Phoenix To Limit Access On Trails For Social Distancing

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

March 27, 2020

Being outdoors is important to health and wellness, and the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department continues to educate the community about responsible social distancing of at least six feet when using a park, hiking trail or just enjoying the outdoors.

To continue this education and address increased volume on some city hiking trails, starting this weekend the department will limit access to several of the city's high-traffic hiking destinations. Additionally, the department will increase visibility of park rangers and city staff at those locations to resolve issues with vehicle and foot traffic.

Effective Saturday, March 28, and until further notice, the following areas will be impacted:

• Papago Park – Hole in the Rock: The main parking lot for Hole in the Rock will be closed and access by hikers to Hole in the Rock will be limited. Trail usage at this location has nearly tripled over the last three weeks, compared to the same period in 2019. Other parking lots within Papago Park will be open, as will other trails and access points.
• Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• Piestewa Peak Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• South Mountain Park – Pima Canyon Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• South Mountain Park – Dobbins Lookout: Vehicle access on Summit Rd. will be controlled to resolve overcrowding at Dobbins Lookout.
• Camelback Mountain – Cholla Trail: Due to rock remediation and trail maintenance following recent rain, this trail will be closed for approximately two weeks.

City staff is continually monitoring vehicle and foot traffic at trailheads citywide, and additional limits could be put in place at other locations if needed. If hikers see that a trailhead is busy, they should avoid contributing to a large group and use another trail or visit another trailhead.

Phoenix is home to more than 200 miles of trails, and while these limitations are in place the hiking community is encouraged to explore trails in other areas. Suggested alternate trail locations include the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and the Reach 11 Recreation Area. Detailed trail information, trailhead locations and important "Take a Hike. Do it Right." hiking safety guidelines can be found at Phoenix.gov/Parks/Trails.

Residents can also exercise outside by walking, jogging or biking along the recently renovated Grand Canalscape. They can also take advantage of FitPHX WalkPHX paths in more than 40 city parks.

All Phoenix parks, sports complexes and golf courses are open normal hours of operation. Residents can find an outdoor recreational amenity in their neighborhood and learn more about responsible social distancing when using a park or trail by visiting Phoenix.gov/Parks.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.