Get Paid to Thru-Hike The Santa Fe to Taos Trail!

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting paid to hike, here’s your chance.

The Trek is offering $2,000 to an experienced backpacker and content creator to thru-hike the Santa Fe to Taos Trail and document the journey. This 132-mile route connects the iconic towns of Santa Fe and Taos in Northern New Mexico, trekking through high-elevation terrain along the way. 

What’s the Deal?

The selected hiker will complete the trail between July and the end of September 2025, producing daily vlogs for The Trek’s YouTube channel, creating short-form videos for The Trek’s social media, and writing a detailed trail profile for thetrek.co. In addition to the $2,000 payment, The Trek provides a comprehensive guidebook, editorial support, and covers the cost of the Santa Fe to Taos Membership, which includes maps and access to a midway resupply. The selected candidate will also be featured across The Trek’s various social media channels.

Who Should Apply?

Ideal candidates have prior backpacking experience (thru-hiking experience is a major plus), are skilled in creating engaging video content, are ruthlessly dedicated to following the principles of Leave No Trace, and absolutely ooze positive vibes. 

More About The Trail

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail stretches 132 miles along existing trails, connecting the historic Santa Fe Plaza to the Taos Plaza. You can complete the thru-hike in about two weeks. Expect to spend much of your time above 9,000 feet in elevation, climbing 2,000–3,000+ feet per day. This trail offers more water than you’d expect- about 28% of the route is within a few hundred feet of water, and it passes directly by 13 lakes and ponds. You’ll travel through wilderness areas and remote trails, where you can expect occasional fallen trees, faint paths, and true solitude. There’s also a resupply point midway through the hike, conveniently located at the SF2T members’ resupply station in Tres Ritos.

The best months to hike are July, August, and September, though the trail can also be done from June through October.

How to Apply

Applications are open until August 15, 2025, or until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged. You can learn more here or apply here.