![]() There's some parts where you risk getting your shoes/sock wet, however not sure those aqua shoes would protect the souls of your feet on some of these rocks (but I did see a few people wearing them). Some boulders were very smooth and slippery, made me a tad bit scared but the ropes helped. I'd say it's no more than a 12-15 feet high that you're climbing up/down. You'll climb down about 6-7 more huge boulders using the nylon ropes that people graciously left behind. The water, flowing from small waterfalls is warmer than bath water- but it was too cold for me to want to actually sit in the hot springs (BOO! I'm boring!) so I don't actually know how 'hot' the water is. All the others were small pond-like or not deep enough to want to sit in. There's several other hot springs after that, one more notably larger and of nice depth. I'm 5' short, so I had to get a boost from someone every so often! Other boulders are pretty high and far from each other so stretching your legs to the maximum to get up/over is also a factor. IF YOU HAVE LEATHER GLOVES USE IT! Some of the rocks that you brace yourself on is poky and the girls hands at the end of it were sore and semi-swollen!!! Some rocks are really smooth and you practically use it as a slide to get down the rock (with the help of the rope) so don't go wearing your lululemon work out pants. The remainder of the hike (2nd half) to the river is much like that along with rock scrambling. So that is the first boulder that you need to climb down using a rope for balance and security. Sorry can't confirm that it's real or not. Another group was already there and told us there is a small tunnel about 10 feet long that you can swim through to get to a cave? A little too sketchy for my non-adventures life. You can tell you're getting close to the first hot spring because a small tiny water spring pops up, you look over a huge boulder and there it is, probably the cleanest, deepest, blue hot spring (see photo). ![]() Didn't catch any wildlife cruising by, just birds and in great company. Besides the strikingly tall huge rocks there's not much to see however still beautiful in it's own way. Long sleeves and long workout pants worked just fine for me. You're walking through a ravine so it was shaded for the most part and actually kinda chilly (expected for this time of year). Weather was in the mid-high 50's and we started at 1120am. Some people take their dogs on the 2nd half and pass/carry them down the huge boulders. ![]() I don't have kids so I wouldn't be able to gauge if the little ones would make it (like ages 4-8ish?), kinda questionable. I'd say that kids and dogs would be fine. It's not very bad, just an unanticipated calf workout. The only time you weren't walking in dirt is about 3/4 of a mile in where you traverse the side of the mountain/rocky area. The first half (possibly about 3 miles?) you're walking on dirt and gravel- so you're kinda sinking in a little with every footstep, which left you sorta walking on your toes- the entire first half. ![]() Our expectations was it was an easy hike for the first half and the second half can get a little 'sketchy' per our outdoorsy friend. A group of us finally made it out there and gosh was it rewarding and such a nice adventure! Our group consisted of one really outdoorsy guy, 2 non-hikers and 3 average/active people. I've lived in Vegas for 5 years and always heard about the hot springs. It makes the distance seem not so bad as it is very fun altogether. The hike back is all uphill but the views and the climb are enjoyable as you get to boulder your way back up. Durring the spring the water in the river is very cold (50 degrees I would bet) So jumping in is not a very good idea IMO. ![]() With gorgeous views of the river walls on the far side (about 100-150ft) the river flows through the canyon at a quik pace, creating a very kind breeze which is very nice to relax too as you layout on the rocks enjoying the sunshine. (make sure to take out what you carry in, NO GLASS) Once thru the spring area you will be able to decend a little further down to the River. With a slightly green tint the pools seem to glow in the afternoon shade, making for excellent photo opportunities and a wonderfull picnic area. The Hot spring pools themselves are incredible, they decend from pool to pool for about 100 yards. Once into the narrows you will be able to scramble through huge boulders and wonderful downhill views of the areas ahead. As you decend into the canyon itself the walls close in creating a natural beauty and a wonderfull set of narrows. Gold Strike Canyon is a wonderfull hike for the Avid outdoorsman or woman, The first part of the hike evolopes you fully into the canyon with walls as high as 100 ft. ![]()
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