Phoenix Fire Department crews rushed to South Mountain’s Mormon Trail on Friday after reports that an adult male hiker had fallen a significant distance. Firefighters found the man unresponsive in steep, rocky terrain and remained on scene as technical rescue teams worked to reach and extract him. Officials say he is in extremely critical condition.
Rescue crews have reached an adult hiker who has fallen a significant distance. Crews are currently working to get him off trail.
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 5, 2026
The department’s initial on-the-ground alert was later detailed by ABC15, which reports crews were called to the Mormon Trail around 1 p.m. Friday. The outlet notes officials said the man "fell a significant distance" and is in "extremely critical condition" as rescue operations continued and authorities kept other information tight.
In its post on X, the Phoenix Fire Dept. confirmed that crews had reached the injured hiker and were working to get him off the trail. As of Friday evening, neither the department nor local hospitals had released the hiker’s identity or the specific circumstances that led to the fall.
Why rescues are rising
Local reporting shows mountain rescues across Camelback, Piestewa and South Mountain have climbed this year, with crews answering far more calls than at the same point last season. Heat-defying hikers keep dropping summarizes city data that points to a jump in rescues and growing concern from officials about people tackling steep routes in hot conditions.
Trail rules and what hikers should know
Phoenix’s Trail Heat Safety Program restricts access to certain South Mountain routes, including parts of the Mormon Trail, during National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warnings. The goal is to limit heat-related emergencies and reduce risk for first responders.
The city urges hikers to start early, carry extra water, hike with a partner and check trail-status updates before heading out. The City of Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program page has full guidance along with current access restrictions.
Officials have not provided further details about the hiker’s identity or exactly what led up to the fall. This story will be updated as emergency agencies and city officials release additional information.
