Anyone ever backpacked in the Grand Canyon?

[Tri Girl]

Too cool!!! Oh, and it' not too much info, PW- do you have more???

We actually have 3 plans to submit when we apply for our backcountry permit: rim to rim, South Kaibab to river then back up to Indian Garden to top, and some form of the Tonto trail. I want to provide as many options as possible so that our odds of getting a permit are greater. I'm SO excited!

Mmm... tadpole water. Sounds yummy! I'm actually reading (right now) Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon and read about a couple that passed up a puddle with tadpoles in it (proved to be fatal for them).

I've heard that North Rim is so much prettier, but it's so hard to get to. Would you recommend hiking down to the river and back from the North Rim? I know it's a LOT less traveled, and we can camp at Cottonwood Camp halfway back up. It's a lot further down (and back up) from the North Rim, but if you think it's worth it then we'll totally consider it. I'm all about avoiding the crowds and seeing a different side of the canyon (we were all South Rim last time).

Please, tell me more!!!!!! Thanks!