Hiking Time Calculator
Estimate how long a hike will take from its distance and total ascent, using Naismith's rule.
How long will my hike take?
The classic way to estimate hiking time is Naismith's rule: allow 1 hour for every 5 km of distance, plus 1 hour for every 600 m of ascent. It is a starting point used by walkers and mountain rescue teams worldwide. This calculator applies Naismith's rule and then adjusts it for your chosen pace.
How this calculator works
Base time = (distance ÷ 5 km/h) + (ascent ÷ 600 m/h). The result is multiplied by a pace factor: 1.25 for a relaxed pace or heavy pack, 1.0 for an average walker, and 0.8 for a fast, fit hiker. The estimate covers moving time only — add time for lunch, photos and rest stops, and allow extra in poor weather or on rough, technical ground.
How long does a hike take? Quick reference
Estimates below use Naismith's rule at an average pace. "Hilly" assumes 600 m (2,000 ft) of total ascent; both exclude breaks.
| Distance | Flat | Hilly |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 1h 00m | 2h 00m |
| 10 km | 2h 00m | 3h 00m |
| 15 km | 3h 00m | 4h 00m |
| 20 km | 4h 00m | 5h 00m |
| 25 km | 5h 00m | 6h 00m |
| Distance | Flat | Hilly |
|---|---|---|
| 3 miles | 1h 00m | 2h 00m |
| 5 miles | 1h 35m | 2h 35m |
| 8 miles | 2h 35m | 3h 35m |
| 10 miles | 3h 15m | 4h 15m |
| 15 miles | 4h 50m | 5h 50m |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 10 mile hike take?
Around 3 hours 15 minutes on flat ground at a standard pace (3 mph), and roughly 4 hours 15 minutes with 2,000 ft (600 m) of climbing. Add time for breaks — most hikers should plan 4 to 5 hours total for a hilly 10-miler.
How many miles can you hike in a day?
A fit hiker on moderate terrain covers 15–20 miles (25–30 km) in a full day. With a heavy multi-day pack or serious elevation gain, 10–12 miles is a more realistic, sustainable daily distance.
Is Naismith's rule accurate?
It is a reliable baseline for fit walkers on reasonable terrain. It tends to underestimate on very steep, rocky or boggy ground and for heavily loaded multi-day hikers — that is what the pace factor adjusts for.
Does descent add time too?
Gentle descents do not add time, but steep descents can slow you down. Naismith's rule ignores descent; if your route has long steep downhills, add 10–20% to be safe.
Every trail guide on HikeLoad shows distance and elevation gain, so you can drop the numbers straight into this calculator.