Eight Rescued From Camelback Mountain Thursday As Temperatures Hit 100

PHOENIX, AZ — Eight people were rescued from Camelback Mountain Thursday as they hiked in the midday heat that had reached 100 degrees by noon, carrying with them only one small bottle of water each, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

All eight people found in distress on the mountain were from the same group, and most of them were from out of town. Five of them were rescued from the trail using a Phoenix Police helicopter and a big wheel basket, the fire department said. Three of those people were take to local hospitals to be treated for heat-related illnesses, the fire department said. They were a 42-year-old woman, a 24-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, who were all in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon, the fire department said. Three more people from the group were helped down from the mountain with assistance from rescuers.

The hikers began their trek on the difficult Echo Canyon Trail at 7 a.m. Thursday and were spread out across the trail by the time rescuers were called in, at around noon, the fire department said. This added to the difficulty of the rescue operation.

Experts recommend that hikers head out very early in the morning or late in the evening during the Valley's brutal summer season. It's also recommended to carry more water than you think you'll need and to turn back when half of it is gone.