Crag Approach Time Calculator
Calculate hiking time to a climbing crag from distance, elevation gain, and pack weight.
Plan day climbs with realistic approach + descent estimates.
Crag Approach Time Estimation
Approach time uses Naismith’s Rule with adjustments for pack weight and trail conditions:
Naismith’s Rule: Time = (Distance / 5 km/h) + (Elevation gain / 600 m/h)
Translated to imperial:
- 1 mile flat = 20 minutes
- Add 1 hour per 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation gain
Pack weight slowdown (above 20 lb):
- 20-30 lb: +10% time
- 30-40 lb: +20-25%
- 40-50 lb: +35-45%
- Over 50 lb: +60%+ (carrying full trad rack + rope + crashpad)
Trail condition multiplier:
| Condition | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Maintained / smooth | 1.0× |
| Rocky / rooty single-track | 1.2× |
| Talus / boulder hopping | 1.5× |
| Bushwhack / off-trail | 1.7× |
| Snow (knee-deep, no skis) | 2.0×+ |
Descent rule: Most climbers descend 60-75% of approach time — gravity helps but tired legs slow things down. Overtired or in poor light: descent equals approach time.
Common crag examples (US):
| Crag | Approach Distance | Elevation | Approach Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldorado Canyon (CO) | 0.3 mi | 100 ft | ~10 min |
| Red River Gorge (KY) | 1.0 mi | 200 ft | ~25-35 min |
| Smith Rock (OR) | 0.5 mi | 200 ft | ~20 min |
| Indian Creek (UT) | 0.5-1 mi | 200-400 ft | ~20-40 min |
| Yosemite Glacier Point Apron | 2.0 mi | 1,000 ft | ~1.5 hr |
| Yosemite El Cap base | 0.8 mi | 200 ft | ~25 min |
| Squamish Apron | 0.5 mi | 200 ft | ~15-20 min |
| Bishop bouldering | 0.2-1 mi | 50-200 ft | ~5-30 min |
| Vedauwoo (WY) | 0.2-0.5 mi | 100 ft | ~10-15 min |
Add buffers:
- +15 minutes for first-time visit (route-finding, scoping)
- +30 min for crag with multiple sectors / wandering trail
- +60 min in snow / shoulder season
- +30 min for pre-dawn alpine starts
Total day-out planning: Approach + climbing time + lunch break + descent = total day. For 4 multi-pitch routes:
- Approach: 1 hour
- Climbing: 4-5 hours
- Lunch / transitions: 1 hour
- Descent: 45 min
- Total: ~7 hours base — add 2 hr buffer for the unexpected
Tip for new crags: Always carry a topo or AllTrails GPX track. The single most common mistake is trying to navigate by photos alone — wastes 30+ minutes of crag time.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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