About Us

Since 2010, the American Hiking Guides Association (AHGA), we have been setting the standards for Hiking & Backpacking Guides (Mountain Leaders) in the United States. We follow professional, international standards that have been in place for many years in Europe, South America and Southeast Asia. The AHGA was originally founded by Joseph Vulpis and Rose Carter. Once established, Matthew Novellino, Daniel Nash, Jennifer Kozak and Alan Jolley joined the organization. We are an aspirant member country under the UIMLA, which is the International governing body for Mountain Leaders.

In the United States, up until 2010, there existed no formal training that was Nationally recognized for hiking & backpacking guides. Our curriculum, training and assessments have been approved by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior and International Mountain Leaders from European and South American countries. All of our curriculum was written by Joseph Vulpis.

Since 2010, we have trained hundreds of aspirant guides and certified thousands. Currently, the AHGA, has over 2800 professional members, over 600 certified Hiking Guides, close to 500 aspirant Mountain Leaders/Backpacking Guides and over 200 certified Mountain Leaders/Backpacking Guides. 

Our list continues to grow as we provide quality and professional training in the United States.

Mission Statement

To be the definitive resource of training and certification for Hiking & Backpacking Guides and Mountain Leaders in the United States.