Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail, AZ

Overview
2.85 mi Hotshots Trail
0.75 mi Journey Trail


Hike
From the trailhead, the Hotshots Trail is a 2.85 mile path up to the Observation Deck. Every 600 feet, 19 granite plaques set into rocks share a photo and a story of each fallen Hotshot. Additional interpretive signage provides information about wildland firefighting.

From the Observation Deck, you can see the Fatality Site 400’ below and the Town of Yarnell to the east. Additional interpretive signage outlines the tragic events of the Yarnell Hill Fire. A Tribute Wall will be available to leave stickers, patches and other mementos in honor of the sacrifice the Granite Mountain Hotshots made to protect our community.

The 3/4-mile Journey Trails allows you to follow the last steps of the Hotshots down to the Fatality Site where they made their last stand. Encircling the Fatality Site, 19 gabions, one for each Hotshot, are united by chains representing their eternal team. A path surrounds the gabions and a memorial flagpole. Please, take a moment to pay your respects, but remain outside of the gabion enclosure out of respect for the Hotshots and their families.

Note
The trail is 7.2 miles round-trip, please dress appropriately, bring adequate water, food and plan for a four hour plus round-trip hike. There is no access to drinking water along the trail. Those making the seven-mile hike should begin before 12pm. and carry a flashlight in the event hiking out after dark becomes necessary. The hike back to the trailhead will take about 2 hours. Please plan accordingly.

Please pack in & pack out any trash. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and owners must pick-up after them.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot