Phoenix Reminds Trail Users To 'Take A Hike. Do It Right.' As Temps Heat Up

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

April 25, 2020 8:00 AM

The Phoenix area will experience its first triple-digit temperatures of the year this weekend and through next week. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Sunday, as the forecast high that day is 104 degrees and will be well above the average for that date.

As this seasonal weather shift is underway, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation and Phoenix Fire departments remind trail users to "Take a Hike. Do it Right." when enjoying the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves.

During the warm weather months, Phoenix Park Rangers recommend hiking during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade. Hydration is important when participating in any outdoor activity year-round, but is critical when the temperature heats up. Drink plenty of water before, during and after a hike. Hikers should also practice responsible social and physical distancing guidelines when on the trail.

All trail users should follow these important and potentially life-saving hiking safety guidelines:

• Watch the Weather: Yes, "it’s a dry heat" - but Arizona’s temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it’s cool outside, try early mornings and evenings when there’s more shade.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat and sunscreen.
• Bring Water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water.
• Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone.
• Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.
• Be Honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don’t push yourself! (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.)
• Don’t Trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert’s beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.
• Take Responsibility: Don’t be "that person" - the one who wasn’t prepared, shouldn’t have been there for health reasons or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right!

For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors.

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