“I bring home up to $4,000 a month hiking!”
“A few years ago, I was working for a nonprofit and feeling really burnedout. Since the outdoors has always given me a sense of freedom, I started volunteering as a hiking guide. When I found out I could make money doing the same thing, I was thrilled!
“A friend told me about FitPacking [FitPacking.com], a company that leads multi-day backpacking and hiking trips in the U.S. I sent an online application, had a phone interview, then led a tour with the company’s owner as part of the interview process.
“Every company is different in terms of what they require, but I have my Wilderness First Responder certification, which prepares me to handle emergency medical situations.
“Before each tour, I talk to the group about the right gear and footwear, where we’re going to set up camp and the best practices to stay safe. As we hike, I point out plant life and interesting landscapes. I also check in on the clients about how they’re feeling and to make sure they’re drinking water. If I have at least five people for the tour, I always have a second guide.
“I lead tours in the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Death Valley and Florida, but you can find companies that hire tour guides in small areas too. Today I work for four companies.
“I work about 18 weeks a year, between January and October. I love leading tours because I enjoy the connections I make with the clients, and I love being in nature. It also challenges me physically and mentally.
“I earn a base pay plus tips, between $1,000 and $4,000 a month—money that pays the bills and allows me to travel with my family!”