Camelback, Piestewa Trails Closed At Midday All Weekend Due To Heat

PHOENIX, AZ — Some of Phoenix's most popular hiking trails will be closed from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, because of extreme heat.

Closed during that time frame are all trails on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

The city of Phoenix decided last year to close these trails on days with excessive heat warnings from the National Weather Service in an effort to keep hikers and potential rescuers safe. Each year people must be rescued from Phoenix trails because of heat illness or injury, putting the rescuers at risk as well. And deaths on Valley trails because of heat illness are not uncommon.

The excessive heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, with highs of 112, 114 and 113 degrees expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. This heat comes with the risk of heat-related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be deadly.

Rescues because of heat illness have already begun this year. The Phoenix Fire Department just helped three hikers down from Camelback Mountain on Thursday after the hikers were overcome by heat, the department said in a Twitter post.

During the closures the parkings lots for these trailheads are closed and signs are posted to let would-be hikers know that the trails are off-limits. Park rangers will also be on site to let hikers know about the restrictions.

Pets are not allowed on Phoenix trails when temperatures are above 100 degrees, and the Arizona Humane Society advises that it's unsafe to hike with a pet even when temperatures are in the 90s.

During Phoenix's scorching summer months, even if there is no heat warning, hikers are strongly urged to get out on the trail during early morning or evening hours when the air is cooler and there is some shade, to wear and hat and sunscreen and to bring more water than they think they will need.