That works out to about 4 h 15 min, more than double the time the 5 miles would take on the flat.
How the hiking time calculator works
HikingTimeCalc uses Naismith’s rule: 1 hour for every 5 km (3.1 mi) of horizontal distance plus 1 hour for every 600 m (about 2,000 ft) of ascent. If you choose a descent rule it applies Langmuir’s corrections, subtracting 10 minutes per 300 m of gentle descent (never below the flat-ground time) or adding 10 minutes per 300 m of steep descent. The moving time is multiplied by your pace factor, from 0.8 for fast, fit hikers to 1.5 for a heavy pack or young children, and a 10-minute break is added for every hour of walking if breaks are on. Your start time gives an estimated finish time.
Hiking time by distance and elevation gain
Moving time at an average pace, no breaks.
| Distance | Flat | +1,000 ft | +2,000 ft | +3,000 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mi | 39 min | 1 h 9 min | 1 h 40 min | 2 h 10 min |
| 4 mi | 1 h 17 min | 1 h 48 min | 2 h 18 min | 2 h 49 min |
| 6 mi | 1 h 56 min | 2 h 26 min | 2 h 57 min | 3 h 27 min |
| 8 mi | 2 h 34 min | 3 h 5 min | 3 h 35 min | 4 h 6 min |
| 10 mi | 3 h 13 min | 3 h 44 min | 4 h 14 min | 4 h 45 min |
| 12 mi | 3 h 52 min | 4 h 22 min | 4 h 53 min | 5 h 23 min |
Real hiking times vary with terrain, weather, altitude, fitness and group size. Snow, scrambling, river crossings and off-trail navigation can double them. Check sunset time and carry a headlamp.
Frequently asked questions
How much time does 1,000 ft of elevation add?
About 30 minutes by Naismith’s rule, more with a heavy pack or at altitude.
What counts as a lot of elevation gain?
Over about 1,000 ft per mile is steep; many trail guides call 3,000 ft or more in a day strenuous.
Should I count descent?
Choose the steep rule for rough, steep descents. On gentle trail the descent rule can be left off.
Is HikingTimeCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your trail details stay in your browser.
Is this estimate safe to rely on?
It is a planning estimate. Check the trail, weather and daylight, carry the essentials and turn around if conditions or time are against you.