Phoenix expands hiking trail closures during extreme heat days. Here's what to know

Abigail Celaya, Arizona Republic
Updated ·4 min read
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The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board voted on Thursday to expand the city’s heat safety trail program, which requires popular trails to close on days deemed dangerously hot by the National Weather Service.

The trail closures will now take effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round during extreme heat days, restricting access to Camelback Mountain at Echo Canyon, Cholla Trails and Piestewa Peak Trails.

The approved changes were to take effect immediately, according to the city.

"Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our hikers and first responders while accessing our trails is our top priority," said Kelly Dalton, chair of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board. "The action we took tonight is another important step in protecting individuals from the devastating effects that can result from hiking in extreme heat."

The safety trail program previously ran from May through October and only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When trail access is restricted, the gates to parking lots will be closed and signs regarding the closure will be posted. Phoenix park rangers will also be at the closed locations to remind people of the restrictions, according to the city. Closure information will be communicated through the Parks and Recreation Department's website and its social media accounts and to local resorts and hotels.

Residents can sign up to receive email alerts when trails are closed due to excessive heat.

“The central focus of Phoenix Fire is the safety and well-being of the customers we service,” Capt. Rob McDade said. “It has become clear some hikers need rescuing even when they start their hike before 11 a.m. As a result, we believe the extended closure of trails will better protect everyone involved.”

Earlier this month, one dog passed away on the trail and another was treated for heat-related illness after a man illegally took them hiking at Piestewa Peak.

Phoenix also said that dogs are prohibited on any of the city's trails when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer, but said the Arizona Humane Society has advised that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets.

Hiking tips

Phoenix provided the following safety measures that hikers should take when hitting the trails:

  • Watch the weather: Yes, "it's a dry heat," but Arizona's temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cold outside, try early mornings and evenings when there's more shade.

  • Dress appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat and sunscreen.

  • Bring water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water.

  • Keep in contact: Carry a mobile phone.

  • Team up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.

  • Be honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself! "Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails."

  • Don't trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.

  • Take responsibility: Don't be "that person" — the one who wasn't prepared, shouldn't have been there for health reasons or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right!

Hot weather tips

The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.

  • Dress for the heat: wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.

  • Eat small meals and eat more often: They recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat

  • Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

  • Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.

  • Stay indoors.

  • Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix expands hiking trail closures during extreme heat days