Final Hiking Itinerary

Well, here it is...

I talked to the Backcountry office today and they confirmed the itinerary below which is great news:

Day 1: 9.7mi-Trailhead to Hermit Rapids camp
Day2: 5.6mi-Hermit Rapids to Granite Rapids camp
Day3: 6mi-Granite to Salt Creek camp
Day4: 7.3mi-Salt Creek to Indian Garden
Day5: 4.9mi-Indian Garden to S. Rim

Total Miles: 33.5mi

Here's the good, the bad and the ugly...

Good:

• Pretty much all new terrain to cover
• Small camps with the exception of Indian Garden
• Trail is supposed to be in great shape in the winter
• From NPS: The Hermit Trail has less snow and ice than any other trail on the South Rim. This is due in part to the trailhead being at less than 7000ft. In addition, at about 0.5 miles the trail turns from north-facing to southwest-facing as it descends through the Coconino Sandstone. So expect some snow and ice at first, but with quickly improving conditions as you descend.

Bad:

• Need to carry and filter water, no "municipal" water until Indian Garden

 Ugly:

• I'll have to sign an agreement that we understand that our first day is "difficult".  The ranger said this is commonly done without issue, but many bail a few miles short at Hermit Creek camp and add stress to that camp.  Not really an option for us, so strap up and train hard.  I'll sign the agreement and we'll get our pass, no time for cryin' now

Map of the route:
Map

Useful Links: 

NPS Grand Canyon Winter Hiking
Backcountry Conditions
Pictures of Hermit Trail route
A narrative of Hermit Trail Route
Info on Hermit Trail
NPS .pdf on Hermit Trail
NPS .pdf on Tonto Trail