This morning, we woke up early and
hiked a short way out to Calico Basin in Red Rock Canyon (Top 5 destinations
for rock climbing in the nation) for some top roping. The rocks out here are an amazing zebra striped sandstone that are really awesome for climbing. Afterwards, we headed
out toward the Colorado River and hiked to Gold Strike Hot Springs below the Hoover Dam. The hike is
only a few miles in but it was a killer! There was lots of boulder scrambling
and rock hopping. Many spots on the trail had ropes to help you get up and
down. We suffered a few small injuries but reaching the end was very rewarding.
The hot springs start flowing about a mile into the hike down the bed of the
tall canyon and follow you all the way to the river, stopping in different
pools on the way. Unfortunately as we hiked down the weather was in the 100
degree range, so we werent too eager to get into 100 degree water, we were a
little more interested in the cool river at the end. Even the rocks we were
climbing down were hot. At certain spots in the canyon hot water fell from the
edges like a shower, beautiful! At the end of the hike the hot springs meet
with the river and there is a lukewarm pocket swim in. There were a group of
fish ranging from 1-2 feet hanging out that didn't seem too bothered by us. If
you swim closer to the edge where the river is flowing (and cold!) you could
see the bridge over the Hoover dam.
The hike out
was a little bit better because the canyon was shaded, but we were still pretty
worn out by the end. And seriously ready for some food.
Up until this point we have
been finding and setting up camp after dark, and it was time to break the
pattern! We cruised on some dirt roads toward Boulder City and found an area to
camp in Boy Scout Canyon. On our way out there we saw a group of big horn
sheep! In the bottom of the canyon it felt like we were in a bowl, and there
weren't any people around. We made some dinner, set up camp, and crashed pretty
early. Successful day!
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