Hiking is an excellent way to explore nature, but did you know that you get paid to hike? If you’re looking for a unique way to make money, consider getting paid to hike trails.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking to make some extra money there are a few things you can do while enjoying the great outdoors.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker, there are various opportunities available for those who want to explore natural trails and make money.
Many companies offer rewarding jobs that involve hiking and taking pictures of trails that can help promote conservation.
In this article, we explore some of the ways you can get paid to hike trails and experience nature.
You don’t need any special skills either – just a passion for the outdoors and an appetite for adventure.
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Can I Really Make Money Hiking?
Hiking is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity that offers you the chance to enjoy nature while getting exercise.
If you are an avid hiker who wants to explore some truly bucket list hikes, why not get paid to hike?
This can be a great way to pay for your hobby or make extra cash in your spare time. It can also lead to bigger and better things such as your own business!
11 Ways To Get Paid To Hike
- Take A Sponsored Hike
- Promote Hikes on Social Media
- Become a Brand Influencer
- Start A Hiking Blog
- Sell Your Hiking Photos
- Become A Park Ranger
- Run Hiking Tours
- Work As A Cabin Caretaker
- Start A YouTube Channel
- Write For Hiking Magazines
- Teach At An Outdoor School
Take A Sponsored Hike
Are you an outdoors enthusiast looking for a unique way to make money?
Get paid to hike trails by becoming a sponsored hiker! With the rising popularity of outdoor activities, many companies are searching for people who can hit the trails and promote their products or services.
As a sponsored hiker, you’ll have the chance to explore some of nature’s most breathtaking sights while earning extra income.
Sponsored hiking is quickly becoming a preferred choice among budget-conscious travellers and adventurers looking to explore new locations without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or just getting into exploration, there are endless opportunities available as part of this exciting profession.
Many sponsors will provide you with necessary hiking gear such as boots, backpacks and tents in exchange for your promotional efforts on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
While this might not make you rich, it can help you get a new piece of gear for free or cover the cost of your hike.
To get a gig as a sponsored hiker, you’ll need at least one strong social media platform and a knack for good promotion. You can apply directly to outdoor companies that interest you too!
Consider companies that sell outdoor gear like backpacks, clothing and GPS watches, here are some examples:
The North Face
The Live your Dream Grant by The North Face is awarded every May to climbers, mountaineers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
How much can you get? Live Your Dream grant awards vary depending upon the prospective project and budget, but typically fall within the $200 to $1,000 range.
Columbia Product Testing
Fancy some new hiking gear? Apply to be a product tester with Columbia! Check out all the details on their website.
Promote Hikes on Social Media
With the rise of social media, it has become easier than ever to promote hikes on various platforms.
Many parks, resorts and camping grounds are always looking for help with online marketing.
These companies will pay you to take photos of your hikes and post them along with reviews on different social media sites.
Another way to make money hiking on social media is to build up a large social media following. Then you can make money through sponsored posts, ads and affiliate links.
Become a Brand Influencer
Brand influencers are social media stars who use their platforms to promote products and services from brands they trust. It is one of the most popular ways to monetize your online presence, and it’s easier than you might think.
If hiking trails is your passion, why not find brands that are willing to pay you to promote their products? The good news is that there are quite a few companies looking for influencers!
Becoming a brand influencer can be just the opportunity you need to do what you love and make some extra income.
You can generate income by finding brands that share your love of outdoor activities and making content that promotes their products or services.
As long as you have an engaging audience on social media, building relationships with brands should be relatively easy.
You can reach out to brands directly or join an influencer network that will send you opportunities.
Start A Hiking Blog
One of the best ways to get paid to hike is to share your outdoor experience with the world on a blog.
A hiking blog can be a great way to share your tips and experiences with the world. You could write about great trails, gear reviews, safety precautions, or even provide advice on how to stay motivated while out on the trail.
How does a hiking blog make money? You can use affiliate marketing to recommend the necessary backpacking gear to your readers. This means you will earn a commission if someone buys a product you recommend.
You can also put advertising on your website and make money passively that way. Thirdly, you can write sponsored blog posts and promote the right gear to your audience.
The last way to make money with a hiking blog is by creating your own products to sell. You might start selling Print On Demand hiking gear such as hoodies or tumblers. Alternatively, you could sell printable hiking planners and guides.
Sell Your Hiking Photos
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise, escape from the bustle of everyday life, and experience the beauty of nature. Taking pictures during your hiking trip is a must to share with friends and family.
