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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-uphill-double-time

The Park Service says plan for an uphill stretch to take how long compared with going down it?

At least double the time it took you to go downhill.

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  1. About the same time
  2. At least double the time ✔
  3. Half the time

Why: Climbing is much slower than descending. Your total hike time includes the trip out and back, so if the return is uphill, plan at least twice as long for it and leave plenty of daylight.

Huh, didn't know that: The Park Service's pace test: if you can talk while you walk, you are traveling at the perfect speed.

The dad joke
Hiking uphill is hard, but I am not going to take it lying down.
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References

Answer: At least double the time. Climbing is much slower than descending. Your total hike time includes the trip out and back, so if the return is uphill, plan at least twice as long for it and leave plenty of daylight.

  1. NPS: Hike Smart www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm
    plan for it to take at least double the time it took you to go downhill.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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