City of Phoenix, AZ
10/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/25/2024 18:53
Phoenix Parks Board Approves Expansion of Trail Closure Program to South Mountain and Implements Earlier Trail Closures
On Thursday evening, 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, these proactive measures will ensure the safety of trail users and first responders during 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 (NWS). By expanding the program to include South Mountain Park and Preserve, the City will 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.
"I am proud of the decision we made this evening after careful consideration of key data from our Parks and Fire Departments, as well as valuable input from the public. Our Board's decision to expand the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to South Mountain Park/Preserve, along with earlier trail closures during excessive heat warnings, is a proactive measure to reduce heat-related incidents," said Kelly Dalton, Chair of the City of Phoenix Parks Board. "The safety of our residents and visitors is always our top priority, and this decision underscores our commitment to ensuring Phoenix's trails remain safe and accessible. We will continue to assess and strengthen these measures as needed to protect our community."
In 2024, Phoenix experienced 45 days of trail closures due to extreme heat between May 1 and October 13, with a total of 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.
Despite these conditions, the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program has been effective in managing outdoor activities during the hottest months, as affirmed by the decrease in rescues on closed trails from 2021 to 2024:
• 2021: 57 rescues
• 2022: 47 rescues
• 2023: 30 rescues
• 2024: 35 rescues
"We are committed to proactively collaborating with the parks department to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters during extreme heat events. By expanding this program with data driven decisions, the City of Phoenix can enhance trail safety and reduce risks for everyone enjoying our beautiful parks," Executive Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief, Tim Kreis.
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 NWS.
The Parks and Recreation Department recognizes the significant impact of the proposed changes and will launch a community engagement campaign to inform the public and gather feedback. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed about trail closures and safety recommendations through the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's website and social media channels.