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Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail - 21 members in 35 triplogs have rated this an average 4.4 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2  Next
35 triplogs
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Mar 07 2026
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 Routes 195
 Photos 7,436
 Triplogs 1,834

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 07 2026
Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,834
Hiking7.20 Miles 1,810 AEG
Hiking7.20 Miles   4 Hrs   22 Mns   2.11 mph
1,810 ft AEG      57 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Harem hike (Carey, Dan, Yolanda) to the Hotshots Memorial this morning. Got to the trailhead about 8:30 or so. 2 parking spots available. Light traffic on the trail. Cold and crazy windy on both sides of the mountain.
_____________________
 
229839
Feb 24 2026
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 Routes 86
 Photos 5,423
 Triplogs 135

female
 Joined Dec 09 2024
 
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 24 2026
DesertNymph • Triplogs 135
Hiking7.72 Miles 1,909 AEG
Hiking7.72 Miles   4 Hrs   16 Mns   1.91 mph
1,909 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 
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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.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Ashen milkvetch  Birch leaf mountain mahogany  Dichelostemma capitatum  Bristly Fiddleneck  Bristly Hiddenflower  Brittlebush  California Suncup  Chia  Claret Cup Cactus  Desert Evening Primrose  Desert Globemallow  Desert Honeysuckle  Desert Trumpet  Desert Wishbone Bush  Desert/Mojave ceanothus  Dodder  Fairy Duster  Fleabane  Golden Corydalis  Groundcover milkvetch  Jojoba  Lesser yellowthroat Gilia  London Rocket  Microseris  Narrowleaf Goldenbush  Red-Gland Spurge  Redstem stork's bill  Scarlet Bugler  Scorpionweed  Southwestern mock vervain  Spiny goldenweed  Star gilia  Trailing Four O'Clock  Tumble Mustard  Whispering Bells  Whitestem blazing star  Wild Buckwheat  Wiry Lotus
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Common side-blotched lizard  Mylitta Crescent
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually 😆
 
229675
Oct 19 2025
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 Guides 37
 Routes 569
 Photos 10,973
 Triplogs 1,067

male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2025
FOTG • Triplogs 1,067
Hiking8.89 Miles 2,061 AEG
Hiking8.89 Miles   4 Hrs   36 Mns   2.04 mph
2,061 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
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I hiked the Memorial Trail and completed some site steward work. The trail is in excellent shape and the trail and memorial is well done. I found it to be a moving experience to hike the trail. We were the first to arrive at the trailhead, but it was full when we got back.
_____________________
  1 archive
226748
Sep 17 2025
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 Routes 9
 Photos 540
 Triplogs 22

female
 Joined May 20 2016
 AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 17 2025
WildForAZ • Triplogs 22
Hiking7.06 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.06 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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I had this hike on my list for a few years now. I got a late start to drive there, and the temperature was 89 by the time I parked. But there was a slight breeze, so I figured it would be fine especially after getting up to the 5,000+ elevation level. Plus I was carrying over a gallon of water. Only one other vehicle was in the parking lot - a couple heading down who were almost finished with the hike. The gentleman told me I was getting a late start :lol:

The trail is very nice with lots of granite steps placed in the right spots, and plenty of interesting granite boulders fill the landscape. It was deceiving many times thinking I had made it to the top only to have another ridge come into view. Lots of small lizards were racing around (and one horned lizard).

The plaques along the trail of the fallen hotshots were a touching addition. They contain name/age, a headshot photo and a short bio on each one, giving you an introduction to their personal lives, accomplishments and dreams.

It was very sad to imagine their last moments and visit their final resting place, especially seeing how close they were to a nearby ranch and to Yarnell. They gave up their lives to help others, and I'm glad this park will preserve the dedication and memory of each one.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Horned Lizard
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
 
226029
Feb 22 2025
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 Guides 3
 Routes 669
 Photos 9,068
 Triplogs 644

55 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 22 2025
ddgrunning • Triplogs 644
Hiking7.64 Miles 1,848 AEG
Hiking7.64 Miles   4 Hrs   11 Mns   2.21 mph
1,848 ft AEG      44 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We watched the movie on this one a while back (in the summer when it was too hot to plan a visit) and wanted to hike the memorial trail. The trail is very well constructed, with informative and sobering memorial plaques and shaded rest benches at various intervals along the way, and a nice statue at the TH. A copy of each of the individual plaques is at the TH as well.

Very little parking, and it was full when we arrived a little after 9 am. There are no parking signs along 89 for a few hundred feet. Several cars were parked beyond the signs, and we joined them. Apparently, there is a shuttle of some sort in Yarnell.

