3mph might be a little optimistic. I'm a UL guy & moderately fast walker, and I don't avg that pace. In fact, I started keeping track of my time in very specific segments, and have been surprised at the results.overheadx2 wrote:This trip has always been on my list, and I would love to go longer, but I am unable to get more than a week off from work. I Try to keep a 2 -3 mph walking pace so that I can stop to fish and take pics along the way and still get 8 - 10 miles per day in and have the afternoon to fish. We plan on having one layover day, so a nice day hike is exactly what I was looking for.
Bottom line is that I realistically avg around 1-1.25mph going up a steep grade, pass or peak. Earlier this year it took me 3 hrs to cross Forester from Vidette (3k climb), and more recently it took 3hrs from Guitar to Whitney (another 3k climb).
Note this is pure time - I note my time when starting and simply mentally record when I finally drop my pack at the top. It's surprising how much time goes by drinking water, taking a breather, etc. I monitor my time history because I like to plan 15+- days (12-18 miles per day). I'm not trying to fool myself, so I realistically need to know how long I will be hiking.
Downhill is not much better if the trail is rocky like the Palisades. That is, if you above tree line, there isn't any soil or tree litter to 'soften' the trail. I find that I avg 2.25-2.5 on a hard trail. (XC drops to 1-1.5.)
Where you can really motor are well worn trails below tree line, which you might experience in the latter part of your trip. Otherwise, you might consider 1.25-1.75mph as more realistic for the day. If you are planning 10 miles/day, you will more than likely be on the trail for around 8+ hrs.