American Hiking Guides Association

10/15/2026

Great class for anyone hiking near fast moving/swiftwater rivers! FREE virtual course!

FREE Virtual Swiftwater/Floodwater Rescue Awareness Course November 4 at 7pm EST!

Last one of the season! Don't miss out! This course is open to all...first responders, civilians! This course covers the basics of Swiftwater Rescue like scene size up, resourcing, river hydrology, PPE requirements and much more! So if you're a responder or agency looking to get into this sub discipline of water rescue or just someone looking to expand your knowledge in the field, JOIN US!

Email us at: [email protected] or [email protected] to register!

FAQs:
1. This is NFPA compliant but WELL exceeds as do all of our courses.
2. 100% virtual via zoom. Link will be in your response registration email.
3. If you're an agency, you can host it on one screen for your department members.
4. Date is Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time.
5. If you'd like a certification for attending, there is a small fee attached. Details will be in your registration email.

Limited to 450 seats. Our two courses this year had over 750 attendees so don't miss out on these limited seats!

09/03/2026

Mother nature always provides!

06/21/2026

We get asked a lot by the general public, how should I go about choosing a guide for my trip? These are the top 3 questions you should ask your guide, and this goes for any outdoor activity or discipline.
1. Are you certified in the activity (backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.)? If you are hiring a professional in something, they should be certified in it or licensed.
2. Are you insured? Guides carry ‘Outfitters & Guides’ insurance and they should be able to produce proof immediately.
3. Do you hold permits in the park we’re going to be conducting the activity in? They should hold a permit to operate in that park. 99% of parks in the US have a permit process.

Taking a course at a college doesn’t make you a guide. Being in search & rescue doesn’t make you a guide. Doing an activity for many years doesn’t make you a guide. You know what makes you a guide? Being educated/trained and certified in the activity you are conducting makes you a guide. One thing we learn as guides is being forensically defensible in a court of law. If a client gets injured and you hold no credential in that activity, the insurance claim can be denied. If they hold no permit for that work you’re in, it can be denied. If they don’t carry insurance, you’re on your own.

Be a professional and get certified! And for the general public, do your due diligence and make sure a guide holds the 3 items mentioned above.

06/20/2026

Since 2009/2010, we have been setting the standards for hiking & backpacking guides in the United States. From National recognition then to International recognition and now to mandatory credentials for guides, we strive to provide the best training this country has to offer instructed by the best in the industry. We continue to power into the future setting, establishing and creating standards so the general public knows that when they hire a trail based guide, they're hiring a professional.

05/09/2026

A solo hiker’s death in New Hampshire’s White Mountains marks the eighth rescue operation in a single week. State officials are sounding the alarm: your spring trail gear is likely not enough for the summits. Read more at the link in comments.

04/20/2026

Since 2010, we’ve been setting the standards for & guides in the United States. With curriculum and certifications accepted Internationally by the UIMLA, we strive to provide the best training programs for guides operating in the trail discipline. Soon to be mandatory on government lands.

04/19/2026