This review will be long because I have a lot of wonderful things I would like to share about this experience. If you are just wondering if you should book this hike- the answer is YES. if you want to know why, keep reading.
I booked the intermediate hike for June 7th 2016. I was looking for something to do while my boyfriend attended a conference, so I signed up alone. No other people signed up, so there was a $35 up charge for a solo hike. I found that it was totally worth it because the hike was perfectly tailored for me and done at my pace.
My tour guide was Adam. This week had been particularly hot, so I asked if we could leave at 4 Am instead of 5 am.... I also really wanted to see the sunrise in the valley of fire. He was more than willing to accommodate this request! And they pick you up right at your hotel.
The hour long drive went smoothly and we saw a coyote and several jackrabbits along the way. Adam is very personable and easy going, so if you're signed up for a solo hike don't be concerned that it will be awkward or anything like that!
There is a rest stop along the way and I highly recommend using the bathroom there- the one at the valley of fire is pretty gnarly.
Since we arrived around 5:10 am, we climbed up to a high peak and watched the sunrise. Adam took a ton of really awesome photos for me throughout the hike.
After the sunrise, we continued the hike. Adam was very knowledgeable about the plant life and wild life as well as the history of the area. He pointed out the plants I should avoid and was very good at spotting antelope squirrel, chuckwalla, tarantula hawks, and we even chanced upon a bat sleeping in a cave.
I should mention that I was recovering from a sprained ankle when I did this hike. I wore a brace and was able to do all the climbing/ crawling/ rock scrambling necessary to complete it. It was definitely a challenge and some parts were a little bit scary but the guide shows you what to do and is very helpful if you get stuck along the way. They will also carry several water bottles, gatorades and snacks for you so you dont have to worry about that.
Please note- wear good hiking shoes, and try to avoid wearing sneakers with a mesh top. I dumped a truckload of sand out of my shoes about 6 times during the 2.5 hour hike.
I felt amazingly accomplished by the end of this- I have been on many hikes in my life, but never have a been so challenged by the terrain! The scenery was so beautiful and unique, I couldn't get enough of the amazing sandstone formations and the wildlife.
Adam is extremely passionate about his job; it is quite obvious that he does this out of sheer enjoyment of the outdoors. This attitude alone makes this hike a great experience, and I highly recommend it to everyone!!