Hiker on mountain trail

Free Tool

Hiking Pace Calculator

Estimate how long your hike will take using Naismith's Rule, adjusted for your fitness, pack weight, and trail conditions.

8 mi
1 mi50 mi
1,500 ft
012,000 ft
7:00 AM
3:00 AM2:00 PM

Your Estimated Hike

3h 53m
Moving Time
4h 40m
Total w/ Breaks
29min/mi
Pace
11:40 AM
Est. Finish
Difficulty:Strenuous
How it works: Uses Naismith's Rule (base 3 mph + 1 hour per 2,000 ft gain) adjusted for fitness level, pack weight, and trail condition. Total time adds a 20% buffer for breaks, photos, and navigation. Actual times vary — always check current conditions and trail reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike 5 miles?

A moderately fit hiker with a light pack on a well-maintained trail covers 5 miles in about 1 hour 40 minutes of moving time, or roughly 2 hours with breaks. Add 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A 5-mile hike with 1,500 feet of gain takes approximately 2.5–3 hours total.

What is Naismith's Rule?

Naismith's Rule is a hiking time formula created by Scottish mountaineer William Naismith in 1892. The rule states: allow 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of distance, plus 1 hour for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of elevation gain. It's a reliable baseline that's been used by hikers and mountaineers for over a century. Modern adjustments account for fitness level, pack weight, and trail conditions.

How does pack weight affect hiking speed?

A heavy pack (35+ lbs) slows a hiker by roughly 25% compared to no pack at all. Light packs under 20 lbs have minimal impact (about 5% slower). Moderate packs (20–35 lbs) reduce speed by about 15%. This is why ultralight backpackers move noticeably faster than traditional backpackers carrying the same distance.

How long should I add for breaks on a hike?

A good rule of thumb is to add 20% on top of moving time for breaks, navigation, photos, and unexpected delays. On a 4-hour moving-time hike, budget 5 hours total. For longer strenuous hikes (6+ hours moving), add more — fatigue compounds in the second half and rest stops become longer and more frequent.

What time should I start my hike?

Start early enough to finish at least 2 hours before sunset. In summer at lower elevations, an afternoon thunderstorm window (typically 2–4 PM) is another reason to start by 6–7 AM on full-day hikes. For alpine routes, start before dawn to reach exposed ridges and summits before the afternoon weather builds. Never plan to be on an exposed summit after noon in thunderstorm-prone mountains.

Does trail condition affect hiking time significantly?

Yes — significantly. Rocky, rooty trails with some scrambling typically slow pace by 15–20% compared to a smooth, well-maintained path. True off-trail travel through brush or talus can cut speed in half. Always check recent trail reports before your hike, especially after storms when blowdowns and washouts can add hours to your planned time.