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| - This is a unique hiking/bouldering/scrambling site that experienced folks should definitely not miss. Lily's review has the pics & excellent 411; here's a few more strong suggestions:
- while it's a "not to be missed" experience: consider leaving it for spring/fall. The heat in the canyon after 10AM is brutal
- pack extra fluid w electrolytes in your Camelbak (4L H20 & 16 oz Coconut water was NOT enough for me & heat illness can strike quickly)
- an umbrella in your rucksack can help alleviate heat if for any reason you are having heat issues; so can a couple of "instant ice paks" from REI
- when you are coming back up, those 25ft+ boulders will be even harder to scale with wet shoes from the springs. It is possible to scramble up them, but it will deplete your energy. The rocks are also BLAZING HOT: wear gloves and be prepared.
We ran into cool folks who had done the hike before and were super helpful. The Springs on either side, Cave of Wonders and natural pools are gorgeous. Many rattlesnakes down there, too. Also, on many sections there's more than one way to get back to trail, so you can pick the one you find more appealing, etc.
There's Nettle all over the place = stay away, it sticks and scratches you up. Look for cool rock formations, vegetation growing out of the canyons and odd random stuff like a cut in half bus way up near top of trailhead.
Always use smarts: leave it as you found it, tell someone where you are going, etc but also keep a close eye in your companions. Heat & dehydration can hit you hard and packing as though you were doing an endurance event can't hurt (gels, salt tabs etc)
I'm a veteran of sprint tris, 100's of hikes/mountaineering on several continents (4) & endurance events but was nearly taken out by heat had it not been for Liily's quick and decisive action. That said, I'm soooo going to do it again but in cooler weather & more than 3x + the recommended hydration. Again, this is not a summer hike, IMHO.
***** Special shout out to Lily: my hero!
**** to the trail = brutal but amazing
*** to Sunshine Nails = 2 weeks in and my first gel mani barely chipped even though I did 3rd boulder on way up Spidey style = no rope. Julie is some kinda nail Genie.
** Honorable mention to the CVS cashier in Boulder City who suggested filthy dirty Lily & I drink our Pedialyte & munch Chex Mix at their display picnic in middle of store = classy; but it was cool in there.
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