| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 7.72 Miles |
1,909 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.72 Miles | 4 Hrs 16 Mns | | 1.91 mph |
| 1,909 ft AEG | 13 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | With a friend visiting from out of town, but staying way out in the west valley, I was looking for something to do that would take me in that direction so we could meet up. I'd been intending to hike the Hotshots Memorial Trail, and I figured this would prove to be a good opportunity for it with it being mid week and temps in the valley rising fast.
I managed to catch some rushhour traffic heading outbound even with an early start and arrived at the small parking area for the trailhead a little after 8, finding one out of town vehicle parked, and a park employee cleaning the facilities. Temps were in the high 50s, but it felt plenty warm in the sun. Signage encourages folk to make sure they have sufficient water and are appropriately prepared before heading out on the walk.
The trail is well maintained, and easy to follow. Some evidence of switchback cutting (and signs asking people to not do so) are present in places - more so on the Journey Trail heading down from the observation deck area than on the hike to the high point. Each memorial plaque had a small collection of tributes nearby, and the tribute wall at the overlook had many momentos left. The park service periodically collects the items left at the park and stores them for safe keeping in its permanent collection. Looking down from the observation deck to the fatality site, it is devastating to see how close they were to the Ranch before being overcome by the extremely swift-moving fire.
After hiking down to the memorial, I had briefly thought to add some additional mileage by following the old two-track from the observation deck area further afield, but I needed to be back in the valley to meet up with my visiting friend. By the time I arrived back at the parking area, most of the spaces were occupied and there was a group congregating at the base of the stairs that mark the start of the trail from the lot.
Wildlife: plenty of birds, some butterflies, and a surprising quantity of lizards
Other People: At least 6 other groups of folk, and a handful of firefighters that looked to have approached from Yarnell directly rather than heading in via the memorial trail. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
|
|
| _____________________
Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
