How Fast Do You Walk On A Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including incline, trail conditions, weather conditions, pack weight, and altitude. According to a New York Times’ article on “speed hiking”, most hikers average about

2 mph (miles per hour)

.

What is considered a fast pace for hiking?

However, if you’re pushing yourself, more experienced hikers may aim to cover 25 miles a day. Generally, 2 MPH is a good speed, 3 MPH is great, and

4 MPH

is very fast.

What is a good hiking pace per mile?

Average Hiking Pace is generally

between 20 minutes per mile and 60 minutes per mile

depending on steeepness, trail conditions, and other factors.

How long does a 7 mile hike take?

Estimating the amount of time helps you figure out how much water and food you should pack and is also critical for planning an appropriate start time for your journey. Hiking 7 miles will take approximately

2 to 7 hours

, depending on the pace, trail surface, and pack weight.

How long does a 16 mile hike take?

From there, it is mostly a flat hike, with some uphill sections thrown in, across the plateau, before finally descending a few thousand feet into the canyon on various switchbacks. This hike would take the duration of the day,

10-12 hours

.

How hard is it to hike 20 miles a day?


It is possible to hike 20 miles without being super fit, although you most likely will be quite sore the next day

. Remember, not all hikes are created equally – it may be possible to hike for 20 miles in a day over good ground on flat terrain.

Can you hike 10 miles a day?

If your fitness level is relatively good and the hike isn’t littered with hills, mountains, or other obstacles, your 10-mile hike could be around four to five hours. However,

if there are large hills or steep slopes, it’s possible a 10-mile hike could take all day

.

How fast is the average hiker?

According to Ramblers (opens in new tab), the average walking speed for adult hikers is

2.5 miles per hour

, without accounting for stops. Other sources, however, quote speeds ranging from 1.5 miles per hour to a sprightly 3.5 miles per hour.

How long does a 12 mile hike take?

Quick Answer: If you are fairly fit and the conditions are mild (no snow, ice, or slick mud), expect it to take

20 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 2,000 feet of ascent

. If you are hiking with a heavy pack, then calculate 30 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent.

How many miles a day should I hike?

Most people will plan to hike

3-10 miles per day

, depending on what shape you’re in and how much elevation gain there is.

How many miles can the average person hike in a day?

Every hiker and trail is different, but on average, you can hike

8 – 15 miles

a day [5]. Even the slowest hikers can cover a considerable distance if they have the time to spare. At a pace of 2 mph (slower than average), you can comfortably hike 10 miles in a day.

How fast does the average person walk?

A walking speed of

3 to 4 miles per hour

is typical for most people. However, this can vary based on many factors including your fitness level, overall health, and age. While many variables can play a part in your walking speed, making walking a part of your fitness program is certain to bring about positive changes.

Is a 10 mile hike long?

A 10-mile hike can take

between 4 and 10 hours

, depending on the pace, trail surface, elevation gain, and pack weight. Additional variables can affect the amount of time it takes to hike this distance, such as your level of fitness, the number of rest breaks you take, and the weather.

How long does it take to hike 13.6 miles?

Miles Relaxed Pace Normal Pace 11 miles 3 hrs, 40 mins 2 hrs, 45 mins 12 miles 4 hrs 3 hrs 13 miles

4 hrs, 20 mins

3 hrs, 15 mins
14 miles 4 hrs, 40 mins 3 hrs, 30 mins

What is considered a long hike?

The hike will generally be long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally

8 miles and over

.

How long would a 15 mile hike take?

For example, if your trail is 15 miles long with a 1,000 ft ascent, you should be able to hike it in

5 hours and 30 minutes

(without counting rests/your lunch break). That’s 5h for the distance plus 30m for the ascent.

How many calories do I burn hiking?

The more you weigh, the more calories your body is likely to burn on a hike. For example,

a 160-pound person will burn somewhere between 430 and 440 calories per hour

of hiking, while a 200-pound person will burn closer to 550 calories per hour of hiking.

How long does it take to hike 10k?

1 hour /3km and 1 additional hour for each 1000ft or 300m elevation gain. So if you have 10km and 1500ft elevation gain over all you would estimate

4.5 to 5 hours

. This works for most groups and is a comfortable pace that most could manage even with a pack for an extended day.

Can you hike too much?

Hiking too Far or too Fast too Soon

Much like adding weight to your pack, you also have to earn the right to add miles to your day.

When you start a long trail with an overly ambitious itinerary you have a higher risk of sustaining an overuse injury.

How long does it take the average person to walk 20 miles?

Normal Pace: It would take a person about

5 hours

to walk 20 miles at a normal pace. Relaxed Pace: It would take a person about 6 hours and 45 minutes to walk 20 miles at a relaxed pace. Fast Pace: It would take a person about 3 hours and 30 minutes to walk 20 miles at a fast pace.

Can I hike everyday?


Not at all

. Research (and personal experience) has proven that hiking offers a host of physical and mental health benefits. Not only does it help you lose weight, strengthen muscles, reduce disease and optimize endurance, it also reduces stress. As experts have advised, exercising every day is encouraged in moderation.

Is 5 miles a long hike?

A 5 mile hike is considered

moderately strenuous

. Depending on location and elevation gain, it may be challenging for a first time hiker. So, a good starting point for the average person might be 2 miles instead of 5. But with a little physical preparation, you can work your way up to 5 miles quickly.

How long do hikes usually take?

While there are many variables involved, it takes the average person

30 minutes to hike a mile on gentle terrain

. It is important to know your pace compared to an average hiker when planning a hike. This way you know approximately how long it will take you to complete your trip.

Is a 6 mile hike long?

Discover this

6.00 mile

, loop trail near Newbury Park, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

What is a good elevation gain walking?

Rating Distance OR Elevation Gain and Loss (cumulative is double)
Moderate


5 to 8 miles


More than 1,500 feet
Hard 8 to 12 miles More than 3,000 feet Very Hard 12 to 15 miles More than 4,500 feet Extremely Hard More than 15 miles More than 6,000 feet
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.