PHOENIX – This year, Arizona State Parks and Trails honors the 10-year anniversary of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013.

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was opened to the public in 2016 as a tribute to the Hotshots. The families and the communities of Prescott and Yarnell worked hand-in-hand with the state to develop the park. Since its opening, more than 150,000 people have visited, and many have left mementos for the Hotshots at the Tribute Wall at the end of the trail.

On this 10th anniversary, the park will not be hosting an event, but directs visitors to the city of Prescott or the town of Yarnell for memorial events on June 30. More information about the Prescott event can be found here, and the Yarnell Hill information is here. Due to limited parking at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Arizona State Parks and Trails encourages those who want to pay respects to attend either event or take the shuttle to the park. Shuttle service will be available on June 30 every half hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shuttle is located at the Yarnell Fire Department in Yarnell on Hwy 89.

For visitors planning to hike the trail, please arrive early to avoid the hottest part of the day. The trail is a strenuous, one-way hike that may take up to four hours to complete; bring plenty of water, appropriate hiking shoes, and sun protection. Newly installed plaques for each of the hotshots are now available at the trail head.

More information about the hotshots, the park, and the trail can be found at  AZStateParks.com/Hotshots.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, the trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov