GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS MEMORIAL HIKE

“A Special Memorial Hike and Tribute to the Lives & Legacy of the Fallen 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots Firefighters”, in the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, in the Weaver Mountains, Yarnell, AZ!”

On June 30th, 2013, tragedy struck when 19 Hotshots firefighters all lost their lives while fighting the blazing Yarnell Hill Fire, one of the deadliest wildfires in Arizona’s history. The news of this horrific tragedy quickly spread around the world. Three years later, a memorial state park which was created in its same place in honorary tribute to the legacy of each of the lives lost of these brave firefighters, aka “The Granite Mountain Hotshots”. Today, on the Hotshots Trail, you can follow in the footsteps of these men with plaques identifying each one along the way as you slowly switchback 1200 feet up to the top of the mountain. There from the Observation Deck, at 5,460 feet in elevation, it is a only a ¾ mile trek to reach the fatality site, where a gabion stands in memorial of each firefighter who lost their life there.

If you’re up for a unique hiking experience and a special memorial and tribute journey that switchbacks and climbs 1200 feet with panoramic and expansive scenic views, then come out and join us for the Hotshots Memorial Hike, in the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, in the Weaver Mountains, Yarnell, AZ!
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Total Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Total Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, Out and Back

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS:

We will meet at the designated meet up location then carpool together to trail head parking lot.

Car-pooling with group and club members can be arranged at the meet up location on the morning of.

There is VERY limited parking area available at the trailhead and we may need to shuttle from Yarnell to the trailhead if the lot is full when we arrive.

Restroom facilities are available in the park.

Please come prepared for the journey with plenty of water, carbs, energy snacks and electrolytes are highly recommended.

Cooler temps with strong winds is possible up at the top, highly advisable to pack/dress in layers.

Pictures are always highly encouraged however we will remain cognizant of time to ensure a group return within a reasonable round-trip hiking time.

We will take a break for snacks and pictures and regroup up at the top.

After the hike, we will plan on getting together for lunch, location TBD and return to Phoenix by afternoon.

GROUP POLICIES & GUIDELINES:

GROUP PACE: For hiking adventures, we do not trail run. Therefore, if you average 3+ mph, you may be ahead of the group. If you hike 2 mph or slower, you may be behind the group. Hike at the pace, which is most comfortable to you but please note, should you lose the group and are not familiar with the route. Please research before you come by reviewing the resources and logistical information and PLEASE COME PREPARED!

If you have any questions about the difficulty, experience and fitness level advisable for this event, please contact the organizer. You are responsible for your own safety. Please ask questions regarding any concerns you might have, prior to attending.

Please follow the advisement and directions of your event organizer and host. Your event organizer(s) and host(s) really work hard and do their best to ensure all events and activities are well-researched, organized and are an enjoyable experience for everyone.

If you are RSVP’d or have signed up as GOING to a hike or event, we are looking forward to your coming. However, if you cannot make it, please be sure to update your status.

For more information about the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Hike, please go to:

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail - Arizona | AllTrails

Trails | Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park (azstateparks.com)

This is a very special memorial hike. I’m looking forward to another amazing journey hiking with you, soon! Cheers! 😊 Laura