This Mountain Hike In Arizona Leads Straight To A Moving Memorial Site
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 18, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Many remember the noble Granite Mountain Hotshots who tragically perished while fighting the infamous Yarnell Hill Fire, but not everyone knows you can visit the very site where they gave the ultimate sacrifice. This chilling hike leads straight to the memorial for the 19 valiant warriors, and it will give you a whole new appreciation for firefighting.
Tucked away on the majestic Granite Mountain is a place so hauntingly beautiful, it attracts visitors from all over the country.
This is the site where the courageous Hotshots battled their final blaze, making the ultimate sacrifice to save the surrounding city from going up in smoke.
Clocking in at seven miles round-trip, the hike ascends a challenging yet rewarding 1,200 feet.
Interpretive signs illustrate how the tragedy unfolded, and a tribute wall lets visitors leave stickers, patches, and other mementos to honor the fallen firefighters.
Over to the east is the town of Yarnell, which the trail provides stunning panoramic views of due to its sheer elevation.
Silence is an unspoken rule as not to disrespect the significance of this site, so please keep this in mind when you visit. Close your eyes and reflect on the weight of what happened just six years ago.
From the top, a 0.75-mile trail parallels the Hotshots' final footsteps.
Encircling the very spot where they perished are 19 gabion baskets, one for each member, joined together by chains to forever unite the brave men whose last breaths were taken to save so many others'.
You'll find the park entrance two miles south of Yarnell on Highway 89.
