Granite Mountain Hot Shot Trail
The Granite Mountain Hot Shot Trail was formed to memorialize the 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shots who perished in June 2013 while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in Yarnell, Arizona.
Efforts between individuals in the communities of Yarnell and Prescott, as well as family members, culminated in the creation of the trail and Granite Mountain Hot Shot Memorial State Park.
The trail's address is White Spar Hwy #89, Yarnell, AZ 85362. It spans seven miles roundtrip to the memorial.
The trail goes through the Weaver Mountains and features an observation deck where individuals can leave items for the hotshots at the Tribute Wall. From the observation deck to the trail’s memorial circle is ¾’s of a mile. At the memorial circle are 19 gabions or baskets representing those lost. Memorial plaques featuring the names and faces of each hotshot can also be found along the trail.
It is possible to access the trail all year.
*It is rated as moderate. There is also noted to be little to no shade in this area, and it is recommended that visitors dress accordingly (appropriate shoes, etc.). It is estimated to be AT LEAST a four-hour hike (roundtrip).
NOTE: Parking space proximate to the Granite Mountain Hot Shots trail is limited. However, a shuttle is noted to deliver visitors to the trailhead.
To learn more about the trail and memorial, click here.
The story behind the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Trail
The Granite Mountain Hot Shot Trail commemorates the site where 19 of the 20 Granite Mountain Hot Shots were overtaken by the Yarnell Hill Fire while valiantly trying to protect the area.
The fire started with lightning on June 28, 2013 and overtook the men in a box canyon two days later on June 30, 2013.
Those 19 men were Eric Marsh, Jesse Steed, Clayton Whitted, Robert Caldwell, Travis Carter, Travis Turbyfill, Chris Mackenzie, Andrew Ashcraft, Joe Thurston, Wade Parker, Anthony Rose, Garret Zuppiger, Scott Norris, Dustin DeFord, William Warneke, Kevin Woyjeck, John Percin, Grant McKee, Sean Misner, and Brendan McDonough (survivor).
Their Legacy
The Granite Mountain Hot Shots left behind a testament to life. If you hike the Granite Mountain Hot Shot trail you will see the rugged beauty and challenging terrain that the Hot Shots loved and fought to protect. You will see the lives that were lived and loved at each marker along the trail. You will be reminded again and again, that life is precious and there are no guarantees.
