Calculateur de Temps de Randonnée — Formule

How Hiking Time Is Estimated

Naismith's Rule

Developed in 1892 by Scottish mountaineer William Naismith:

Time = Distance / Speed + Elevation Gain / Climbing Rate

  • Flat walking speed: ~3 miles per hour
  • Climbing rate: ~2,000 ft per hour (adds time for elevation gain)

    • Adjustments

  • Fitness factor: Adjusts for individual speed
  • Break time: Add 20% for rest stops, water breaks, photos, and navigation
  • Descent: Steep descents are almost as slow as climbing. This calculator focuses on ascent.

    • Exemple Résolu

    Estimate time for an 8-mile trail with 2,000 ft elevation gain, average fitness.

    1. Flat time = 8 / 3 = 2.67 hours.
    2. Climb time = 2000 / 2000 = 1.0 hours.
    3. Moving time = (2.67 + 1.0) x 1 = 3.67 hours.
    4. Total with breaks = 3.67 x 1.2 = 4.4 hours.
    5. Average speed = 8 / 3.67 = 2.2 mph.