It was a very nice day on the trail, which I understand roughly follows the hotshots' route. All along the way, I kept expecting to crest the hill, but the trail meanders below the ridgeline, saving the view down to the fatality site until after all (or almost all) of the memorial plaques are passed.

Looking down on the fatality site, it is agonizingly close to the Boulder Springs Ranch, which appears to be only a couple 100 yards away. But the fire apparently cut them off and was moving at an incredibly fast pace. The overlook site from above has a plaque with a photo of the absolutely scorched area taken shortly after the fire swept through. Total incineration, burning at an estimated 2000 degrees.

R.I.P.

Lots of memorials from individuals and fire fighting groups from across the country, and abroad as well. We crossed paths with 20-30 individuals from the Chandler FD paying a visit while doing some training.
_____________________
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221579
May 04 2024
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 Guides 4
 Routes 237
 Photos 114
 Triplogs 234

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar May 04 2024
ScaredyCat • Triplogs 234
Hiking7.28 Miles 1,806 AEG
Hiking7.28 Miles   4 Hrs   3 Mns   1.84 mph
1,806 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
no photosets
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Had previously done this in April 2017. April 2019 went to the high point. Was hoping to do the same today but no luck. The person who had signed up who was willing backed out the day before. 😑

Barely slept last nt but always come to life for my passion of hiking. Bout a 500 ft gain each of the 1st 2 miles. The person with me chose to wait while I went down to the fatality site.

New switchbacks since I'd been there heading down. Many attempted short cuts despite the warnings and branches. Stayed on correct path each way. Easy heading back toward TH with virtually no AEG.
 
215192
Dec 21 2021
avatar

 Guides 100
 Routes 1,608
 Photos 16,655
 Triplogs 1,501

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Yarnell Hill, AZ 
Yarnell Hill, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2021
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,501
Hiking9.10 Miles 2,415 AEG
Hiking9.10 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   2.50 mph
2,415 ft AEG      40 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
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I needed to be NW of town today, so I decided to hike up to Yarnell Hill, which is out near the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial. In fact, the bike begins at the Hotshots Memorial TH, follows the trail along all the memorials, and then instead of taking the Journey Trail down to the fatality site, you continue NW on what is left of an old jeep trail until you get to Yarnell Hill.

The elevation of Yarnell Hill is somewhere around 6,080'-6,100'. What caught my eye is that it has a little over 1,100' of prominence, so it has some peakbagging interest for me.

It was a fairly easy hike past the Hotshots Trail, although there was some ups and downs, which added a bit to the elevation gain. The views were nice along the way and at the summit, but I would not consider them to be extraordinary.

I followed the road until a few hundred feet from the summit, and had to go off-trail from there. It was an easy off-trail though -- there was some shrub live oak to deal with, but it was fairly easy to find gaps and avoid almost all of it. There was a tad bit of rock hopping just below the summit, but I would not even call it class 2 hiking/climbing. It was a nice day -- cloudy with moderate temperatures and not much wind -- so I hung out at the summit for a bit before heading back. At the summit there were some nice 360 degree views of the surrounding area.

This was a decent hike but it won't make my top ten list. Most non-peakbaggers would not want to make the trip out there just to hike to Yarnell Hill, but if you are hiking the Hotshots Memorial anyway and want a little extra distance and elevation gain, this might be a good option.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Weaver Peak  Yarnell Hill
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
192411
Jun 28 2020
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 130
 Photos 1,513
 Triplogs 132

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 28 2020
mikemcg • Triplogs 132
Hiking7.78 Miles 1,842 AEG
Hiking7.78 Miles   4 Hrs   33 Mns   2.20 mph
1,842 ft AEG   1 Hour   1 Min Break
 
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Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Tomorrow (June 30) marks the 7th anniversary of the tragic deaths of the 19 Granite Mountain firefighters in the Yarnell Hill Fire. This weekend we went there to pay our respects.

The night before, we watched "Only the Brave", which provides a brief glimpse into the lives and the final sacrifice of these firefighters. It runs 2:25, but feels much shorter and left us wanting to know more about them.

We arrived at the trailhead at approximately 1pm. There is only space for a few vehicles along the side of the highway. There is also a shuttle which is out of service until Fall. The trail is easy, as it gradually makes its way toward the peak via many switchbacks. Along the way there are 19 plaques, one for each Hotshot, spaced approximately 100-200 meters apart. Each one has a picture, a biography, and various memorabilia. All of the Hotshots had such promising lives, and almost all were under 30 years old when the tragedy occurred. We stopped to read each plaque, as well as the signs along the way, which provide info about wildfires and firefighting techniques. Near the peak is the memorial, with pictures of the hotshots, information about what happened on the day of the tragedy, and a tribute wall with items left by visitors from around the world.

