You’re considering hiking 10 miles and want to know how long it will take. Hiking 10 miles can be a long day, but how long it takes to hike 10 miles depends on a number of factors.
Let’s take a look at what determines how long it will take to hike 10 miles.
The first factor is the terrain. If you’re hiking on relatively flat ground, you can hike 10 miles in 4-5 hours. But if the terrain is more difficult, with hills and mountains, it will take longer.
Another factor is the weather conditions. If it’s a cool day, you’ll be able to hike further and faster. Finally, your hiking speed will also affect how long it takes to hike 10 miles.
In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about tackling a 10-mile hike so that you are fully prepared for some serious exercise (and impressive views). Let’s reconnect with nature and head out on the trail.
How Long Does It Take to Hike 10 Miles?
Hiking 10 miles can be a long day, but how long it takes to hike 10 miles depends on a number of factors.
The first factor is the terrain and elevation gain. If you’re hiking on relatively flat ground, you can hike 10 miles in 4-5 hours. But if the terrain is more difficult, with hills and mountains, it will take longer.
Another factor is the weather conditions. If it’s a cool day, you’ll be able to hike further and faster. Finally, your hiking speed will also affect how long it takes to hike 10 miles.
You also need to consider your average hiking pace. This is different for everyone, and by calculating your own average hiking speed, you will be able to give yourself a clear estimated hiking time to work with.
Let’s check out the reasons in a little more detail.
Hiking 10 Miles: Mountains vs Flat Terrain
One of the biggest factors in how long it will take you to hike 10 miles is the terrain.
If you’re hiking on relatively flat ground, you can hike 10 miles in 4-5 hours going at an average pace on the hiking trail. But if the terrain is more difficult, with hills and mountains, it will take longer.
The type of terrain can also affect how difficult the hike is. Hiking on a flat surface is much easier than hiking up and down hills.
Here’s a little look at how rough terrain and a smooth trail surface can impact your speed.
Elevation
Elevation gain (and loss) is one of the biggest factors in how long it will take to hike 10 miles. On average, you hike 3% slower on uphill sections and 5% faster on downhill sections.
So, if the hike is 9% uphill and 1% downhill, it will take you approximately 5% longer to hike 10 miles than if the hike was all flat. A hike that is 100% uphill will take you 50% longer to hike than a hike that is 100% downhill.
Therefore, you should be able to hike 1300 feet of elevation gains every hour. However, this will depend on the steepness of the slope as well as the terrain. Smooth terrain will help it go faster, but unstable and rocky terrain will make it slower.
Footing
If you are constantly losing your footing or having to stop to rest, this will also affect how long it takes to hike 10 miles.
Walking on a path with good footing will obviously be quicker than having to hike over unstable or difficult terrain.
Factors such as the width of the path, how well it is maintained, and the presence of roots or rocks can all affect your footing. It can be a good idea to bring trekking poles with you so that you can keep steady and also gain some support while hiking over tricky terrain.
Difficulty
In general, the more difficult the hike, the longer it will take to hike 10 miles.
Some hikes are well-marked with a clear path, while others are more remote with little to no signage. If you are constantly having to stop and look at a map or your GPS, this will obviously add to the time it takes to hike 10 miles.
In addition, if the hike is more strenuous, with more elevation gain, this will also take longer.
What Can Make Your 10-Mile Hike Longer?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the main factors that affect how long it will take to hike 10 miles, let’s take a look at a few other factors that can make your hike longer.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions on the day of your hike can also impact how long it takes to hike 10 miles. If it is raining or snowing, this can make the hike more difficult and slower. The same goes for high winds.
On the other hand, cooler weather is generally better for hiking as you can hike further and faster in cooler temperatures.
If it is a hot day, you will need to take more breaks and drink more water to stay hydrated. This will obviously add to the time it takes to hike 10 miles.
Trail Obstacles
Trail obstacles such as fallen trees, river crossings, or landslide areas can also add to the time it takes to hike 10 miles.
If you have to stop and hike around an obstacle or take a detour, this will obviously add time to your hike.
In addition, if the hike is more remote, there may be fewer people around to help out if you encounter an obstacle.
The Weight You’re Carrying
The pack weight you’re carrying will also affect how long it takes to hike 10 miles. If you are carrying a lot of gear or food, this will obviously make the hike slower.
You may also want to consider bringing a lighter backpack so that you can hike faster and with less effort. Too much pack weight won’t just slow you down, it can also cause back and shoulder pain.
Your Fitness Level
Of course, your fitness levels will also play a role in how long it takes to hike 10 miles.
If you are not used to hiking long distances, it will obviously take you longer to hike 10 miles than someone who is in better shape.
You may want to consider doing some training hikes before attempting a 10-mile hike so that you can build up your endurance.
Your Hiking Speed
Your hiking speed is also a factor in how long it takes to hike 10 miles. The average hiker walks at a speed of 2-3 mph. However, this will obviously vary depending on the person.
Some people may be able to hike faster, while others may hike slower. It is a good idea to find out what your average hiking speed is so that you can better estimate how long it will take you to hike 10 miles.
What to Bring on a 10-Mile Hike
Now that we’ve looked at some of the main factors that affect how long it will take to hike 10 miles, let’s take a look at what you should bring with you on a hike of this distance. Here’s a handy list to help you out:
- plenty of water
- snacks
- a map of the hike and/or GPS unit
- trekking poles (if hiking over difficult terrain)
- a first-aid kit
- a headlamp or flashlight (in case you have to hike in the dark)
- appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
- a whistle (in case you need to signal for help)
By being prepared and bringing the proper gear, you can make sure that your hike goes smoothly and that you enjoy the experience.
If you want to give yourself even more prep for the hiking trail, you can try using an online hiking time calculator to determine your average hiking pace and estimate the total time it will take.
Is a 10-Mile Hike Difficult?
A hike of any distance can be difficult, depending on the person. However, a hike of 10 miles is generally considered to be a moderate hike. This means that it is not too difficult, but it is also not easy.
Hikes of this distance can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. With proper preparation, you can hike 10 miles with ease. It is recommended that you start with a five-mile hike so that you can get used to the exercise and build up a good average pace.
To Conclude
So, how long will it take to hike 10 miles? It depends on a variety of factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, your hiking speed, and more. However, on average, it will take most people 4-8 hours to hike 10 miles.
With this guide, you should have all the information you need to start planning your trip and prepping yourself to take on a pretty long and challenging hike.
By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can make sure that your hike is enjoyable and safe. So, grab your gear and hit the trail!
