From Phoenix: Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour

Discover the rich history and natural beauty of the Bradshaw Mountains near Phoenix on this guided hiking and gold panning tour. Explore the region’s gold mining past as you trek through the rugged terrain and try your hand at panning for gold in the Agua Fria River. With all necessary equipment provided, this immersive outdoor experience allows you to step back in time and become a true gold prospector. Suitable for adults with moderate fitness levels, the tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and uncover the hidden treasures that lie within. What secrets might the mountains reveal?

Key Points

• Take a 1.5-hour guided hiking and gold panning tour in the scenic Bradshaw Mountains near Phoenix.
• Learn about the history of gold mining and have the opportunity to pan for gold in the Agua Fria River.
• Enjoy an authentic outdoor experience led by a professional guide.
• Participants must be at least 7 years old and able to handle moderate physical activity and uneven terrain.
• Meet at the Arizona Outdoor Fun property, located 0.5 mile off the I-17 frontage road near Rock Springs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This 1.5-hour hiking and gold panning tour takes visitors through the scenic Bradshaw Mountains near Phoenix, offering a chance to learn about the area’s gold mining history and try their hand at panning for gold in the Agua Fria River.

Priced at $61.33 per person, the tour includes a professional guide and all necessary gold panning equipment. Participants can explore the riverbed where miners once found gold, while also appreciating the beautiful natural surroundings.

The tour is suitable for adults and children over 7, but those with mobility or health issues may want to reconsider.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and accessible experience.

Highlights of the Experience

The guided hiking and gold panning tour offers several highlights that allow visitors to enjoy the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Participants can hike through the scenic Bradshaw Mountains, taking in the rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, they’ll learn how to pan for gold in the Agua Fria River, where miners once discovered the precious metal in the riverbed.

The tour also provides the opportunity to see where the miners would find gold, giving participants a glimpse into the past and the thrill of the gold rush era. With the guidance of a professional, visitors can enjoy an authentic and engaging outdoor experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour typically includes a professional guide to lead the hiking and gold panning experience. Participants also receive all the necessary gold panning equipment for the activity.

The guide will provide instructions on how to properly pan for gold and point out where gold deposits may be found in the Agua Fria River. Throughout the tour, the guide will share insights into the history of the Bradshaw Mountains and the region’s mining heritage.

The tour is designed to be an immersive and educational experience, allowing participants to get a taste of what it was like to be a gold prospector during the Arizona Gold Rush.

Amenities like snacks and water aren’t included, so hikers should come prepared.

Participant Restrictions

Certain individuals may not be able to participate in the Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour, including children under 7, pregnant women, and those with mobility or health issues that could impact their ability to hike and pan for gold safely. The tour involves moderate physical activity, navigating uneven terrain, and standing in shallow water. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the tour has the following restrictions:

Restriction	Reason
No children under 7	Difficulty with hiking and panning
No pregnant women	Safety concerns for mother and child
No mobility/health issues	Potential difficulty with physical activities

Participants should consider these restrictions carefully before booking the tour.

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Meeting Point and Directions

To reach the meeting point for the Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour, travelers should take I-17 north and exit at Rock Springs, exit 242.

They’ll then turn left, cross over the freeway bridge, and turn left again.

Next, they’ll head south on the frontage road, looking for the Arizona Outdoor Fun billboard.

Turning right 20 yards past the billboard, onto a dirt road driveway, they’ll travel 0.5 mile and then turn right into the Arizona Outdoor Fun property.

Transportation and Accessibility

This tour requires participants to arrive at the designated meeting point via their own transportation. Guests should plan to drive themselves, as no transportation is provided. Ample parking is available at the Arizona Outdoor Fun property, the final destination on the driving directions.

The tour is not suitable for certain groups due to the physical nature of the activities:

Restriction	Reason
Children under 7	Safety concerns
Pregnant women	Physical demands
Those with mobility/health issues	Difficulty of hiking and panning

While the tour offers an exciting adventure, participants must be able to hike and pan for gold independently. Those with any concerns should contact the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the experience is appropriate for their abilities.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this gold panning tour is simple, as it’s available from $61.33 per person. Guests can easily reserve their spot online or by calling the tour operator.

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, with a full refund provided.

The booking process is hassle-free:

• No hidden fees or charges
• Secure online payment options
• Instant confirmation upon booking
• Flexible cancellation policy
• Friendly and responsive customer service

With the ability to easily book and cancel this tour, guests can plan their Bradshaw Mountains adventure with confidence.

Additional Information

The tour departs from the Arizona Outdoor Fun property, which is accessible by following a specific set of directions.

Guests should take I-17 north and exit at Rock Springs, exit 242, then turn left to cross over the freeway bridge and turn left again. From there, they should head south on the frontage road and look for the Arizona Outdoor Fun billboard, turning right 20 yards past it onto a dirt road driveway. After traveling 0.5 mile, they should turn right into the Arizona Outdoor Fun property to reach the meeting point.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues. Guests are advised to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

The gold panning equipment is provided, and the tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Gold Panning Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own gold panning equipment. The tour provides the necessary equipment, but you’re welcome to use your own if you prefer. Just make sure it’s in good condition and safe to use.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Customers can request a private tour for their group, which would provide a more personalized experience. Private tours may have additional costs or require a minimum group size.

How Much Gold Can I Expect to Find?

The amount of gold guests can expect to find varies greatly, as gold deposits are unpredictable. While some may find flakes or small nuggets, there’s no guarantee of significant gold discovery. The guide will provide instruction, but actual finds depend on luck and conditions.

Are There Any Restrooms or Refreshments Available?

The tour provides portable restrooms on-site, but there are no refreshments available during the hike. Participants should bring their own snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the 1.5-hour outdoor adventure.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Want To?

Yes, you can typically extend the tour duration if desired. Tour operators are often willing to accommodate requests for longer tours, subject to guide availability and other logistical factors. Additional fees may apply for extended tour lengths.

Recap

This guided hiking and gold panning tour offers an immersive outdoor experience in the scenic Bradshaw Mountains near Phoenix.

Explore the region’s gold mining history as you trek through rugged terrain and pan for gold in the Agua Fria River.

The tour includes all necessary equipment, and it’s suitable for adults with moderate fitness levels, though age and mobility restrictions apply.

Book your adventure and step back in time as a gold prospector.

You can check availability for your dates here: