Ever dream of trading your desk job for a life on the trail? You’re not alone. Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While that might sound cliché, it’s spot on for us hikers. Imagine getting paid to lace up your boots, explore stunning landscapes, and sleep under the stars. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, it’s not just a dream. Whether you’re guiding hikes deep into the backcountry, fighting wildfires, or creating content for a hiking blog or YouTube channel, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion for hiking into a paycheck. So, if you’re ready to swap your office chair for a backpack, stick around. I’ll share the ten best ways you can get paid to hike and make money living out your dream.
Exploring Career Opportunities in Hiking
Hiking isn’t just a hobby; it’s a potential career. Whether you’re guiding others or protecting nature, there are several ways to make money while hitting the trails.
Become a Hiking Guide or Instructor
Working as a hiking guide or instructor means sharing your love for the outdoors with others. Guides lead individuals or groups on safe, enjoyable hikes, providing insights on the area’s flora, fauna, and history. Instructors often teach survival skills, navigation, and camping techniques. Certification might be required depending on your location and the complexity of the hikes. Organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association offer certifications that bolster credibility and can attract more clients.
Work as a Park Ranger or Conservationist
Park rangers and conservationists work to protect natural areas. They maintain trails, ensure visitors’ safety, and educate the public about conservation. Rangers also enforce park regulations and assist in search and rescue operations when needed. The average salary for a park ranger is around $48,419 per year, according to Indeed. If you’re passionate about preserving nature, this role might be perfect for you.
Engage in Wildland Firefighting
Wildland firefighters protect forests and wild areas from fires. The work is physically demanding, but it offers a unique way to blend hiking and public service. You’ll traverse difficult terrain to combat wildfires, working closely with a team. The job requires specialized training and a high level of fitness. This career not only provides a steady income but also contributes significantly to environmental protection.
Building Your Hiking Brand
Making money hiking isn’t just about guiding or firefighting. You can also build a brand around your passion.
Start a Hiking-Themed Blog or Podcast
Starting a blog or podcast focused on hiking is a great way to share your adventures and knowledge. Engaging content attracts followers who share your interests. Specific topics like trail reviews, gear recommendations, and hiking tips resonate well with readers or listeners. Monetize through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or ads.
Launch a YouTube Channel Focused on Hiking
Videos let you showcase stunning trails, useful gear, and hiking tips. A well-produced YouTube channel captures viewers through engaging visuals and content. Consistently upload videos such as trail guides, gear reviews, or vlog-style hiking adventures. Revenue comes from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Write and Publish Hiking Guides or Memoirs
Turning your experiences into digital products like ebooks that tap into the market of readers seeking authentic hiking narratives. Start with short guides on local trails or memoirs from longer treks. Self-publish through platforms like Amazon to reach a wider audience. Sales of e-books or print copies, combined with potential speaking engagements and book signings, can provide steady income.
Leveraging Photography and Writing Skills
Many hikers already enjoy photography and writing about their journeys. These skills can be leveraged to document adventures and share them with others.
Sell Hiking and Nature Photography
Selling hiking and nature photography can be passive to an extent. I put prints up for sale online with minimal effort. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Etsy are great places to start. Submitting work to stock photo websites also creates a steady income stream. Visuals of landscapes, wildlife, and scenic trails attract buyers looking for high-quality nature content. I always remember to tag photos accurately and create compelling descriptions to stand out.
Contribute to Hiking and Outdoor Publications
Contributing to hiking and outdoor publications allows me to share experiences and expertise with a wider audience. Submitting articles to magazines or websites focused on the outdoors lets people learn from my adventures. Outdoor blogs and nature-focused websites often accept guest posts, too. These publications usually seek unique angles, so topics like birdwatching while hiking or discovering lesser-known trails resonate well. I make sure to follow submission guidelines closely to increase chances of getting published.
Cooperating with the Outdoor Industry
Working with the outdoor industry can open up various income streams while you’re out in nature. Here’s how you can get started.
Review and Test Hiking Gear
Outdoor brands need real-world feedback on their products. By reviewing and testing hiking gear, you can earn a decent income. Reach out to companies offering backpacks, tents, or boots, and offer to test their gear on your hikes. Share your experiences through detailed reviews on platforms like YouTube or your blog.
Examples of platforms to share reviews include:
- YouTube channels demonstrating gear in action
- Hiking blogs offering in-depth written reviews with photos
- Instagram profiles showcasing gear in scenic settings
Brands often provide free gear, and sometimes even payment, in exchange for honest reviews. This setup saves on personal gear expenses while providing useful content to your audience.
Partner with Outdoor Brands
Collaborating with outdoor brands goes beyond just reviewing gear; it can mean becoming a brand ambassador or affiliate. Establish relationships with companies that align with your hiking style and audience. Brands look for authenticity and engagement when choosing partners.
Ways to partner:
- Brand Ambassadorships: Represent and promote a brand through social media, blog posts, and public appearances.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales through unique affiliate links.
Connect directly through brand websites or network at outdoor industry events to find partnership opportunities. Many companies actively seek out hikers with influential platforms to reach their target market.
By integrating these strategies, cooperating with the outdoor industry offers both financial benefits and enhanced gear collections for your hiking adventures.
Educating Others and Sharing Skills
When you’ve gained enough experience on the trails, sharing your skills and knowledge can be both rewarding and profitable. There are plenty of ways to educate others, whether online or in person.
Teach Outdoor Skills Online or In-Person
Teaching outdoor skills is a great way to earn money while helping others. You can create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable, focusing on topics such as wilderness survival, navigation, and trail safety. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, organize local workshops or classes to teach skills like setting up a camp, reading topographic maps, or first-aid in the wild. Offering one-on-one coaching sessions can also make a difference, tailoring the learning process to individual needs.
Lead Hiking and Adventure Tours
Leading hiking and adventure tours combines your love for trails with guiding others through beautiful landscapes. Tour guiding doesn’t just mean showing people the way; it involves providing an enriching experience, sharing fascinating facts about local flora and fauna, and ensuring everyone’s safety. Many tour companies look for experienced guides, or you can start your own tour business, offering personalized trekking experiences. Consider specialties like bird-watching hikes, geological tours, or fitness hikes to attract a niche audience.
Conclusion
Gear fails. When pushing equipment to its limits in varied terrain, something’s bound to break. Always keep this in mind before setting out. Set aside some funds to cover these inevitable replacements.
Theft happens often. Whether due to animals like a wild pony chewing on trekking pole handles or more sinister acts like stolen food bags, you might lose gear. Again, save a little extra money for these emergencies. This foresight helps keep your hiking adventures uninterrupted.
Dropping Subscription Services
Cancelling three services for a year saves over $383. This might not seem much compared to the entertainment you’re giving up, but it could cover one to two weeks of trail expenses. Look at what you can live without and use those savings for your hiking adventures.
Exploring Park Ranger Careers
Park rangers earn a national average salary of $48,419 per year. They’re government employees who protect, educate visitors, conserve, and maintain parks. Duties include patrolling grounds, directing traffic, enforcing regulations, providing medical assistance, conducting search and rescue operations, and aiding wildfire control. If you love the outdoors, this might be a worthy career path.
Leveraging Outdoor Skills
Teaching outdoor skills through online platforms or workshops can turn a profit. Offer one-on-one coaching or lead hiking and adventure tours. This educates others and enriches their experiences, all while you earn money doing what you love.
By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively fund your hiking adventures while sharing your passion and expertise with others.