Backpacking Guide/Mountain Leader Course

The Backpacking Guide/Mountain Leader program (ML) was established to promote the safe enjoyment of the backcountry specifically focusing on trails and remote off-trail backpacking on Class I - IV terrain. The ML program provides training and assessment on technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in the backcountry areas of the United States in a non-winter environment. It integrates experience, training and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in mountainous country. This program is divided into two parts: Summer Mountain Leader and Winter Mountain Leader. Both parts must be completed to gain full International Mountain Leader certification.

Stages of the Summer Mountain Leader Program:

1. Gain personal trekking, backpacking, hiking experience (40 mountain days)

2. Register for the Mountain Leader program and be issued a logbook. Our office will be in contact with you once you submit the registration form on the registration page

3. Attend an AHGA Summer Mountain Leader training course (4 to 5 days)

4. Log (20) mountain days in logbook, to include 8 camping nights/5 of these should be backcountry camping

5. Attend a Summer Mountain Leader assessment course.(Pass/Fail/Defer) (Can defer twice before taking the 4 to 5 day course again)

6. Continue to gain and record experience and any relevant additional training

Prerequisites:

- Wilderness First Aid

- CPR

- Backcountry Food Handler's or State Food Handler's certificate

- Bear Safety Awareness

- AHGA approved Wilderness Survival Course

- AHGA approved Wilderness Navigation Course

- Leave No Trace Trainer

Course length: 4 to 5 days. Most providers offer a 4 day course with longer days.

Course cost: $500.00 USD

Additional available locations:

Allamuchy State Park, NJ

Cheesequake State Park, NJ

Crowders Mountain State Park, NC

Rock Creek Park, DC

Ocala National Forest, FL

Catskills, NY

Ralph Stover State Park, PA

Adirondack State Park, NY

Ozark National Forst, AR

Missouri (various locations)

South Mountain Park, AZ

Oak Creek Canyon, AZ

Delaware Water Gap NRA, NJ/PA

Lake Tahoe, NV

Private courses at your location are available. Please call our office for details on how to set this up or host a course.