The City of Phoenix is ramping up its efforts to prevent heat-related accidents on its hiking trails. With soaring temperatures posing a significant risk to hikers and first responders alike, the Phoenix Parks Board has decided to expand its Trails and Heat Safety Program, which will now include South Mountain Park and Preserve. Not only is the expansion significant, but they're also pushing trail closures to an earlier time of 8 a.m., when an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, according to a recent statement issued by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
Until now, the safety program has been limited to certain trails at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak that would close at 9 a.m. The change comes on the heels of a year where Phoenix experienced a daunting increase in high temperatures, with a record of 121 days above 105°F. As detailed by the official announcement, the implementation of these measures is a response to the 45 days that trails were closed due to extreme heat from May to mid-October this year.
Kelly Dalton, Chair of the City of Phoenix Parks Board, expressed pride in the board's decision. "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," Dalton told the City's news release. The program's expansion is linked to the reduction in mountain rescues over recent years, a trend the city is eager to continue.
The numbers reflect the program's success, with rescues on the trails declining significantly from 57 in 2021 to 35 in 2024, during the time periods when the closures were in effect. Furthermore, Executive Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief Tim Kreis emphasized the importance of data-led decision making in enhancing safety for everyone. "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," Kreis explained. In January 2025, the Parks Board will evaluate further recommendations, which include even earlier closures at 7 a.m. and adjusting the criteria for trail closures.
To mitigate the impact of these changes on the community, the Parks and Recreation Department plans to launch a campaign aimed at engaging the public and soliciting feedback. In the meantime, hikers are encouraged to use the Department's website and social media channels to stay informed about trail closures and safety advisories, using the hashtags #PHXParks and #TakeaHikeDoitRight and the handle @phxparks on social platforms.
