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Grandfather Juniper LbNA #73727

Owner:Silver Eagle Supporter Verified
Plant date:Apr 2, 2019
Location:
City:Prescott
County:Yavapai
State:Arizona
Boxes:1
Found by: Not yet found!
Last found:N/A
Status:a
Last edited:Apr 12, 2019
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate (moderate slope, 4.5 miles RT)
Status: alive


The Grandfather Juniper might be the largest known Juniper tree in the world with a circumference measuring over 26' at the base. It is estimated to be 1000 years old and was named one of Arizona’s “Magnificent 7” trees for 2015. Despite these amazing statistics, the tree is special for another reason. In June, 2013 it was spared from the Doce Fire through the valiant efforts of the Granite Mountain Hotshots from the City of Prescott Fire Department. Later that month, responding to another urgent threat to homes and communities, 19 of the 20 hotshots tragically lost their lives, and a monument dedicated to them was placed by this tree. A movie was also made about the Granite Mt Hotshots called "Only The Brave" that is worth seeing. You can see the tree in the movie and then go find this box on the Grandfather Juniper Trail.

Directions:
From Williamson Valley Rd travel west on Iron Springs Rd for 6.8 miles to Contreras Rd (between mile marker 8 & 9). Turn right and head north 0.7 miles to a parking area on right. Those with low clearance vehicles will want to park here and start the hike. Moderate to high clearance vehicles can follow the rough road to the left (north) out of the parking area (Road 9261U). The road follows a fence for another 0.7 miles to the trailhead gate on right up a hill.

Clues:
Walk around gate on trail #38 about 1 mile to jct with trail #39. Go left to creek just after seeing white quartz along trail. Go left across creek on small path marked with cairn a short way to the tree. From double-trunk tree just before Grandfather Juniper, go right on path 30 steps then right 15 steps to dead tree. LB is at back base under rocks & bark.


Hike length: 3-5 miles