West Rim

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 feet / 152 meters gain, 3650 feet / 1112 meters loss

Average Hiking Time: 4 to 10 hours in one day, or camp on the rim and split over two modest days

Distance: 14 miles / 22 km

Trailhead Location: Lava Point/West Rim Trailhead, or from the Grotto. Private or hired shuttle to Lava Point

Optimal Time to Hike: March through November from Lava Point, unless snow conditions restrict access

Experience: Fourteen miles of incredible scenery rivaling the best day hikes in the world. From the West Rim Trailhead and through Potato Hollow, eventually rising 1200 feet onto the rim overlooking Great West Canyon, Phantom Valley and Little Siberia down to Angels Landing. We highly recommend the West Rim section over the interior Telephone Canyon option. This 4-mile outer loop offers jaw-dropping views, excellent campsites and incredible diversity of flora. Link with Angels Landing for a grand finale. Trekking poles recommended for the sustained descent. Of nine designated sites, we recommend #s 4, 7, and 8.