Storm King Fire Memorial Hike

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Winds strengthened due to an
approaching cold front. The fire blew up. Between 4:14 and 4:18 the fire spotted below the crew on the west flank of the fire. The fire burned from the bottom of the draw to the ridgeline in two minutes, overtaking 12 firefighters.
Two more firefighters who had been working a helispot attempted to escape but were overcome trying to outrun the fire. The remaining 36 firefighters escaped out the east drainage or sought a safety zone and deployed their fire shelters.
The South Canyon Fire changed wildland firefighting. Today, risk to firefighters is more strongly considered before firefighters are asked to take action. Firefighters are encouraged to ask questions to fully understand a proposed plan or action to increase safety, understanding and effectiveness.
Better communication within and between various firefighting resources is emphasized-including among
firefighters on the ground; between
firefighters on the ground and fire managers; and agencies.

This is very deep and would be for hearty runners.

During a year of drought and record high temperatures, lightning ignited a small fire on Storm King Mountain on July 2, 1994. The fire, burning in several trees, was reported the next day and was named the South Canyon Fire due to its proximity to the South Canyon Exit off I-70. It was one of more than 40 fires reported to Grand Junction Dispatch at the time, several of which were immediately threatening public safety and structures. Fires were prioritized and fought with available resources. At 6:30 p.m. on July 4, firefighters reassigned from other fires assessed the South Canyon Fire from the base of Storm King. They determined they could not reach the fire before dark and would return the next morning. The fire had grown to 11 acres.
The Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail was established after the South Canyon Fire as a tribute to the 14 firefighters who lost their lives on Storm King Mountain the afternoon of July 6, 1994. It ensures we will never forget the Storm King 14 and offers the opportunity for reflection and learning.
The trail sees hundreds of visitors throughout the season, including school groups, local residents and people visiting the area. Hundreds of firefighters also visit the site each year to pay tribute and participate in
"staff rides" where they walk in the shoes of the firefighters working the South Canyon Fire.

The trail is not for everyone. It is steep and includes some unstable footing.
The trail allows visitors to experience what it is like for a firefighter hiking into a remote fire. Much of the trail is exposed, so it can be quite hot in the summer. It is not safe during lightning storms.