Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail

State Highway 89,Yarnell AZ 85362

12 November, 2022

Description

Connect and explore with others from North Valley, join us for a beautiful hike then lunch at, El Ranchero Restaurant in Wickenburg. 683 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ, 85390 The Hotshots Trail takes you through the Weaver Mountains and includes a 1,200 ft. elevation gain with a 5-8 percent grade. As you make your way, you will encounter 200+ stairs carved from the surrounding rock, interpretive signs, benches and 19 memorial plaques. From the trailhead, the 2.85-mile path will lead you up to the observation deck. Every 600 feet, 19 granite plaques set into rocks share a photo and a story of each fallen Hotshot. Four interpretive signs paired with memorial benches provides information about wildland firefighting. Once you reach the observation deck, you can see the Fatality Site 400’ below and the Town of Yarnell to the east. Additional interpretive signs here, outline the tragic events of the Yarnell Hill Fire. A Tribute Wall at the Observation Deck is available to leave stickers, patches and other mementos in honor of the sacrifice the Granite Mountain Hotshots made to protect our community. Journey Trail Once at the observation deck, the 3/4-mile Journey Trail 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 gabion baskets, one for each Hotshot, are united by chains representing their eternal team. A short path surrounds the gabions and the nearby 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.