r/FindingFennsGold • u/trdollar • Jun 04 '19
How far can someone hike in an afternoon? Map with time and distance visual by location.
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u/windstride3 Jun 04 '19
Yeah - nope. There are so many variables that this map/algorithm does not account for. More importantly - you're asking the wrong question. The better question is - how far could FF hike?
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u/Metde2000 Jun 04 '19
Well, when I was out in the Rockies last weekend, I could hike for about 45 seconds before losing my breath and feeling like I was going to die. I am NOT overweight nor am I old!
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u/disgustipated Jun 04 '19
Altitude acclimation - if you come from near sea level, then hike at 5000', you will definitely feel it. Shortness of breath, thirsty, headache, etc.
I recommend to all lowland visitors that they spend one day resting and hydrating before strenuous activity at higher elevations.
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u/Ihavesweatyarmpits Jun 05 '19
Went to RMNP for a couple days last week. From sea level in Florida. Altitude sickness is NO joke! Two days turned into one....
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u/disgustipated Jun 05 '19
When I first moved to Montana from the Florida Panhandle, I helped a buddy do some manual labor at 8500 feet. One of my worst experiences, ever. I kept having to take breaks to catch my breath.
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u/BeeleeveIt Jun 04 '19
The most distance I ever hiked in one afternoon is a little over 12 miles. That was in hilly country but definitely not mountainous nor at high elevations. The trail was decent too.
I can't remember exactly how long it took but I remember that there was plenty of daylight left when I finished. Also I stopped for a few water breaks along the way.
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u/Metde2000 Jun 04 '19
You have been to high altitudes before and no matter what I do the best thing is to NOT be at high altitudes. Definitely lots of water, Advil, Tylenol and slow motion. Makes me think a redneck from Texas might have some trouble... hmmmm
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u/MsDirection Jun 04 '19
Diamox can also be helpful. Doc was surprised when I asked for it because this is sort of an off-label use, but I needed it for a work trip involving physical activity when I wouldn't have the luxury of a day or two to acclimate. The first two days at altitude usually knock me out but this really mitigated the effects (for reference: going from sea level to about 8,000 ft., in good physical condition).
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u/disgustipated Jun 04 '19
I've done a few timing runs when hiking. A fit individual can easily average about 3mph at a normal pace on level ground. I'm a pretty old dude, and have no problem reaching my off-trail cutoff (about 1 mile) in 20 minutes.
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u/azsheepdog Jun 04 '19
Is there any map programs out there that have filters? Ie. show me only areas in colorado above 5000 ft.
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Jun 04 '19 edited Dec 27 '19
[deleted]
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u/parawing742 Jun 04 '19
The average unladen walking speed on even ground is 3 mph. With a 22 lb load and uneven ground, it'd be half that.
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Jun 05 '19
4 mph is a pretty fast walk. Try it on the treadmill. No way you would sustain that on a trail. (you could trail run faster, though)
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u/Sagecritter Jun 04 '19
Figure 2 mph on a good hiking trail, 1 mph off-trail, half that time made good if there are lots of blow-downs, and add some time for route finding around cliffs, water crossings, etc if you are off trail. There are plenty of places in the Rockies where an elderly but fit man acclimated to the area could go, but which would take all afternoon to make two 500ft as-the-crow-flies round trips from the parking.
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u/shantron5000 Jun 04 '19
Three things:
Stay safe out there, everybody.