At its Oct. 24 meeting, the City of Phoenix Parks Board 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 8 a.m., rather than the previous time of 9 a.m. Effective immediately, the board said that the proactive measures will ensure the safety of trail users and first responders du ring extreme weather conditions, particularly during the summer months.
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. By expanding the program to include South Mountain Park and Preserve, the goal is to 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.
In 2024, Phoenix experienced 45 days of trail closures due to extreme heat between May 1 and Oct. 13, with 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, of which there were 35 in 2024.
In addition to approving the expansion of the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program and adjusting trail closure hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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 7 a.m. 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 National Weather Service.
In an October press release, the Parks and Recreation Department said that it recognizes the significant impact of the proposed changes and will launch a community engagement campaign to inform the public and gather feedback. Residents can stay informed by visiting www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails.
Residents also can join the monthly hiking group “Hike Right PHX.” The goal of the group is to help everyone of all skill levels feel comfortable on the trails. Upcoming hikes include Jan. 11, 9 a.m., at Dreamy Draw Nature Trail at Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, 2421 E. Northern Ave.
The Parks and Recreation Board generally meets once per month on the fourth Thursday at 5 p.m., with a few exceptions due to holiday schedules. Residents who would like to weigh in on future recommendations will find meeting notices and agendas posted at www.phoenix.gov/parks/board.
