How hot is too hot to hike? How to stay safe when hiking in Phoenix this summer
Summertime in Phoenix means taking extra precautions when outdoors, as temperatures can soar upwards of 110 degrees.
This is especially true if you're planning on going for a hike.
In 2021, the Parks and Recreation Board of Phoenix established the Trail Heat Safety Program to 'help bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts navigate the beautiful Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of extreme heat to trail users and first responders,' according to its website.
By 2024, the program expanded to include all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve. They also approved trail closures an hour earlier, and starting on March 27, 2025, certain restrictions will be put on trails during Extreme Heat Warnings from the National Weather Service.
According to Phoenix, more than 200 hikers are rescued annually from desert and mountain parks and preserves.
Here's what to know about how hot is too hot to hike in Phoenix and other safety tips to keep in mind this summer.
According to Ready.gov, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, extreme heat is a period of time with high heat, humidity and temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.
'In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death,' the website states. 'Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.'
Extreme heat raises the risk of heat-related incidents but also brings challenges to first responders during mountain rescues.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting.
With heat cramps, you may experience muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.
According to Ready.gov, if you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should go to a cooler location, remove excess clothing and take sips of sports drinks or water. It's important to call your health care provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
There are a few important factors to consider when hiking with your dog, according to PetMD:
Consider your dog's breed, age and overall health before going on the hike. Some dogs can handle longer hikes and challenging trails while others can only handle shorter, low-impact hikes.
Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overexertion or exhaustion, including excessive panting, struggling to keep up and a lack of interest in continuing.
Research the trail beforehand as parts of the path may be unsafe or especially slippery during some conditions.
It's important to be cautious when hiking during hot weather. Don't overexert your dog; plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day and opt for shaded trails.
Prevent dehydration and overheating by taking regular rest breaks and providing ample water and shade.
Use cooling vests or bandanas specifically designed for dogs to help lower their body temperature during outdoor activities.
Use dog booties or paw wax to protect your dog's paws from rough terrain, sharp objects or extreme temperature and other irritants.
Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans, if you're hot then they're very hot. Older dogs or brachycephalic breeds like boxers, bulldogs and pugs are at a higher risk of overheating.
Yes, you can hike in Phoenix during the summer but make sure to do it the right way with tips from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department:
Watch the weather. Although Arizona is known for having dry heat, it can still be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cool outside or try going during early mornings or evenings when there's more shade.
Dress appropriately. Make sure to wear proper shoes, clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
Bring water and hydrate before you go. Remember to bring more than you think you need and head back before you drink all of your water.
Carry a mobile phone with you.
Hike with others, if alone, tell someone your start and end times and location.
Don't push yourself if you have a medical condition.
Stay on designated trails.
Overall, make sure to be prepared and don't ignore safety guidelines.
Certain trails are also restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the weather issues an extreme heat warning. This includes:
Camelback Mountain Preserve – Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail
Phoenix Mountains Preserve – The Piestewa Peak Summit trail and associated trails
South Mountain Park and Preserve – Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau'pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from Pima Canyon Trailhead.
Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Bluesky @dinakaur.bsky.social.
Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can you hike in Phoenix in the summer? Protect yourself and your dog
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