3 Hikers Rescued From Phoenix Mountains As Extreme Heat Grips Valley

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix firefighters responded to three separate mountain rescues Sunday at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, including a hiker who was hospitalized in critical condition after suffering severe heat illness.

The rescues prompted another warning from Phoenix fire officials about the dangers of hiking in extreme heat, even for people who come prepared.

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The most serious call came around 11 a.m. at the Echo Canyon Trailhead on Camelback Mountain, where firefighters were called for a hiker experiencing a medical emergency.

Crews found an adult woman about halfway up the mountain. She told rescuers she had become overheated and could not safely make it back down on her own.

Firefighters worked with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to hoist her from the mountain using the agency's helicopter, Fox 1.

At the trailhead, crews found her core temperature was above 104 degrees and that she was showing signs of altered mental status. Firefighters began cold-water immersion treatment before she was taken to a hospital by ambulance in critical condition.

Two other hikers also needed help Sunday. One became dizzy and needed assistance getting off the mountain, while another developed chest pain near a summit and required an air rescue.

Phoenix Fire did not specify whether those two incidents occurred at Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak.

Following the rescues, Phoenix Fire repeated its advice for anyone considering a hike during the heat: Know the weather conditions, carry plenty of water, understand the terrain and your own limits, and turn around if something doesn't feel right.

The city has also imposed daytime trail restrictions this week because of the extreme heat. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday hiking is prohibited on several trails.

The restrictions cover Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon and Cholla trails, the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and connecting trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, along with several trails in South Mountain Park and Preserve, including Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau'pal Loop Trail and the section of National Trail accessed from the Pima Canyon Trailhead.

Hiking is strongly discouraged on all Phoenix trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., even where restrictions are not in place, according to the city.

Sunday's rescues serve as another reminder that desert heat can become dangerous quickly. For hikers, knowing when to turn around may be just as important as knowing the trail.