From Phoenix: Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour

This Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour from Phoenix offers adventure-seekers a unique opportunity to explore the Bradshaw Mountains. Priced affordably, the 1.5-hour excursion includes expert guidance, hands-on gold panning instruction, and insights into the region’s rich mining history. Guests can expect scenic hikes, wildlife viewing, and an immersive experience that connects them to the land’s storied past. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an exciting outdoor activity, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Arizona’s captivating Gold Rush legacy.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Phoenix.

Key Points

• Take a 1.5-hour guided tour in the Bradshaw Mountains to experience gold panning and learn about the region’s rich gold mining history.
• The tour starts from a meeting point off the frontage road, accessible by taking I-17 north from Phoenix and following the provided directions.
• Includes professional guides, gold panning equipment, and hotel pickup/drop-off, with restrictions for certain health conditions and age limits.
• Highlights include scenic hiking, learning gold panning techniques, and observing local wildlife and desert plant life.
• Tour can be booked with flexible payment options, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Bradshaw Mountains in Arizona, one of the richest gold-filled mountain ranges in the United States.

Priced from €55.32 per person, this 1.5-hour tour allows participants to learn gold panning techniques in the Agua Fria River, where miners once discovered gold in the riverbed.

Guests will also hear about the area’s rich history of gold mining and have a chance to observe the local wildlife and desert plant life.

The tour includes a professional guide, gold panning equipment, and hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an accessible and informative experience for visitors.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can hike through the scenic Bradshaw Mountains, one of the richest gold-filled mountain ranges in the U.S. During the tour, they’ll learn gold panning techniques and discover where miners found gold in the Agua Fria River’s riverbed.

The guide will share the history of gold mining in the area, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past. Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to observe local wildlife and desert plant life, adding to the overall immersive experience.

This tour provides a unique chance to connect with the area’s rich gold rush heritage while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tour Details

The tour includes a professional guide who’ll provide the necessary gold panning equipment.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues.

Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes and bring an ID card (copy accepted).

Sandals, flip-flops, alcohol, drugs, skirts, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the payment is flexible, allowing visitors to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Booking Information

Cancellation Policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Flexible Payment allows you to reserve your spot without any upfront payment – you can book now and pay later. This tour is popular, so securing your place early is recommended.

To book, simply choose your preferred date and time. You’ll receive confirmation details shortly after.

The meeting point may not work on GPS apps, so be sure to search for the local operator’s name.

Driving directions are provided, guiding you from Phoenix to the tour’s starting location in the Bradshaw Mountains.

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Driving Directions

To reach the meeting point for the Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour, the street address may not work on GPS apps. Instead, search for the local operator’s name.

From Phoenix, follow these steps:

1. Take I-17 north and exit at Rock Springs (exit 242).
2. Turn left, cross the freeway bridge, and turn left again.
3. Head south on the frontage road and look for the Arizona Outdoor Fun billboard.
4. Turn right 20 yards past the billboard onto a dirt road, travel 1/2 mile, and turn right into the Arizona Outdoor Fun property.

Customer Reviews

According to the reviews, visitors have consistently praised the professionalism and knowledge of the guides leading the Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour. Customers have also highlighted the friendly service from the office staff and the educational aspect of the experience, which allows them to learn about the history of gold mining in the area. The opportunity to find gold in the Agua Fria River has been a highlight for many, as shown in the following table:

Review Highlights	Number of Reviewers
Knowledgeable Guides	6
Friendly Staff	5
Gold Panning Experience	7

Meeting Point

Located just off the frontage road, the meeting point for the Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour may not be easily found on GPS apps.

To reach the meeting point, visitors should:

1. Take I-17 north from Phoenix and exit at Rock Springs (exit 242).
2. Turn left, cross the freeway bridge, then turn left again.
3. Head south on the frontage road and look for the Arizona Outdoor Fun billboard.
4. Turn right 20 yards past the billboard onto a dirt road, travel 1/2 mile, and turn right into the Arizona Outdoor Fun property.

The meeting point is clearly marked, making it easy for tour participants to find the starting location.

Availability and Pricing

The tour’s availability and pricing details are as follows: The Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour is priced from €55.32 per person and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The tour is offered in English, and availability can be checked for starting times. Below is a breakdown of the key details:

Feature	Details
Price	From €55.32 per person
Duration	1.5 hours
Language	English
Availability	Check for starting times

The tour includes a professional guide, gold panning equipment, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Certain restrictions apply, and guests should review the tour details carefully before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Find Any Gold During the Panning Experience?

While the tour can’t guarantee that visitors will find gold, the guides provide instruction on gold panning techniques and take participants to areas where miners historically discovered gold in the Agua Fria River’s riverbed. Many guests report finding small flakes or nuggets.

Can I Take My Found Gold Home With Me?

Yes, participants can take home any gold they find during the panning experience. The tour provides all necessary equipment, and guests are allowed to keep any gold flecks or nuggets discovered in the Agua Fria River.

How Difficult Is the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

The hiking portion of the tour is relatively moderate in difficulty. Guests can expect to hike through scenic mountain terrain, with some uphill sections. The tour guide adjusts the pace to accommodate the group’s abilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the meeting point before the hike begins. During the hike and gold panning portion, there are no restrooms available, so participants should plan accordingly.

Can I Bring My Own Panning Equipment?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own panning equipment. The tour includes all the necessary gold panning gear, so there’s no need to bring additional items. The guide will provide instruction on proper panning techniques during the experience.

Recap

The Gold Rush Guided Hiking and Gold Panning Tour in the Bradshaw Mountains near Phoenix offers an exciting adventure. Visitors can explore the area’s rich gold mining history, try their hand at gold panning, and enjoy scenic hiking while spotting local wildlife. With professional guidance and all the necessary equipment provided, this 1.5-hour tour provides an immersive and memorable experience in nature for a reasonable price.

You can check if your dates are available here: