Record heat could temporarily close down Phoenix hiking trails in March for the first time

PHOENIX, Arizona — An unprecedented March heat wave is threatening to shutter popular hiking trails across the Valley this week as temperatures are forecast to climb above 100 degrees for five consecutive days.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday. If the heat risk is upgraded to “Major” or “Extreme” conditions, the City of Phoenix will trigger mandatory trail closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to protect hikers and first responders.

Under the city’s heat safety policy, the following locations would be affected:

• Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon and Cholla trails.
• Phoenix Mountains Preserve: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and its associated paths.
• South Mountain Park: Holbert, Mormon, and Hau’pal Loop trails, along with National Trail access from the Pima Canyon trailhead.

While the city sees over 200 mountain rescues annually, the closure policy has shown measurable results. Between 2021 and 2024, rescues on these specific closed trails ranged from 30 to 57.

Local hikers are already shifting their schedules to avoid the midday sun.

“Sometimes when it starts to warm up earlier, I get out here earlier before it gets to the middle of the day when you really start to feel it,” said Brian, an Arizona resident hiking Camelback Mountain on Monday.

The early heat is particularly dangerous for tourists who may not be acclimated to the desert’s arid climate. Emmy, a visitor from Iowa who has hiked the Rocky Mountains, noted that the Arizona heat is a different challenge.

“Definitely would be a little scary if you’re not prepared,” she said. “That’s why we come early in the morning, because that would be a lot to handle.”

Safety officials recommend that those who still plan to hike do so during the cooler hours; trails open at 5 a.m. and close at 11 p.m., though parking lot gates typically close at 7 p.m.

Experts urge hikers to begin hydrating days in advance, wear lightweight sun-protective clothing, and carry significantly more water than they expect to need.

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