Sorry to report that I had to cancel my trip (I'm still in mourning over it!), so I couldn't test out those two routes.

Lord willing, next year!

Again, I highly recommend this book. You can do all sorts of variations on W_D's suggested itineraries to make them easier or harder, shorter or longer.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey