A Definitive Directory to the Top Careers in the Outdoors

You could keep wedging climbing trips into long weekends, stealing moments from the work week to plot your next vacation expedition, or daydreaming about that river you've always wanted to run. But maybe what you should really do is start exploring whether it's possible to make a life (and a living) doing what you love outside—full-time.

Good news: It is. To prove it, we've ventured well beyond the classifieds to uncover dozens of the best-kept secrets in outdoor career choices, plus all the tools you'll need to land the gig—whether you're scouting for your first open-air job, mulling a midlife career swap, or just feeling tempted to rethink the overtime grind. And though most of these careers demand hard work and serious tradeoffs, one thing is certain: The perks are fantastic, and you'll be earning a lifetime supply of adventure. Check out the following pages, and let us know if you need a letter of recommendation.

Photo: Gordon Wiltsie