City Of Phoenix: Select Phoenix Trails Will Be Restricted During Days Of Extreme Heat

Phoenix AZ

29 October, 2021

4:49 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Phoenix: October 28, 2021 6:40 PM The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board has voted to formally adopt a program limiting hiking on some trails during extreme heat. The vote during today's Board meeting follows a 2 ½ -month pilot program from July 13 to September 30, where the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, in coordination with the Phoenix Fire Department, closed Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails, and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an Excessive Heat Warning.Under the policy, hiking will be limited on those same trails, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days the NWS issues an Excessive Heat Warning. The Board has authority to implement park rules such as these with the intent to promote safety for both the hiking public and first responders. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board plans to monitor rescue data as part of annual evaluations.During times that trail access is limited, parking lot gates will be closed and signage will be posted. Closure information also will be communicated through 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.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.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.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: 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. Learn how to keep pets safe during Arizona's warm weather months. Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: @PhoenixParks #HikeRight Keywords: Parks, hiking This press release was produced by City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author's own.