4-5 day Grand Canyon Trip Help

There’s an taxi service that operates within the Village and to S Rim trailheads.
928-638-2822
They don’t take reservations, but they are efficient, I have never waited more than a few minutes.   Cash only as I recall.

It’s a bit difficult to recommend a route without knowing your abilities & fitness, and what time of year you plan to go.   The obvious ones are those you have mentioned:   Hermit-Tonto-BA,  Grandview-Tonto-SK/BA,  Tanner-Escalante-New Hance (or extend to Grandview).    The Escalante Route is more difficult, and not usually recommended for first timers.  There’s a cairned use trail the whole way, but it’s rough in places, and a there’s a short hands-on-rock climb at Papago.

I made my first backpack into the Grand Canyon in April of this year. It was a pretty easy but enjoyable trip, with water at every camp site. Here’s the route we did:

• Day 1: parked car at the Backcountry Permit Office, took park shuttle down to the Hermit trailhead, then hiked down to Hermit Creek and set up camp. We had planned on hiking down Hermit Creek to the Colorado River to see Hermit Rapids, but it was much hotter than expected (in the 80s or low 90s), so we just relaxed by Hermit Creek
• Day 2: short and easy day to Monument Creek along the Tonto Trail. After setting up camp, we hiked down Monument Creek to the Colorado River. This was probably my favorite part of the trip. There were rapids (Granite Rapids?) with boaters going over them, and then a great shady beach that I spent the whole afternoon relaxing and reading at. The boaters were really nice (offered us beer and asked if they could pack out any trash for us). I also got to take a dip in the Colorado, but it was super cold.
• Day 3: hiked along the Tonto Trail to Indian Gardens, about 10 or 11 miles I think. Pretty great day of hiking. Indian Gardens was crowded, as expected, but everyone was quiet and respectful.
• Day 4: hiked back to the top by Bright Angel trail. We started hiking up a little before first light to beat the heat

I’d like to explore the North side next time, or maybe more of the Tonto Trail.

We did the Escalante route several years ago. Here is my friend’s description of our itinerary; I think it was about 35 miles.

“..it is a partially off trail excursion along the banks of the Colorado, which is usually not accessible. We begin at Lippan Point and head down the unmaintained Tanner Trail and spend the night about halfway down. This will be a “dry camp”, so we will have to carry enough water. The next morning we hit the river late morning and turn left onto the Escalante and camp that evening at Cardenas Beach. The next day will be the most interesting physically with a climb in and out of Seventyfive Mile Creek Canyon and the “scramble” up and over the Papago Wall. That night we spend at the mouth of Red Canyon at Hance Rapids. The next day we begin our 2 day climb out by traversing the relatively flat Tonto Platform and then up to Hance Creek Camp where there is a perennial stream. The following day is straight, straight uphill on the generally in good shape, though still supposedly unmaintained Grandview Trail.”

N Rim access is more remote and complicated in April, before the road opens.   It means a long drive on FS roads.   I wouldn’t recommend it for a first trip.

You could do something along the lines of what Jon suggested by going down Hermit and returning up Boucher, spending (say) first night at Boucher, 2nd and 3rd at Slate, last night back at Boucher.   There is perennial water from Boucher Creek, and Slate will always have water in April.   Boucher, Slate & Agate are all rewarding to explore.    This is quite adventurous for a first trip, but none of these side canyons are too difficult if you’re okay with some scrambling, and obviously you can just go as far as you are comfortable with.   Boucher is easy walking down to a nice beach at the river, and easy for quite a long way upcanyon.   There are some notes on Slate & Agate here.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Grand_Canyon_Hikers/conversations/messages/79507

Permits for Slate will be easier to obtain than the other routes discussed above.

Well, if you choose a base camp, I am partial to Bright Angel.  The reason being, if you get down there before 4, you can grab a beer.  The hike down isn’t bad however; it is basically all downside and you are using 1 set of muscles.  Depending on what shape your friends are in, they may want the next day to chill.  Hiking out to Cotton wood is pretty easy.  In April, you will probably not be able to make it to the North Rim: this hike form Cottonwood to the North Rim is cool however; it will get pretty steep.  With Bright Angel as a base camp, explore other section of the canyon.  Additionally, Phantom Ranch is open to the everyone after diner, so you can have a drink, play games and /or socialize with the other guest.T he night before you head up have the Stew or Steak diner and Phantom Ranch (make reservations).  It really depends on what you want to do: UL backpacking or indulging and concentrating on enjoying just being there.  My 2 cents.

Your first instinct may be the best option. Down Hermit trail coming out on Bright Angel is a very beautiful taste of Grand Canyon. The campsite at Salt Creek was my favorite, best view from a crapper ever.