‘Stay off the trails’: Phoenix firefighters plead for hikers to stay inside during heat wave

Phoenix firefighters urged hikers to stay off city trails during the recent extreme heat wave, officials said Monday. They warned that temperatures exceeding 110°F significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and complex rescues, prompting closures of popular trails like Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla routes.

The City of Phoenix has closed several popular hiking trails during recent extreme heat events, including Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla routes, all trails at the Piestewa Peak trailhead, and designated paths in South Mountain Park and Preserve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., officials said. These closures coincide with National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warnings, which have been issued repeatedly during record-breaking heat waves, including a stretch from Thursday through Sunday in March and ongoing restrictions announced through at least Aug. 20, 2026, according to city communications.

Phoenix firefighters and first responders emphasized that temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and complex rescues on steep, exposed trails.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Mike Johnson said in a recent briefing that “staying off the trails during peak temperatures is what’s best for you,” noting that even experienced hikers face serious danger in extreme heat. Capt. Todd Keller, who participates in regional safety campaigns, advised hikers to hydrate before, during, and after outings and to choose cooler parts of the day—early mornings or late evenings—for any outdoor activity.

The Phoenix Fire Department has responded to multiple heat-related emergencies on hiking trails during the recent heat waves, officials confirmed. Fire crews reported a rising number of rescues on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, including at least one incident where a hiker was in critical condition due to severe heat illness. Many calls involve medical emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, requiring technical and labor-intensive mountain rescues. Firefighters noted that these rescues not only endanger hikers but also place significant strain on emergency personnel working in extreme temperatures.

Fire officials linked their warnings and trail closure policies directly to National Weather Service heat alerts. The city’s heat response guidance formally instructs that all high-use summit trails be closed during the late morning and afternoon hours on days when Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect. These policies evolved from a pilot program that began in 2021, which tested trail closures on days with Excessive Heat Warnings and has since been fully implemented. Capt. Johnson explained that trail closures protect both hikers and rescue crews by reducing the number of heat emergencies and the associated risks to firefighters.

The City of Phoenix also enforces a prohibition on dogs on hiking trails when temperatures reach 100 degrees or higher, reflecting concerns about heat risk for pets as well as people. Firefighters have recommended lowering this threshold to 90 degrees to further protect animals during extreme heat. Officials have proposed expanding hiking restrictions to close trails year-round on any day an Excessive Heat Warning is issued, not just during summer months. They also suggested extending closure hours to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to better align with peak heat periods.

Public messaging from fire and city officials stresses that avoiding outdoor recreation during extreme heat is critical. The city’s “Take a hike. Do it right” campaign promotes prevention measures such as hydration, staying on designated trails, hiking with companions, and carrying a cell phone, but pairs these with explicit advice not to hike at all during Extreme Heat Warnings. Health guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services urges residents to limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, remain in air-conditioned environments, and check on at-risk individuals regularly.

Records show that local forecasts frequently predict multiple consecutive days with highs above 110 degrees during these heat waves, prompting sustained trail closures and heightened public safety efforts. Firefighters described the need to frequently return to stations to hydrate and rest with air conditioning during shifts, illustrating the severity of conditions even for trained professionals. Officials said respecting posted trail closures is essential to reducing dangerous rescues and protecting emergency resources already strained by extreme temperatures.

The city’s broader heat-response program integrates these trail restrictions with indoor-safety guidance and community outreach aimed at reducing heat-related injuries and deaths. Fire officials continue to advocate for stricter measures and expanded public compliance as part of ongoing efforts to manage the increasing risks posed by Phoenix’s extreme heat events.