Guided multi-day hiking trips

Adventure travelers, couples and friend groups, hiking clubs and people who want an expert to handle the planning.

A per-person trip price covering guiding and logistics, with food, gear rental or lodging included or added on top.

• Backcountry navigation and camping experience
• Wilderness first responder level medical training
• Trip planning and budgeting
• Marketing and customer service

• Commercial guiding on public land usually needs a permit, which can be limited or slow to get, so check early with each agency
• Liability and accident insurance for guided activities, plus waivers reviewed by a professional
• Check your state for any outfitter, guide or travel seller registration rules, and set up an LLC if you want to separate personal assets
• Income is seasonal and trips can be cancelled for weather, so set a clear refund policy and keep a cash buffer

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your gear, insurance, training, permits and marketing. Setting up an LLC and keeping a cash buffer for cancellations may add to this.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on trip prices, group sizes and how many trips you run. Income is seasonal, and trips can be cancelled for weather.

Check early with each agency, since commercial guiding on public land usually needs a permit that can be limited or slow to get. Also check liability and accident insurance, waivers reviewed by a professional, and state outfitter, guide or travel seller registration rules.