#GraniteMountainHotShots

The summer before we moved to Phoenix, a wildfire took the lives of 19 elite wildland firefighters on the afternoon of June 30, 2013. We remember hearing about this tragic loss on the national news. When we heard that a state park, hiking trail and memorial had been created to honor these 19 individuals, we knew it was a must see.

The summer before we moved to Phoenix, a wildfire took the lives of 19 elite wildland firefighters on the afternoon of June 30, 2013. We remember hearing about this tragic loss on the national news. When we heard that a state park, hiking trail and memorial had been created to honor these 19 individuals, we knew it was a must see.

The 2.85 mile trail leads you up the mountain to an observation deck. At a glance it’s hard to tell where the fire burned, because you can see green everywhere you look. But, as you make your way up the mountain, the fully grown cacti and plants start to disappear and you realize you are surrounded by the new growth of weeds &  wildflowers and the burnt remains of trees & cacti.

Along the trail, there are 19 markers with photos and memories of each of the 19 firefighters who lost their lives.

Nearly 30 workers from the American Conservation Experience have logged more than 11,000 hours working on the 2.85-mile Hotshots trail. More than 189 boulders have been moved
and 169 stone steps have been carved into inclines along the trail.

Upon reaching the observation deck, you can see the memorial 400 feet below at the bottom of the valley.

From there, you can follow the Hotshots last steps down a 3/4 mile Journey Trail to the fatality site where they made their last stand.

At the fatality site there stands 19 gabions, one for each fallen firefighter, united with chains. They remain together as the team with which they worked and made their last stand.

It was Mother Nature and a lightening event that started the fire, and it’s Mother Nature who has come back strong with all this beautiful growth.

The Yarnell Hill Fire burned more than 8,400 acres/13 square miles and destroyed at least 114 structures.

The hike was so serene and peaceful, such a beautiful way to honor and respect the fallen 19.

The wind was absolutely ferocious! We can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like to be in the middle of a wildfire.

What an amazing memorial! We walked in your footsteps today…you brave, courageous 19. Thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you to those who made this memorial possible. As it should be, these 19 selfless men will always and forever be remembered.