Due to the number of heat-related incidents occurring on Phoenix hiking trails mid-year when temperatures are highest, the city of Phoenix announced that it will close trails and trailhead parking lots between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on days that the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning in the area.
Affected trails:
Camelback Mountain
- Echo Trail, a very popular 2.6-mile out-and-back trail with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
- Cholla Trail, a 3-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of nearly 1,300 feet.
Piestewa Peak
- Three Hill Loop
- Piestewa Peak Summit
- Freedom Trail
- Perl Charles, Voaz Loop
- Mojave Trail
- Ruth Hamilton Trail
- 202 Loop
- Trail #304
- Phoenix Mountain Nature Trail
- Quartz Ridge Trail
- Piestewa Nature Trail
In a statement issued April 22, 2024, Phoenix said:
‘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. Email notifications are also available by signing up for “Hiking and Heat Updates” online.‘
The city encourages outdoor recreation from locals and visitors, but only at times when heat-related risks are minimized. Trails in North Mountain Park, Phoenix Mountains Preserve and South Mountain Park/Preserve offer extended morning hours, starting as early as 5 a.m., and later nighttime hours, with trails and parking lots closing as late as 11 p.m.
Phoenix reminds recreationists, “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.”
Phoenix Parks and Recreation also offers this advice for hiking on hot Arizona trails:
TAKE A HIKE, DO IT RIGHT
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation, and Fire departments have worked in partnership since 2015 to share the “Take a Hike. Do it Right. ” hiking safety message and continue to lead with education about responsible hiking. All trail users should follow these important and potentially life-saving hiking guidelines:
•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!
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.
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