Mountain Leader/Backpacking Guide Program

We're glad to see your interest in becoming a certified Backpacking Guide! To start the process you must register for the program and start logging your experience and training. You can register via this link: 2025 Registration Link or you can email us at: ahga.usa@gmail.com Anyone registering in the 2025 calendar year must follow the previous link, disregard the calendar date. If you'd like to register for a course, you can do so here: Course Registration Link 

Once we receive your detailed information and $45.00 USD registration fee as explained above you are registered into the Mountain Leader/Backpacking Guide Program. You do not need the course prerequisites to register into the program. The prerequisites are only required to enroll in an actual course. Once you register, you can start acquiring your "mountain days". These will be explained to you via your registration confirmation email from our office. For the Backpacking Guide Program you need a minimum of 40 mountain days, which must include 8 overnights. You can log past experience that is recent and related. 

All individuals interested in enrolling in a course must register first. After registration you'll receive all of the information you need to continue on your path of becoming a certified Mountain Leader. Your registration into the program is also your registration with the AHGA for 3 years which gives you access to deals on equipment, updates on best practices in the industry, specific course locations and information, event information for the industry, up-to-date information on access issues in various locations throughout the United States and much more!