Group Hiking Pace Planner
Group hikes move at the pace of the slowest member, and elevation gain adds significant time beyond flat-ground pace. This calculator applies a Naismith's-rule-style model to estimate realistic total hiking time.
About this calculator
Plan hike duration for a group by combining distance, elevation gain, and the slowest hiker's pace using Naismith's rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naismith's rule?
Naismith's rule is a classic hiking formula that adds extra time for elevation gain, typically about 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet climbed, on top of flat-ground walking time.
Why does group fitness level matter so much?
A hiking group can only move as fast as its slowest member, so overall pace and elevation penalty scale with the group's average fitness and experience.
Should I add extra time for photo stops or lunch?
Yes, use the break minutes field to add any planned stops; for unplanned stops, consider adding a buffer of 15-30 extra minutes.