Hiking Time Calculator
Don't Get Caught in the Dark
One of the most common causes of search-and-rescue missions is hikers underestimating how long a trail will take. They calculate for distance (3 miles an hour) but forget about elevation.
A 5-mile hike on flat ground might take 1.5 hours. A 5-mile hike with 2,000ft of elevation gain is a completely different beast that could take 4+ hours.
The Mathematics of Hiking: Naismith's Rule
In 1892, Scottish mountaineer William Naismith devised a simple formula that is still the gold standard today for estimating walking time.
• Allow 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of forward travel.
• ADD 1 hour for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of ascent.
Example: A 6-mile hike with 2,000ft elevation.
- Distance Time: 6 miles ÷ 3mph = 2 Hours.
- Elevation Time: 2,000ft ÷ 2,000 = 1 Hour.
- Total Estimate: 3 Hours.
Adjusting for "Real Life" (Tranter's Correction)
Naismith's rule assumes a reasonably fit person walking on a defined path with a light pack. It breaks down in tougher conditions.
Our calculator includes a "Pace / Difficulty" selector to account for variables:
1. Terrain Factor
Walking on a paved fire road is fast. Scrambling over loose rocks (scree) or hiking through mud cuts your speed in half. If the terrain is technical, select "Slow / Difficult."
2. Pack Weight
Carrying a 5lb daypack is negligible. Carrying a 40lb backpacking rucksack will slow you down by roughly 20-30%.
3. The "Group Factor"
A group only moves as fast as its slowest member. If you are hiking with a group of 4+ people, always add a 20% buffer for breaks, photos, and shoe-tying.
Calculating Your "Turn Around Time"
Safety is about setting a hard deadline. Before you leave the car:
- Check the Sunset time (e.g., 8:00 PM).
- Calculate your estimated hike duration (e.g., 4 Hours).
- Add a 1-hour "Safety Buffer" (Total 5 Hours).
- Start time must be before 3:00 PM.
If you haven't reached the summit by the half-way time mark, you must turn around, regardless of how close you are.
Energy Expenditure: How Many Calories?
Hiking is an energy-intensive activity. The "MET" (Metabolic Equivalent) of hiking varies by grade.
| Activity | METs | Cals Burned (160lb person/hr) |
|---|---|---|
| Walking (Flat) | 3.5 | ~250 |
| Hiking (Cross Country) | 6.0 | ~440 |
| Backpacking (Heavy Load) | 7.8 | ~570 |
| Mountain Climbing (Steep) | 8.0+ | ~600+ |