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| - Want to feel like you really deserve a giant burger a fries? Take this hike. Want to put a crossfit WOD to shame? Take this hike. Want a team building activity stronger than a trust fall? Take this hike.
Read reviews, pack smart, dress appropriately. Goldstrike Hike is not for beginners! The first mile or so is flat terrain with gravel- you'll see a couple of cars that fell to their demise from the freeway above. The first mile is easy and younger kids/dog friendly. The fun starts when you hit rope climb 1. There are 8 ropes total- don't think they are there for "extra safety" they are there because you will need them. The climbs are not possible without the ropes. If you are lacking in upper body strength/have a fear of heights, reconsider. Rope climb 1 is the highest- easily 15 ft at a 100 degree descent. The rest are shorter, but not less tricky. There were 2 ropes that we found an alternate (easier) path around- always look for those!
The first half of the hike was labeled with blue and yellow spray painted arrows on rocks, after that there were no arrows. After the first mile it is all climbing and maneuvering your way above (and even below) boulders. There are parts where the ropes go through water and you will have to cross streams. Expect to get your shoes wet, but they shouldn't get drenched if you do it right!
Hike distance: 5-6 miles total
Time: 5.5 hours (We started at 9:30AM on a Saturday morning- there was quite a bit of people traffic at the ropes and we probably spent 30 minutes waiting for people to get down, also another 30 minutes admiring the river!)
Bring: Shoes that can get wet and have good traction, WATER, swim suit, towel, food, WATER, sun screen (however the hike is mostly in the shade... also the hike descends in altitude so it will get warmer!), WATER.
Not recommended for young kids and dogs. 1. I'm going to assume your dog can't climb down a rope-therefore he will not be able to get down unless you carry him 2. There is naegleria fowli (or brain eating bacteria) in the hot springs. You'll be safe going in as long as the water doesn't get up your nose/mouth, but I doubt your dog or child will be able to follow those directions 3. There were multiple spots where I had to jump 4+ feet to get down (or climb 4+ft on the way up) and that's probably a lot taller than your child or dog.
The way down to the springs is a lot scarier, but less of a workout (a lot more sliding, a lot of scary heights) and the way up is more of a workout. The way down took 3 hours, way up only took us 2 hours. Don't go alone! Go in a group. Everyone on the trail is friendly and will help you up/down parts you are having trouble with. It made me so happy seeing strangers working together to help others out!
DON'T follow your GPS or you will end up in Arizona! Look up directions before you go, it's not hard to find!
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