Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is a large state park in central-west Arizona. Created to memorialize the 19 brave firefighters — the Granite Mountain Hotshots — who died battling the blaze of the Yarnell Hill Fire, the park spans 320 acres. It stands where the firefighters fought to turn the site of destruction into one of natural beauty and fun.
Whether you're here for a good hike, to pay tribute to the fallen heroes or to simply gaze out at that magnificent view as you journey, it's all here for you and totally free. Before you set out, however, it's crucial to learn about what the park has in store for you. Keep reading to find out what to expect when you visit the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park.
Spring 50-89 F
Summer 71-91 F
Fall 39-75 F
Winter 40-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Since Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park doesn't have camping facilities for either tents or RVs, you'll need to find a place to stay in the surrounding area while on vacation. Thankfully, you've got a good number of options.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or testing the waters, you'll find that a recreational vehicle offers the best way to enjoy your trip to the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. If you don't own an RV, you could try renting one from RVshare. The platform connects you with RV owners in your area, helping you save money while also ensuring you've got a quality RV to use on your vacation.
Oak Park Motel & RV Park
Oak Park Motel & RV Park is barely a 4-minute drive from the state park, making it the perfect place to stay on your trip. In addition to spaces for RVs, the property also has motel rooms available for those traveling by car. You'll get a nice respite from the hot Arizona sun while staying at Oak Park.
Features:
• Full electrical, water and garbage hookups
• On-site laundromat
• Expansive RV parking spaces
• Motel rooms and apartments
• Flexible pricing for different options (call ahead for rates)
North Ranch RV Park
North Ranch RV Park in Congress is located to the south of Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. With tons of amenities for campers to enjoy, it's probably the closest thing to a luxury hotel you can find while sticking to your RV.
Features:
• Full electrical hookups
• Free Wi-Fi with good reception
• Dumpstation on-site
• On-site laundromat and showers
• Clubhouse, activity center and pickleball court
What to Do at
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Inside Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
The park has 3.5 miles worth of trails snaking around its many acres, so don't expect to come back without breaking a sweat. Aside from being kept clean and the paths themselves being well-manicured, the park strives to leave the area as natural as possible. This makes for some absolutely amazing scenery as you take your walk. Like many spots in central Arizona, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is also a great place to see some rare bird species native to the area. Brown thrashers, cactus wrens, buzzards, red-tailed hawks and more are all there for viewing against the park's sandy grounds, steep mountains and clear skies.
How to Get to
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
The entrance to Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is along Highway 89, also known as White Spar. With this in mind, the best and more or less only way to get to the park is by driving along the highway. The easiest route to do this would be coming south from Yarnell as the park is only about 2 miles out from the town. Be aware that there are only about a dozen parking spots at the site you can use, so driving there yourself might be an issue.
Because of that, the Yarnell Fire Department offers a shuttle service from Friday to Sunday that takes you straight from the firehouse to the park's entrance. Shuttles make round trips from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last departing shuttle leaving at 4 p.m. each day. So long as you can make it back in time for the last ride, this is likely to be the most reliable and efficient way to make it to the park.
By Car
Entering Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Park is open sunrise to sunset.
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park Free Admission : $0.0
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is truly something you have to see to believe. A gorgeous natural area paired with a touching remembrance for some of the bravest public servants to ever live, it's the perfect place to go when you want to recharge from your daily life. The trail leading to the observation deck has 19 plaques dedicated to one of each of the Hotshots who died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. Once at the observation deck, you'll be allowed to leave a small memento by the Tribute Wall then make your way down Journey Trail to retrace the steps of the Hotshots themselves before coming to the Fatality Site. It's a moving journey that can be a lot for people but also serves as a stark reminder of the heroism normal people can embody as well as how fleeting life can be.
There are plenty of fun things you can do within the park and outside it in the nearby Yarnell area, and it's a great destination for your next vacation. After you set out on that trip, why not send us some of your great vacation pictures through social media or our email, [email protected]? We'd love to see what you get up to. We might even feature them in one of our upcoming posts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. You are unlikely to experience precipitation at the park during these seasons, and the temperature is not usually unbearably warm in spring or fall.
This park has a semi-arid climate. The weather in the park is usually sunny. There is not much rainfall, and summers are hot. Winters are generally mild, but it snows sometimes.
Winter is the best time of year to spot the coyotes, squirrels, deer, raccoons, snakes, and lizards that frequent Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. Birding enthusiasts will want to visit the park to see woodpeckers, hawks, quail, and warblers.
No, there are not any designated RV camping spots available in Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. Furthermore, the park doesn't accommodate tent camping either. You'll need to secure a camping spot at another location.
Yes! Your four-legged companions may visit this pet-friendly park as long as you do not leave them unattended. They must be leashed at all times, and the leash must be six feet or less.