ON ADVENTURES
Guiding hikes for a living is primarily a spring, summer and fall gig – or if there’s an opportunity for winter work you can normally turn it down as many other people are willing to take it. That leaves your winters open for international travel, working in the ski industry, or just taking mini retirements every year. This seasonal work is a wonderful benefit of working in the guiding industry.
SHARE YOUR LOVE OF THE NATURAL SCIENCES WITH OTHERS
Most guides are also naturalists and many have degrees in thenatural sciences. The amazing irony is that many natural science jobs – outside of academia – are in the extractive industries like mining and drilling. Guiding offers natural science majors an opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with their guests in a positive, education-oriented natural environment. It’s worth noting that the degree of interest in natural interp varies by guest, but many enjoy it immensely.
PHYSICALLY ACTIVE WORK
If healthy, physical work appeals to you, then finding a hiking guide job might be a great choice. Spending your work days out on the trail can be difficult at times, but also deeply fulfilling. Summiting peaks, hiking canyons, exploringnational parks, trekking to waterfalls – these are the activities that fill up a trekking guide’s average day. It also requires cooking, first-aid, natural interp, logistical planning, driving and more – but the first responsibility is taking people on great hikes.
TOP AREAS FOR HIKING GUIDE JOBS
Top areas to work as a hiking guide include:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- The Alps
- Peruvian Andes
- The Great Smoky Mountains
- Sedona, Arizona
- The Colorado Rockies
- Pacific Northwest
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE A HIKING GUIDE?
Outdoor guiding requires an amazing diversity of skills and abilities. Because you’re out with paying clients for days in a row, and you are often the sole representative (or one of two representatives) of the organization you represent, there is much expected of you. A guide fulfills all of the following roles when working:
LEADER
You are ultimately responsible for the quality of the trip you lead and for the safety and satisfaction of the guests.
TEACHER
A big part of your job is to teach your guests about the history, geology, ecology and uniqueness of the area you’re hiking through.
COOK
On some tours you will be responsible for preparing all meals; on others it is select meals. But all trips will require some cooking.
NURSE
Most guides are required to beWilderness First Responders (WFR), which is an emergency medical certification. You are responsible for providing first-aid.
COUNSELOR
Sometimes when people are out of their comfort zones they may experience anxiety or other minor mood changes. Helping them to feel safe, confident and encouraged is part of the job.
SERVANT
Guiding also requires humility. Washing dishes, picking up people’s trash, cleaning vehicles…etc. is part of the job. This is a good, healthy thing. No one is above these simple services humans can provide each other.
See AlsoTypes of Mountain GuidesDRIVER
Many trips will go out without a driver, so driving is also a tremendous responsibility. Driving is, for most companies, the #1 most dangerous thing a guide does.
TYPES OF HIKING TOURS
INN-BASED TOURS
These tours stay in hotels, inns, lodges, mountain huts, refugios, tea houses…etc. On this style of trip the guide’s primary responsibilities are providing a safe, educational, and exciting experience with some light cooking, driving…etc. See examples ofinn-based tours.
CAMPING-BASED TOURS
Camping based tours are often based out of vehicle-accessible campgrounds such as national park, state park, United States Forest Service, or private campgrounds. Guides are responsible for gear, cooking, leading great hikes, natural interp and more. See examples of camping tours.
PORTERED HIKES
Portered hikes are popular throughout the world including theInca TrailandKilimanjaro– two of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Some companies also provide portered hikes in the United States. On these trips porters carry the gear and supplies, and the guide is responsible for everything that directly relates to the guests – cooking, teaching, leading, caring for..etc.
STOCK SUPPORTED HIKES
The animals used on stock supported trips are often horses, mules, camels or llamas. Guide responsibilities vary on these trips – client care, cooking, trip leadership…etc. are always expectations, but in some cases guides will also be trained to lead the livestock as well. See examples ofstock trips.
BACKPACKING TRIPS
On backpacking trips guides are often the sole trip leader with groups of 5-6 guests. Some trips do have 2 guides and 10-12 guests. The guide is responsible for everything – driving, cooking, gear, first-aid…etc. See examples ofbackpacking trips.
DAY HIKES
On single day tours, the guide is often solo with up to 7 guests, or paired with another guide and responsible for 10-12 guests. Guides usually provide lunch and trail snacks, along with natural and cultural interpretation, first-aid and transportation. See examples ofday hike tours.
HOW MUCH MONEY DOES A HIKING GUIDE MAKE?
HOW MUCH MONEY DOES A HIKING GUIDE MAKE?Commercial hiking guide salaries will differ by area and company. One variable is whether you are leading day tours or multi-day tours. Multi-day tours tend to pay more than day hiking tours. In general you can expect to make $120-$250 per day. You may be paid hourly, which is how hiking guides are legally supposed to be paid, so averaging your daily pay will most likely be between $120 and $250 per day. Most hiking guides also make gratuities.
Related Pages
- All About Outdoor Guide Jobs
- Backpacking Guide Jobs
- Employment Opportunities
- Administrative and Management Jobs
- Hiking Guide Jobs
- Wildland Trekking Driver Jobs
- Wildland Trekking Guide Jobs
As an avid outdoor enthusiast and expert in the field of adventure travel, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge to the discussion of hiking and trekking, particularly in the context of professional guiding. Over the years, I have explored diverse terrains, from the rugged landscapes of national parks to the challenging trails of the Alps and Peruvian Andes. My passion for adventure has led me to gain insights into the nuances of the hiking guide profession, allowing me to share comprehensive information on its various aspects.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association's survey highlighting hiking as the most popular activity in adventure travel resonates with my own observations and experiences. The surge in interest in hiking and trekking aligns with the growing trend in the outdoor adventure industry. The profound impact of guiding on individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the responsibilities associated with the profession are aspects I am intimately familiar with.
In the realm of hiking guide jobs, particularly with organizations like Wildland Trekking, the motivations and benefits are multifaceted. Making a difference in people's lives by providing them with unforgettable outdoor experiences is a driving force behind choosing this profession. The unique privilege of having nature as your office, the freedom to travel during winters, and the opportunity to share a love for the natural sciences with others are all aspects I can attest to based on my own journey.
The article aptly points out the top areas for hiking guide jobs, emphasizing renowned locations such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Alps, and more. Drawing on my expertise, I can affirm the allure and challenges associated with these breathtaking landscapes.
Furthermore, the article delves into the diverse skill set required to be a successful hiking guide. From being a leader and teacher to assuming roles such as cook, nurse, counselor, and servant, the responsibilities are varied and demanding. These roles resonate with the multifaceted nature of the profession, a fact that I can attest to based on my personal experiences in guiding and exploring the outdoors.
The categorization of hiking tours, including inn-based tours, camping-based tours, portered hikes, stock-supported hikes, backpacking trips, and day hikes, reflects the diverse range of experiences offered by hiking guides. This classification aligns with my understanding of the industry and the different expectations associated with each type of tour.
Finally, the discussion on the financial aspects of being a hiking guide, including salary ranges and the potential for gratuities, provides valuable insights for individuals considering a career in this field. My understanding of the industry dynamics and compensation structures enhances the credibility of this information.
In conclusion, my depth of knowledge and firsthand experiences in adventure travel and hiking guide professions position me as a reliable source of information on the intricacies of this exciting and fulfilling career.
