How difficult would you consider a 4.5 mile hike (9 mile roundtrip) with a 2,700 ft. elevation gain?

Question

This would be going from about 7,500 to 10,200 ft. The trail should be in fairly good condition. As for being in shape, I often do local hikes of about 10 miles, but with little to no elevation gain (I'm in a fairly flat part of the country).

Answer 1

Difficult is a relative term. I know people who would have a very difficult time walking a hundred yards and then going up a flight of stairs and I know other people who routinely go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in one day (20 miles, 5000+ elevation change).

As others have noted, it depends on how rough the trail is, what the base elevation is, and any other factors (temperature, weather, etc)? Perhaps more importantly, it depends on what sort of shape you are in and how much hiking experience you have (ie: are your feet and leg muscles prepared).

All that being said... assuming a decent condition trail, no technical (ie: rock climbing) portions, and a peak elevation below 7000 feet, such a hike would probably considered 'advanced intermediate' for an experienced hiker (ie: a good workout, but nothing to write home about).

By comparsion, going down Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens and back in the Grand Canyon is 9 miles round trip and over 3,000 feet change. In Zion National Park, the trail to Observation Point is 8 miles round trip and 2,100 feet change. These are both popular day hikes that people do all the time.

I would definitely not do it as my first hike though or if I was out of shape cardio-vascular wise. Have good shoes/boots, carry plenty of water and snacks.

Answer 2

plan on staying a day to get used to the air first if you are not used to the elevation. but otherwise it should be a medium task. i hiked nine miles one way then met a vehicle the trail gained 2000 ft. i was way out of shape and found it not that bad.

Answer 3

If you're in pretty good shape, that hike is pretty moderate. The only unknown here is your response to altitude. While the altitude is still fairly low, if you're coming from a flat area, you may have difficulty. You might want to camp a night at the trailhead to acclimate at least a little. Be sure to hydrate. Where are you going?

Answer 4

i would consider that difficult for people who dont hike a lot. 9 miles is a good distance for a dayhike but 2700 feet elevation gain is pretty rough for folks who dont hike a lot. also, if it goes up to 10,000 or 11,000 feet the altitude will make it really rough.

Answer 5

I have done several hikes that sound quite similar to yours. I would give 3-5 hours each way for the hike, wear lots of sunscreen, drink lots of water, and if you are even slightly inshape then it should be very dueable (sp).... hope this helps

Answer 6

Ummm, pretty difficult. Make sure you bring plenty of water. Maybe even some oxygen. 2700 ft above sea level doesn't sound like a joke to me, considering its higher than a mile!

Answer 7

Moderate to difficult. Give yourself at least 10hours for the roundtrip. In this heat you would need to bring at least 2 gallons of water.

Answer 8

4.5 miles horizontal distance with .5 miles vertical? sound kinda rough.

but doable.

Answer 9

If it is normal terrain that shouldn't be that difficult.
I mean, no straight vertical climbs... you did say a hike, not an assault!

Answer 10

quite difficult (the uphill part at least).