From the memorial site, there is a trail that descends, via numerous switchbacks, down into the canyon where the tragedy occurred. The site is marked by 19 gabions, linked to form a circle, which contains 19 crosses. We paid our respects, then returned the way we came.

Along the way, we met one firefighter who had traversed the trail while wearing full gear and carrying a pulaski. Respect.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Old Glory
  7 archives
177376
May 25 2020
avatar

 Routes 26
 Triplogs 282

39 male
 Joined Apr 14 2019
 Phoenix, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar May 25 2020
richvosko • Triplogs 282
Hiking7.14 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.14 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
 
176401
Apr 20 2020
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 Routes 297
 Photos 6,928
 Triplogs 552

50 male
 Joined Dec 30 2007
 Avondale,Az
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2020
Stoic • Triplogs 552
Hiking7.51 Miles 1,871 AEG
Hiking7.51 Miles   4 Hrs   50 Mns   1.96 mph
1,871 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Nice memorial hike. Luckily the pup and I got an early start. It was starting to get warm on the way out.
_____________________
 
177802
Apr 15 2020
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 Photos 1,217
 Triplogs 206

male
 Joined Aug 04 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 15 2020
hikemonk • Triplogs 206
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,350 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
1,350 ft AEG12 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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A little back story... I have a lifelong friend who has been asking me to take him out to this hike for several years. He is absolutely not a hiker. However, he seemingly "needed" to make this trek. You see, at age 20, 40+ years ago, he spent a year as an Arizona Hotshot and obviously felt a connection to these young men that had perished on that fateful day. So, off we went and as it turned out, it was a sober but very enjoyable hike. Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated it being so and therefore left both camera and cell phone in the car :( So, the only photo I have is one my friend took of something that confronted us on the path. I kid you not, that thing was 7 to 8 feet long!! Once we reached the "overlook", my friend seemed to have had enough so we opted not to go down to ground zero by the memorial itself. It was a good day.....
_____________________
 
190770
Mar 14 2020
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 515

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 14 2020
Mike_Fels • Triplogs 515
Hiking7.87 Miles 1,827 AEG
Hiking7.87 Miles
1,827 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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A neighbor talked me into doing this hike. With a 2 hour drive each way I wasn't sure it would be worth it for a 7 mile hike. The sun didn't shine for 90% of the hike and it was windy and cold. The trail from the lookout to the circle was muddy with water running through it. The low clouds were threatening to rain but they didn't.

The hike was a lot slower than usual, stopping to read each of the 19 plaques and the 8 (I think) detailed explanation exhibits. About 3 hours going up, because of the reading and discussion. But only about 1:45 coming back with only 1 stop and further discussions done on the move.

The information about the Hotshot's last day was a bit confusing, a bit emotional but quite interesting. I'm glad I went. Purely from a hiking aspect the trail wasn't anything that was worth the drive, to me. But with the info and provenance of the trail it was worth it.
_____________________
 
174035
Oct 31 2019
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 Guides 100
 Routes 1,608
 Photos 16,655
 Triplogs 1,501

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 31 2019
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,501
Hiking7.50 Miles 1,829 AEG
Hiking7.50 Miles   3 Hrs   36 Mns   2.78 mph
1,829 ft AEG      54 Mns Break
 
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1st trip
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SecretMtnLover
This hike has been on my "to do" list for a while, so I decided that today was a good day to do it. I managed to convince Tracie(my favorite and intrepid hiking partner), Elaine, and Barb to join me. Elaine and Barb just got back from hiking for 2 months in Europe, and Tracie and I enjoyed hearing about their exploits.

I thought that this trail was very well done -- it was a somber hike though. It was not an easy hike for a casual hiker, but there were lots of switchbacks and the tread was very good, so the hike seemed pretty easy to me.

I'd recommend this hike for those who have not done it before.

