These Phoenix hiking trails will close during excessive heat warning days this summer
With Phoenix seeing its first 100-degree day of the year on Sunday, it brings a reminder that the scorching triple-digit heat days of Arizona summers are quickly approaching.
Heat is the deadliest weather in Arizona, and prolonged exposure to some outstanding temperatures during the summer can cause heat illness and death. For this reason, some activities require further heat awareness or a halt during these months.
Last summer, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board ran the first full season of the newly adopted Trails and Heat Safety Program which closes some Phoenix hiking trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on National Weather Service issued heat warning days. The trails included were Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
The Trails and Heat Safety Program is expected to be an annual occurrence with the same trails being affected. It will begin this year on Monday, May 1 and last through September.
The 2022 season ran from May 1 through Sept. 30 for a duration of 153 days. During that time, there were 18 National Weather Service issued Heat Warning Days and, therefore, 18 resulting trail closure days in 2022.
The National Weather Service does not define Heat Warning Days by specific temperature thresholds, but by temperatures that are well above climatological normals and at levels that have been shown to significantly impact human health. These alerts are intended to raise awareness and prevent heat illness and death from occurring.
What to expect at trails on excessive heat warning days
During excessive heat warnings, trail access will be limited, parking lot gates will be closed and signage will be posted. Closure information will be posted on the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's website and social media accounts, and to local resorts and hotels. Additionally, Phoenix Park Rangers will be visible at those locations to remind and educate trail users about the restrictions.
Since some days of hiking will be dangerous over the summer, extended summer hours are in effect annually from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve. Parking lots will be open at 5 a.m., and entrances will be open until 9 p.m. at those locations as opposed to the usual 7 p.m. cutoff.
Heating up: Phoenix reaches 100 degrees for first time in 2023
During the Valley's warm weather months, and regardless of whether an Excessive Heat Watch is in effect, it is recommended that trail users hike during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade.
For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors.
How to stay safe while hiking in Arizona during the summer
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!
Stay on designated trails: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape but stay on the path.
To help with that recommendation, extended summer hours are in effect annually from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve. To provide an extra two hours of availability and promote hiking after 7 p.m., parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations. Year-round at those three trailheads, parking lots open at 5 a.m., and trails are open until 11 p.m. All other trails within the Phoenix parks system will remain open.
During the Valley's warm weather months, and regardless of whether an Excessive Heat Watch is in effect, it is recommended that trail users hike during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 Phoenix hiking trails will close during excessive heat days
