Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Dedicated on November 30, 2016, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is a lasting tribute to 19 wildland firefighters who perished protecting the community of Yarnell on June 30, 2013. The development of Arizona State Parks and Trails first memorial state park was a labor of love for everybody involved. It continues to be an integral part of the recovery process for the community.
Hike Leader:
Skip Varney, Director of Development, was the project manager for this remarkable park. He was involved in land acquisition, design, and development. Along the way he developed relationships with the Hotshots’ family members, 1st responders, community and agency leaders, generous contributors, community members who were affected by the fire and Brendan McDonough, the surviving crew member. Through them, he got to know the fallen Hotshots. Skip would be pleased to share his experiences with APRA members on a guided hike.
What To Expect:
This will be a raw and immersive experience. In order to see the fatality site, you must hike approximately 7 miles of trails up to the ridge, down into the canyon and back again. You will hike the same rugged hillside. You will feel the same winds on their faces that stirred up the deadly flames. Finally, you will see the place where the Hotshots desperately cleared brush and deployed their emergency shelters as the fire overcame them. You will breathe heavily from the exertion of the hike. It’s hot. It’s dry. The effort to see this sacred ground is part of the honor paid to the fallen Hotshots. It is an acknowledgement of their skill, dedication and sacrifice. You will be moved.
- 7 miles round-trip normally takes 4-5 hours
- No facilities on the trail, including restrooms. Must take in water and food and pack out trash.
- 1,200 elevation gain; 5-8% grade; 200+ rock steps
- 19 granite plaques embedded into boulders every 600 ft along the Hotshots Trail shares a story and an image of each Hotshots provided by their families.
- 7 interpretive signs provide information about wildland fires and the events of the Yarnell Hill Fire
- Observation Deck overlooking the box canyon where the Hotshots made their last stand
CLICK HERE to view all Learning Outcomes and hike details
Join us for a post hike meal taking place at The Ranch House in Yarnell. This was the place where fire crews gathered as they evacuated the town.
This hike has been approved for .2 CEU's - included in the price of hike.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hotshots Memorial Fund.
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PARK LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Drive time from Phoenix is approximately 1.5 hours
A carpool options offered by the Town of Camp Verde - van can hold 13 people
If interested please contact Michael Marshall directly at (928) 554-0828 or email michael.marshall@campverde.az.gov
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What to bring: Water and snacks, other essentials you may need for a longer hike such as hats, sunscreen, tennis shoes, small backpack with hiking essentials.
We have a limit of 30 people for the hike - due to the limit we are allowing only members to register at this time so be sure you are logged in.
Registration will remain open until filled or November 3rd which ever comes first.
For questions contact the coordinator:
Michelle Yates - myates@glendaleaz.com or 623-930-2044