After the hike we stopped at Nichols West restaurant in Congress, and it was really good. The menu was much more eclectic than I would have expected for a restaurant in Congress; I'll be back there again the next time that I am in the area.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
170368
Oct 19 2019
avatar

 Routes 195
 Photos 7,436
 Triplogs 1,834

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2019
Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,834
Hiking7.30 Miles 1,780 AEG
Hiking7.30 Miles   4 Hrs   22 Mns   2.27 mph
1,780 ft AEG   1 Hour   9 Mns Break13 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Gallydoll
Great hike and views memorializing those brave souls who lost their lives in the line of duty. Wasn't expecting that there would be a Arizona State Park Ranger at the trailhead providing information about the fire and the history of the surrounding area.
_____________________
 
170065
Mar 04 2019
avatar

 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,239

male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 04 2019
Sun_Ray • Triplogs 1,239
Hiking5.38 Miles 1,551 AEG
Hiking5.38 Miles   3 Hrs   51 Mns   1.99 mph
1,551 ft AEG   1 Hour   9 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Finally! This has been on my list for a long time while I ran into weather issues.....to cold/rain or I felt I was not in good enough shape to do and enjoy the hike. We arrived at the TH at 7:45 AM and there were only two other cars in the lot of about 12 spaces. Our hike (Judy and Kai were with me) was like most of the other logs....stop and read the plaques take in the views. We turned around at the lookout down to the actual fatality site. Don't be concerned about directions to the site as when you get within about 2 miles the many signs on the road will direct you to the parking lot. Highly recommend.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
 
163833
Feb 02 2019
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 5
 Photos 63
 Triplogs 89

53 male
 Joined Jan 26 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2019
capcyclone • Triplogs 89
Hiking7.14 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.14 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice cool weather for this hike. They’ve done a nice job building this trail and honoring the 19. Have wanted to do this trail for quite a while and glad I had the chance to do the hike and pay my respects to the fallen.
_____________________
 
163042
Oct 29 2018
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 Guides 10
 Triplogs 432

64 male
 Joined Feb 25 2002
 Scottsdale
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 29 2018
Tim • Triplogs 432
Hiking6.80 Miles 1,725 AEG
Hiking6.80 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   1.85 mph
1,725 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was a beautiful day for a hike. The temperature was 66 degrees when I pushed off from the trailhead at 8:30 after an hour and 35 minute drive from South Scottsdale. I only encountered a half dozen people on the trail the entire time and the temperature was just 75 degrees when I finished. Besides being a fantastic memorial to some brave men, this hike has awesome views and provides a good workout. Needless to say, the final fatality site is pretty moving. I would have hated to have been in their shoes. The ranch was still a good distance away and there was no way they were escaping back up that bowl with 50 pound packs on their backs when they were forced to deploy. Tragic. I had the round trip hike at 6.8 miles with 1,725 feet of AEG in 3 hours and 40 minutes. I was pretty winded today as it took me 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach the site and just 90 minutes to get back. I was reading the memorial plaques on the way up but those didn't take that long. It's a good climb.
_____________________
 
160004
Apr 25 2018
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 Guides 7
 Routes 187
 Photos 2,318
 Triplogs 909

75 male
 Joined Dec 10 2016
 Gold Canyon
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 25 2018
Daytripper • Triplogs 909
Hiking7.46 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.46 Miles
1,800 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked to the deployment site at a steady pace, leisurely returned in order read all the information and plaques on the way down, time to do this hike will vary quite a bit. It certainly is a trail I would label as a labor of love for these heroes. Agree with the previous recommendations to bring enough water particularly in the warmer weather,the first couple of miles are uphill and very little shade. Decided to visit he Grandfather Juniper after this hike.
_____________________
Arizona23asu7
 
154662
Apr 15 2018
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,261

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 15 2018
johnlp • Triplogs 5,261
Hiking7.14 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.14 Miles   3 Hrs      2.38 mph
1,800 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Very nice memorial. Well constructed trail. The park ranger explained the changing path of the fire to us. The hotshots were close to the ranch but cut off by the fire. Sad. Recommended. Thanks Kelly.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
  1 archive
154267
Apr 15 2018
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,843

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial TrailPrescott, AZ
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 15 2018
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,843
Hiking7.14 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking7.14 Miles   3 Hrs      2.38 mph
1,800 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
johnlp
this hike has been on my radar for a couple years
john and i were looking for something new, so we made the drive to yarnell
left town early and found only one other car in the small parking lot
got going a little before 0700
didn't look closely at the time, didn't track anything - wanted to take however long felt appropriate
cool to start with, but decent elevation gain right off to warm up
plenty of switchbacks!
nicely constructed and routed trail through granite boulders
terrain and vegetation similar to granite mountain
as mentioned in description and triplogs, plaques of each hotshot on boulders spread out along the way
an observation point on a ridgeline with space for tributes and some informational signage
the discovery trail led down to the fatality site
plenty of photos posted of this and i didn't feel like taking any
we had the trail to ourselves until back to the observation point, then started seeing people coming up
i've read quite a bit about the fire, and today learned a few new things to fill in the gaps
the whole experience was sad, moving and heartbreaking
i thought the trail and memorials were very well done, and recommend a visit
thanks for doing it with me, john

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hazhole
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average hiking speed 2.17 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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