That is exactly 3 hours by the book: 2 hours for the distance and 1 hour for the climb, before pace and breaks are added.
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
What is Naismith’s rule in miles and feet?
About 3 miles per hour plus 1 hour for every 2,000 ft of ascent.
What are Langmuir’s corrections?
For descents of 5–12° subtract 10 minutes per 300 m of descent; for descents steeper than 12° add 10 minutes per 300 m.
What is Tranter’s correction?
A table that adjusts Naismith’s time for fitness and fatigue. The pace factor here is a simpler version of the same idea.
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.