NMVC THURSDAY HIKES: Granite Mountain Hot Shots Juniper Tree (Prescott)

When: 5/8/2025   

Start Time: Carpool from NMVC at 7 AM 

Or at Trail Head: 830 to 9ish

Note: Anyone unfamiliar with this trailhead should meet the group at the Maverick station on the corner of Fain Rd/AZ69 at 8:30 to caravan to the site. 

Location: Prescott.

Name of Hike:  Granite Mountain Hot Shots Juniper Tree (Prescott)

Hike Leader(s): Neil & Billie, text B 602-361-0276 or shakemat4@yahoo.com. Please let me know if you plan to meet at NMVC or Maverick

Approximate Length in Hours:  3+ drive time both ways = 7 or 8 hrs.

Approximate Distance in Miles:   5       

Difficulty:  easy to moderate

Details:

The hike takes us through a forest of Alligator Junipers and Pinion Pines to a large, old (est 2,000 yrs) Juniper which is famous due to the story of the 19 firefighters who were fighting the Doce fire in2013. The 19 were photographed in the tree they were sent to protect and just 12 days later all 19 perished in the fire.

There is a nice memorial at the tree so if you’d like to bring a trinket to leave at the memorial you are invited to do so. 

Driving Instructions:

From I-17, take exit 262 Prescott for AZ 69 N. 5.5 miles to Fain Rd. (traffic light). Turn left to the Maverick station to meet the group at 8:30ish.  Let us know if you plan on meeting there so we will wait. No services at the TH so pit stop at Maverick.  Bring or buy snacks for a break at the tree.