29 ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2018 Wilhoit which lays on the south facing slopes of the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, then enjoy the drive ‘up the Spars’ with its spectacular views on the way to the ‘mile high city’ of Prescott. It’s an 18 mile stretch of two- lane road with 187 turns. This route is a favorite of skilled motorcyclists and bicyclist alike who have already mastered the climb up Yarnell Hill. But most locals prefer the gentle but scenic route of heading westerly at Kirkland Junction on to Kirkland Valley Road for Kirkland then on to Iron Springs Road through Skull Valley to enter Prescott from the west. Either route will get you there. Make the loop and try one up and the other down. It’s a great day trip! And, on your way back to Wickenburg, as you head down Yarnell Hill on SR 89, first you’ll find the lookout with a pull off to the left giving you a great photo opportunity for the valley spreading to the south. Further down the hill, you’ll pass by one of Arizona’s newest state parks – the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. A fitting tribute to the 19 firefighters who tragically perished during the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire. The park’s entrance is right on SR 89 but has limited parking. It is a day trip all by itself to hike the full extent of the park and its rugged terrain, so plan for another drive just to see the park and be sure to stop in to say hello to new friends you made on your last visit to the heart of the Weaver Mountains. NOTE: The small communities of the Weaver Mountains region are each unique in their own way. There are many diverse and individual experiences and opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors. So much more than can be experienced in just one visit. To learn more, stop by my office, Top of the Hill Realty, 22760 S SR 89, Yarnell. TO SEE OUR AZ ROAD TRIP VIDEO OF THE WEAVER MOUNTAINS, VISIT ARIZONAREALCOUNTRY.COM ON JUNE 30, 2013, Nineteen of the 20 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew trained to fight wilderness fires, died as they battled a fire outside of Yarnell. Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was dedicated in 2016 as a place to remember the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot Firefighters who were lost while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. We invite you to hike the trail to better understand the experience of these men as well as to appreciate the beauty of the town of Yarnell and the surrounding areas. Hike the Hotshots Trail from the parking lot trailhead up to the overlook where you'll see sweeping views in every direction, and perhaps leave a memento on our remembrance wall. Or continue your hike down the Memorial Trail, where you can pay your respects at the site where the Hotshots were recovered. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles long from the trailhead to the Fatality Site, for a full length of about 7 miles. The park is located 2 miles south of Yarnell on southbound State Route 89. From Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, azstateparks.com/hotshots Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park Kevin Stewart