In a proactive move to protect hikers and first responders during intense summer heat, the Phoenix Parks Board has expanded its trail closure program to include South Mountain Park, adjusting closure times to start at 8 a.m.
Phoenix Parks Board Approves Earlier Trail Closures
On Thursday evening, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board voted to expand the city’s trail closure program to cover all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve. This decision aims to safeguard hikers and first responders as Phoenix endures longer and more frequent extreme heat spells each year.
Starting immediately, the new closure time for these trails is set for 8 a.m., an hour earlier than before, during days marked by excessive heat warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Current Trail Safety Measures in Phoenix
Previously, the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program primarily covered the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails at Camelback Mountain, as well as the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and others within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
The program activated closures during Excessive Heat Warnings to reduce incidents on high-traffic, challenging trails. According to officials, this initiative has proven effective, with a notable decline in rescue missions on closed trails since its implementation.
Why Expand to South Mountain?
The expansion to South Mountain Park addresses rising temperatures and increasing hiker presence on Phoenix trails. Phoenix has experienced an unprecedented 121 days of temperatures over 105°F this year, with 69 of those days exceeding 110°F.
South Mountain, the nation’s largest municipal park, has seen a steady rise in visitors and is often a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, making safety an even greater priority.
Kelly Dalton, chair of the Phoenix Parks Board, expressed confidence in the decision, saying it reflects Phoenix’s commitment to keeping residents and visitors safe in outdoor spaces.
Heat-Related Rescue Data: Tracking the Program’s Impact
Data from recent years demonstrate the effectiveness of the program in reducing hiker rescues on days when closures are enforced.
The following table highlights the yearly decline in rescues on closed trails, reinforcing the benefits of expanding these measures.
Year |
Number of Trail Rescues on Closed Days |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 35 |
These efforts are expected to contribute to further reductions in heat-related rescues, helping protect both hikers and emergency responders from challenging, often hazardous conditions.
Preparing for Future Heat: Proposed Adjustments and Community Feedback
Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation Board is exploring further options to enhance heat safety measures. Among the proposals are moving the closure time to 7 a.m. and adjusting the temperature threshold for closures to 105°F, regardless of an NWS Excessive Heat Warning.
Authorities will discuss these changes in January 2025, providing opportunities for community engagement and feedback to inform future decision-making.
To support these efforts, the Parks and Recreation Department will roll out a public awareness campaign, informing the community about trail closures and safety guidelines through social media and local platforms.
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department encourages residents to check its official website for trail condition updates and heat advisories.
Final Thoughts
As Phoenix temperatures rise, the expanded trail closures at South Mountain Park reflect a proactive approach to hiker safety.
Local authorities encourage residents and visitors to stay informed about trail closures, be mindful of safety and participate in upcoming discussions on trail safety.
Sources: THX News & City of Phoenix.
