Share your love for the outdoors with visitors from all over the world as you work and explore Yellowstone National Park as an Adventure Guide!

Offering destination day hikes, van tours, kayak trips, and backpacking expeditions for visitors from all over the world, Yellowstone Hiking Guides is a small local company with over 20 years of experience in Yellowstone National Park. Guests will see the real Yellowstone, away from the crowded boardwalks and turnouts. Group tours are offered Monday through Saturday, late May through September.

Authentic Yellowstone Tours with Expert Guides!
Day hiking tours explore the Lamar Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Upper Geyser Basin.
Van tours explore Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic on the Lower Loop and the Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs on the Upper Loop.
Kayak Yellowstone Lake on a kayak tour.
For a multi-day hike, try backpacking in the Yellowstone backcountry.

What You'll Be Doing

View the Yellowstone Hiking Guides staff experience.

NOW HIRING—2025 Job Opportunities

Day Hiking Guides lead day-long interpretive hiking tours in Yellowstone's backcountry and front country: Lamar Valley Safari Hike, Grand Canyon Rim Hike, and Upper Geyser Basin Hike. 5-7 miles of hiking daily.

Van Tour Guides lead day-long interpretive Upper and Lower Loop van tours. Up to 3 miles of walking.

Kayak Tour Guides lead morning interpretive kayak tours on Yellowstone Lake’s West Thumb. Up to 7 miles of paddling.

All first year Guides must complete the 1-week YHG Guide School training prior to employment. Three full days in class include an overview of the YHG program, WFA and Interpretive Guide certification, Food Handlers course, Leave No Trace, and Yellowstone National Park Guide Training program. Three full days in the field include shadowing a Lead Guide in Yellowstone National Park. Training runs $75 per participant plus course fees.

There is also an opportunity to work up to a Backpacking Guide position (which requires prior experience and one full season shadowing).

Base Camp

Work in the world's first National Park!

Hike among herds of bison and pronghorn. Watch wolves and grizzly bears on the clock. View the magnificent Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River along the Grand Canyon. Stroll through the steam of erupting geysers. Drive through Yellowstone enjoying the morning light, sipping coffee, on the way to the trailhead to meet the clients. Drive groups of bucket-listers who are enjoying every twist and turn of the adventure. Every day working inside the park is gratifying on so many different levels!

The office is located a half hour from West Yellowstone in the upper Madison Valley near Quake Lake. The office is surrounded by the Madison Mountains to the north, Lionhead Mountains to the east, the Madison River to the south, and Gravelly/Snowcrest Mountains to the west. Endless recreation opportunities abound here.

Time Commitment

Kayaking experience is required to guide kayak tours.

The 2025 season runs from mid-May through September. Guides typically works three to five days a week (10-12 hours/day), depending on your personal schedule. Consecutive days off are likely but not guaranteed during the high season.

Spend your season walking through herds of bison, steaming thermal features, and untamed wild lands.

Compensation & Perks

Live, work, and play in one of the most untouched ecosystems on earth!

Compensation includes $15-16.50/hour + tips with an end-of-the-year bonus. Perks include pro-deal purchases, on-the-clock commutes through Yellowstone, and weekly time off to explore the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Guides are welcome to secure a camp spot at the RV Resort located next to the office where there is a bathhouse and restaurant.

The Essentials

Guides must have knowledge and a passion for Yellowstone National Park!

Applicants must have knowledge and a passion for Yellowstone National Park!

Hiking, Kayak and Van Tour Guide Requirements:
• Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification (WFA can be obtained during YHG Guide School for a fee)
• Leave No Trace certificate (can be obtained during YHG Guide School for a fee)
• Certified Interpretive Guide (can be obtained during YHG Guide School for a fee)
• Previous guiding experience
• Ability to follow directions and the YHG program
• Ability to hike at high elevation (3-5 days/week, depending on your schedule)
• Physically fit
• Clean driving record
• Ability to drive 15-passenger van fully loaded on mountain roads
• Ability to live remotely
• 21 years of age or older
• Knowledge of Yellowstone National Park flora, fauna, and history
• Mountain travel safety skills (weather, water, etc.)
• Morning person
• Dazzling personality—able to talk to and entertain people from all walks of life and communicate in layman terms

Your First Move & Connections

If you're passionate about Yellowstone National Park, outdoor education, and engaging with visitors about the environment, join the Yellowstone Hiking Guides team!

If you're passionate about Yellowstone National Park, outdoor education, and engaging with visitors about the environment, email a cover letter and resume to Emily Jo and Joshua Mahan. Successful applicants will be asked to send a short introduction video and participate in Zoom/phone interviews before a final decision is made.

Explore the Adventure Guide job overview and learn more about the team.

Emily Jo and Joshua Mahan
Owners/Operators
Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Office: 1079 US-287, Cameron, MT 59720
Day Tours: Yellowstone National Park via West Yellowstone, Montana
(406) 848-1144
mahan@yellowstonehikingguides.com
YellowstoneHikingGuides.com

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