Why was life difficult for the miners during the California gold rush?

Life was difficult for miners during the California Gold Rush due to harsh working conditions, including extreme weather, limited supplies, and dangerous mining practices. Many miners faced physical exhaustion and health issues from long hours of labor and poor sanitation. Additionally, competition for claims often led to conflicts and violence, while the high cost of living and scarcity of necessary goods made daily survival challenging. Overall, the pursuit of gold was fraught with hardship and uncertainty.