The American Hiking Guides Association (AHGA), founded in 2010, is the governing body for hiking and backpacking guides in the United States. Our programming is designed to meet the needs of hiking and backpacking guides looking for training and certification in the outdoor education industry. The AHGA is working toward cultural, social and legal recognition of the profession of hiking and backpacking guiding. The AHGA extensively covers the competence, knowledge, skills and abilities needed for leading groups on any hiking, backpacking and/or mountaineering trips in Class I to Class IV terrain. The AHGA follows international standards set forth by the UIMLA, the international governing body for Mountain Leaders and Trail Guides.