Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Champion Juniper Tree Day Hike
when March 7, 2026 Saturday
Trip Report : May 8, 2021
  Trip Report : May 21, 2016
  Trip Report : May 12, 2012
  Trip Report : May 12, 2001
  Trip Report : July 8, 1998
where Prescott
the hike     We will start at the Granite Mountain Recreation Area just west of Prescott and take the Granite Mountain Trail #261 to Blair Pass (5955'). From the pass we will hike downhill on the White Rock Spring Trail #39 to an unmarked junction to the Champion Juniper Tree. This was the ancient juniper that the Granite Mountain Hotshots saved during the Doce Fire just a week before 19 were lost in the Yarnell Fire. This tree is reported to be 2500 years old as the oldest juniper in Arizona and is the site of the historic firefighter pyramid photo. It is now a memorial to those brave young men. There will be an optional dinner at El Gato Azul, around the corner from Whiskey Row, where we will toast their memory.
Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Rain poncho
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Lunch or snacks
•  Camera
distance 6 - 7 miles
time 5-6 hours
EC +-1200' elevation change.
type loop
starting at
Granite Mountain Recreation Area
on trail 100% Granite Mountain Trail #261, White Rock Spring Trail #39
rating "B"   Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs no
cost There is a parking pass required or Golden Age or equivalent. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member.
weather Prescott.
leader    You must email the leader to confirm.
Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case I need to contact you on the day of the hike.
meet 7:30 AM in the McDonald’s carefree off I -17 at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
drive
•  I-17 North to exit 262 at Cordes Junction.
Follow Highway 69 to Prescott.

Schedule of Events Arizona Trailblazers Home Page

updated January 17, 2026 © Copyright 2026, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.