On June 28 2013, a cloud to ground lightning sparked what would become the deadliest wildfie on record in Arizona. The fire claimed more than 8,000 acres and 127 structures in Yarnell, while taking the lives of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighter crew. The Yarnell Memorial Run was established in 2014 in memory of the 19 and in honor of their families.
Yarnell is located 25 miles north of Wickenburg on State Highway 89, and is nestled between Antelope Peak and the Weaver Mountains. The area is known as Yarnell Hill, boasting an elevaton of 4,800 feet. It is surrounded by state forest. Visitors are greeted by Yarnell's appropriate slogan, "Where the Desert Breeze Meets the Mountain Air". This mountain air is crisp and clean; views are unrestricted on Yarnell Hill, where you can see 10 miles or more!