THEMARICOPAMOD.COM / WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

Phoenix Parks to expand Heat Safety Program in key move to ensure safety of hikers

These measures aim to ensure the safety of trail users and first responders.

PUBLISHED OCT 26, 2024

By expanding the program to include South Mountain Park and Preserve, the City will enhance safety measures.

Phoenix, Arizona: The City of Phoenix Parks Board has voted in favor of expanding the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to include all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve and to implement trail closures beginning at 8am, rather than the previous time of 9am. These measures aim to ensure the safety of trail users and first responders during extreme weather conditions, particularly during the summer months.

Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program encompasses the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails at Camelback Mountain, as well as the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail (pictured).

Currently, the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program encompasses the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails at Camelback Mountain, as well as the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated trails at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. These trails are closed when an Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).

By expanding the program to include South Mountain Park and Preserve, the City will enhance safety measures, ensuring that both trail users and first responders are protected from heat-related risks similar to those present at Camelback Mountain and Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

The dry and windy conditions prevalent during the season have exacerbated the fire risk across the region.

"I am proud of the decision we made this evening after careful consideration of key data from our Parks and Fire Departments, as well as valuable input from the public. Our Board’s decision to expand the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to South Mountain Park/Preserve, along with earlier trail closures during excessive heat warnings, is a proactive measure to reduce heat-related incidents," said Kelly Dalton, Chair of the City of Phoenix Parks Board.

"The safety of our residents and visitors is always our top priority, and this decision underscores our commitment to ensuring Phoenix’s trails remain safe and accessible. We will continue to assess and strengthen these measures as needed to protect our community."

Heat-related deaths have been increasing in the US.

In 2024, Phoenix experienced 45 days of trail closures due to extreme heat between May 1 and October 13, with a total of 121 days reaching temperatures of 105°F or higher. Notably, 69 of those days exceeded 110°F. This extreme heat not only raises the risk of heat-related incidents but also poses significant challenges for first responders during mountain rescues.

“We are committed to proactively collaborating with the parks department to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters during extreme heat events. By expanding this program with data driven decisions, the City of Phoenix can enhance trail safety and reduce risks for everyone enjoying our beautiful parks," Executive Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief, Tim Kreis.

In addition to approving the expansion of the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program and adjusting trail closure hours, the Parks Board has directed Parks and Recreation staff to present further recommendations to the Board in January 2025. Proposed changes include moving the closure time to 7am and adjusting the trail closure threshold to activate when daily temperatures are forecast to exceed 105°F, rather than waiting for Excessive Heat Warnings from the NWS.