I might just prefer to do it as a long day hike, or at least start late on one day. I really, really liked it, but I'm also a huge view junky. I couldn't get enough of it.
A book that I picked up recommends doing the West Rim as a 12.2 mile day hike by ascending from the Grotto and then turning around 1 mile after the trail forks with Telephone Canyon. The author says this about their recommended turnaround point...
"Beyond here the West Rim Trail and Telephone rejoin and the West Rim Trail undulates across Horse Pasture Plateau, which is no more exciting than it's name implies. There's nothing Zionesque about it. Instead invest your time on the parks premiere trails, all of which this book describes."
The 12.2 miles in their recommended route doesn't include the half mile spur to Angels Landing so I guess it would be 13.2 miles if I incorporated it in. Obvious downside would be that I'd be climbing more (although with a lighter pack) and hitting the crowded section twice instead of once.
The book also has a different recommendation about the Narrows and advises against the overnight and doing a 10 mile out and back dayhike turning around at Big Spring.
Makes sense but again, I'd face the crowded section twice instead of once.
If I did the West Rim and The Narrows as dayhikes instead of overnighters, not only would it free up 2 extra days for other dayhikes (like Observation Point and something else) but I would then be able to bring my heavier 4 person circus tent instead of my backpacking tent and set up shop at a campground where I would be allowed to make a campfire at night (assuming you'd still want a campfire in the heat of June).
I'd be really interested in hearing what you guys think of these recommendations and whether you think going this direction towards doing all day hikes is the better way to go?
Btw - the book that I reference twice here is called "Hiking from Here to Wow - Utah Canyon Country" by Kathy and Craig Copeland.
Sorry for another really looong post.
