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Spend two nights in the canyon and a few nights above. The highlight of this trip is the Tonto trail, which you'll be walking on day two of your backpack. This trail follows the contour of the Colorado River and yet stays at a steady elevation above the water. Remarkable archaeological features, mescal pits, mark this trail. The pits were made by Native people slow slow cooking their food, mostly consisting of the hearts of agave. In all, you'll be traveling from Hermit Trailhead to Bright Angel Trailhead, and Several reliable water sources are along the route, but some of them are not safe to drink. Salt Creek is very high in minerals (hence the name) and Horn Creek water is radioactive as a result of a Uranium site that drains into the ground water that fuels this creek. Cedar Springs, Monument Creek, and Indian Garden all have water safe to filter or treat with iodine. Recommended camping sites (based on water access and mileage) are Monument Creek and Indian Garden. Make camping reservations ahead of time at the Grand Canyon Back Country office. You may get a permit by visiting or by faxing permit requests. Plan early if you need to fax--they accept requests four months in advance of trip. Once you arrive back on the rim, you'll be heading to Williams for some forest time. You'll start with a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast and after resting your legs for a day, get back on the trails.