kristeng2341

woo hoo! I feel PUMPED J62 & Nelson : D

I have been POURING over these hikes, websites, google, for WEEKS and feeling at a loss with information overload, whilst missing crucial details in between. Yosemite & Yellowstone; I now realise the hikes offered were in fact completed from a "base camp" as you've said. Even whilst looking at GC alone, the options are endless and if you don't know the area, it feels like a coin toss is the only way to choose.

Ill check out other outfitters for the hikes Nelson, but I'm not sure I can fit in 6 days though... I best get training either way as I haven't completed long hikes with a backpack before.

I hope you get to fulfil your bucket list R2R trail run J62, you have any plans yet for when you'll do it?

Ill update once I've booked something

worldwidewinetours

I was bicycling several years ago from Portland, Oregon to Denver, Colorado and there was still a LOT of snow on the ground on Memorial Day week-end (last week-end in May). On another trip bicycling from Seattle, Washington to Atlantic City, New Jersey I crossed over the pass from Kalispell, Montana to East Glacier Park on June 8, and it was snowing that day! Granted this is a bit farther north than the trip you're planning, but I concur with those who stated that Yellowstone is not viable...and probably not Yosemite, either.
Having said that, I also agree wholeheartedly with J62 that R2R trail running (rather than hiking) would be a good option. ESPECIALLY on the downhills, I have found running to be way easier on the body without all that extra weight. Even with your plans to hike with a group, I would opt for R2R for the reasons you stated about wanting different environments during the hike.
WWWT

andyg5056

I don't want to mess you up, but it's a long way for you to travel. And, if you love hiking, Zion National Park and Angel's Landings hike would make it an unforgettable experience. It may not be possible, but worth of looking into it, to do 1 major hike in Grand Canyon and 1 in Zion???
Both Grand Canyon and Zion are magnificent and totally different from each other. And, the proximity between them is not that "bad", around 400km drive between them. Now "bad" depends on your means of transportation.
Also, May is the optimal time to visit Zion, the temps and crowds are within a reason. The drive between is very scenic and could allow you a couple of short stops at other magnificent sites, like the Horseshoe in Page Arizona or maybe even the Lower Antelope Canyon.
But, it'll all be limited by your funds and transportation.
Again, don't want to mess up your plans, just throwing in couple of other possibilities, since most likely it'll be a while for you to return and see more.
Below a couple of information links:

https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/b...national-park/

https://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/angelslanding.php

https://cityofpage.org/official-hors...nd-information

https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/th...on-adventures/

mlgb

As much as I like Zion, it is "overloved" and I don't know if it really is true that crowds would be within reason in May. Climate is a bit warmer than Grand Canyon, May is already starting to warm up and the Narrows hike may or may not be closed due to high runoff. Zion is popular for day hiking more than the multi-day adventures the OP mentions. The good thing is that there is a lot of lodging nearby in Springdale and the shuttles although very crowded do provide a way to get around inside the park.

Since you are so far in advance, it might be possible to book a few nights inside the park before or after you excursion once you decide on that.

Note that there was a pilot program to require permits to hike Angel's Landing, due to overcrowding beginning April 1 of this past year. You can still go to Scout's Lookout without a permit. Note that these are both day hikes, best done early before it gets too hot, hence the overcrowding on Angel's Landing.

More info on Zion at the NPS website
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/index.htm

oldemalloy

At one time you could arrange to have mules take your gear up to the rim at GC so you did not have a heavy pack on the hike up. Check with them when you decide who you are going with if that will be an option.

andyg5056

"...As much as I like Zion, it is "overloved" and I don't know if it really is true that crowds would be within reason in May...."

I went to Zion 2nd week of May and was pleasantly surprised by low crowds. BUT !!! It was mid-week adventure and when we ere leaving Saturday morning, I did see the long line of car at the entrance gate early in the morning. The weekends at any National Park thru the Sates are overloaded with visitors.
Also, I do agree that one day is not enough for Zion, or any other N.P for that matter. But, if you travel thru half of the World and aren't sure if you'll ever be able to do it again, I'd rather to maximize my experience. Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks are BOTH magnificent and incredibly different from each other.

Maybe the OP could trading those major hikes for something that takes less than the whole day. This would allow her to maximize the time to explore the best of the places. And in Zion, Even without the Narrows or Angel's Landing hike (each are most of the day event) you'll still be able to shorter, yet very nice hikes. While in Grand Canyon ,Going all the way down and coming back up it's a minimum of 2 day event, no?


Grand Canyon

Zion

Zion