Parks Board Launches Expanded Trail Closure Initiative

During its meeting on October 24, the City of Phoenix Parks Board approved the expansion of the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program. This initiative will now cover all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve. Importantly, trail closures will start at 8 a.m. instead of the previous 9 a.m. schedule, aimed at enhancing the safety of hikers and first responders facing extreme weather conditions.

The existing program currently includes select trails at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, closing when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning. By extending these safety measures to South Mountain, officials aim to mitigate heat-related risks for users and emergency responders alike.

Statistics from 2024 reveal significant heat-related challenges, with 45 days of trail closures from May 1 to October 13 due to extreme temperatures. On 121 days, temperatures soared to 105°F or higher, and 69 of those days exceeded 110°F. Such extreme heat not only endangers trail users but also complicates rescue operations, with 35 rescues reported in 2024 alone.

In addition to the changes in closure times, the Parks Board has asked staff to present further recommendations in January 2025. These may include an earlier closure time of 7 a.m. and a new threshold for closures when temperatures are forecast to surpass 105°F, rather than solely depending on Excessive Heat Warnings.

The Parks and Recreation Department also announced plans for a community engagement campaign to inform residents and gather feedback regarding these proposed changes. Detailed information can be found on their official website.

Residents can participate in the “Hike Right PHX” monthly hiking group, designed for all skill levels. The next hike is scheduled for January 11 at 9 a.m. at the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail. Further details are available on the Parks and Recreation website.

The Parks and Recreation Board meets once a month, generally on the fourth Thursday at 5 p.m. Notices and agendas are posted online for those interested in contributing to future discussions.