. . "1"^^ . "2"^^ . "4"^^ . "Yelp 100 Challenge 15' * 2/100\n\nPossibly one of the most difficult trails I've come across in my 24 years. \n\nIf anything, my first word of advice is to not follow the GPS navigation for Gold Strike. Google maps, in particular, gets confused with trails beneath the overlapping highway above it. My friends and I ended up close to the hoover dam twice before finally turning the map off and following the road signs instead. \n\nPeople have warned me about the trail's level of difficulty early on but with my stubborn persistence, I was willing to take up a challenge with fellow risk-takers. We got to the trail at about 11am and first ventured in at a fast, steady pace on lose gravel for about 30 minutes in order to make more time for the slipping, sliding and navigating once the boulders came into the picture. Before the hard part came, we were greeted with a large cooler accompanied with a warning sign about the dangers of dehydration, the consequences and about how there was no signal in there. A great thing to keep in mind is how you should never underestimate how much water you need. There may have been about 20-30 bottles of water and salt packets when we went (all left by previous hikers) but we never know when they'll run out so be sure to bring substantial amounts.\n\nFrom there, things go downhill - figuratively and literally. You will find yourself hanging on to ropes, figuring out whether your footing on a 12 foot vertical boulder would give you a good landing 1-2 feet below it. Never rush, be careful and meticulous with your steps. If possible, bring a glove for a better grip at the ropes. Follow graffiti signs thoughtfully written by fellow local hikers to help you find your way down faster. You'll encounter roughly 8 ropes and about 4-5 hot springs. The scrambling down may be tough and slippery at times (especially near the end where the water flows down continuously) but you will have the reward of enjoying spectacular views of the Colorado river at the end of the hike. Or if you don't intend to go all the way, there's the soothing warm temperatures of the hot springs, perfect for a relaxing dip during winter. \n\nIf you hike during the cold months, plan your time wisely and give an estimate of when you'll be done. Make sure you're back before sunset and never think you'll be able to wrap this trail up in about 2-3 hours. Overestimate and keep track of how long it took you to get down. It will probably take you the same amount of time to get back. Taking a risk is good, but being recklessness is another story. With that, we budgeted our time and managed to get back in the car at about 4:45pm and that included a 5-10 minute break at the river. \n\nDespite the intense bouldering that came with the terrain, I have to admit that Gold Strike has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying (after you're done with the muscle soreness stage) trails I've ever trekked."^^ . "3"^^ . "2015-01-15T00:00:00"^^ . .