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.