What if you could make money by selling your hiking photos?
There are lots of online stock photo sites that allow users to upload their images, set a price per image, and begin earning royalties each time someone purchases one of the pictures they have taken on their hikes.
Many brands love these “real life” photos for their advertising and marketing materials. It is cheaper for them and you make some nice cash doing something you would have done anyway – it is a win win
Become A Park Ranger
Until recently, this was the most common way for people who love hiking and the outdoors to make money. Nowadays, social media has taken over but if you are looking for a full-time job, then working as a park ranger is for you.
Park rangers are responsible for protecting and preserving parks, wildlife, and historic sites.
This job involves patrolling trails, interacting with visitors, teaching school groups and providing information about the park’s ecology and history, as well as enforcing rules and regulations.
As a park ranger, you get paid to hike trails in some of the most beautiful National Park Service locations.
You could find yourself hiking through majestic mountains or exploring secluded national forests during your work.
Most National Parks as well as State or Provincial parks hire Park Rangers on site so if you near near a great location or you are willing to move to hike, this is a really fun career path.
Run Hiking Tours
With the right training and preparation, anyone can start their own business as an outdoor guide leading people through trails and giving them an unforgettable experience.
If you have a love of the wilderness and enjoy teaching others, you could start your own hiking business running trips on the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail – the world is your oyster.
You don’t need years of experience to begin, but there are certain skills that will be necessary for success.
Understanding the area you plan on guiding is essential, as well as being able to impart interesting facts about the area so people walk away with more than just physical exercise.
It’s also important for guides to have medical knowledge in case of accidents or injuries and basic wilderness skills like using a map and compass if needed.
Work As A Cabin Caretaker
Many state parks rent out cabins to hikers who are working their way along a long trail. If you are a fan of outdoor adventures and have enough free time to work during the week, this might be a great way for you to get paid to hike.
The job of a cabin caretaker involves taking care of cabins, lodges or retreats in remote locations throughout the country.
You’ll likely be responsible for cleaning the facility, providing maintenance on buildings and grounds keeping duties such as mowing lawns and removing snow from walkways.
Providing information about local attractions or assisting with recreational activities such as fishing or kayaking is another key part of the job.
Start A YouTube Channel About Hiking
Starting your own YouTube channel is a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to share their passion with the world.
A lot of people rely on YouTube reviews when they do product research and it can be a great way to get some free backpacking gear too!
With a few simple steps, you can turn your hobby into a lucrative career and get paid to hike trails.
Creating your own channel is easy, but it takes time and effort to make sure it stands out from the competition.
The most important thing is to come up with an original concept that will draw viewers in such as highlighting local hiking spots or sharing tips on how to choose the right gear.
Next, film quality videos and upload them regularly.
You can monetize your YouTube channel by signing up for the affiliate program of your favorite hiking brands or as an Amazon Associate. You can also put ads on your channel.
Write For Hiking Magazines
Working as a freelance writer is a great way to turn your passion for the outdoors into profit.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker with years of experience, or just starting out, you can make money sharing your knowledge and experiences with others who love the same thing.
As long as you have an understanding of the hiking trails in your area and good writing skills, you can get paid to hike!
These days there are tons of publications out there that focus solely on outdoor activities such as hiking, so if you’re looking to earn some extra money while doing something that you love, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Many magazines pay per article so all it takes is a few successful submissions and soon enough the money will start coming in.
Read this guide to work as a freelance writer with no experience.
Teach At An Outdoor School
Outdoor schools offer a unique opportunity to combine your passion for hiking with teaching children about environmental conservation, wildlife appreciation, camping skills, and more.
At an outdoor school, teachers plan educational activities that take advantage of their local environment to provide students with both physical exercise and an understanding of nature.
This includes leading hikes around trails, teaching naturalist lessons regarding native plants and animals in the area, instructing navigation techniques such as map reading or compass use, and suggesting ways to minimize human impact on natural areas.
One of the most famous companies that run a great outdoor school is NOLS. This is a nonprofit global wilderness school that will train you to become an outdoor leader.
If this interests you, the first step is to complete the NOLS course. You will then be eligible to apply for jobs within the company.
Get Paid To Hike: Final Thoughts
If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to make some extra money, then consider a hiking side hustle!
All you need is a backpack, a map and a sleeping bag to start this awesome side hustle!
Hiking trails is a great way to experience the beauty of nature but making money hiking is even better!
No matter whether you choose to become a trail guide or a wildland firefighter, you can turn your love of nature into cash.
