PHOENIX (AZ Family) — The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board voted Thursday night to expand the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to all trails in South Mountain Park and Preserve and to close the trails at 8 a.m., effective from 9 a.m. previously.

Changes take effect immediately. These proactive measures are intended to ensure the safety of hikers and first responders during extreme weather conditions, the board said.

When the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning, roads are closed.

Which Phoenix trails have heat safety restrictions?

The Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program includes the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails on Camelback Mountain, as well as the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

All trails in South Mountain Park and Preserve are now also on the list of trails with heat safety restrictions.

How common are road closures?

This year, between May 1 and October 13, roads were closed in Phoenix for 45 days due to extreme heat. One hundred and twenty-one days saw high temperatures over 105 degrees.

Instead of hiking on hot summer days, firefighters recommend visitors use the gym, take a walk in the park or take a walk around their neighborhood at sunset or sunrise.

“We are committed to proactively collaborating with the parks department to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters during extreme heat weather events. By expanding this program with data-driven decisions, the City of Phoenix can improve road safety and reduce risks for everyone who enjoys our beautiful parks,” Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief Tim Kreis said. he said.

Additional future changes

Parks and Recreation staff will present additional recommendations to the Board in January.

Some proposed changes include moving the closing time to 7 a.m. and setting the road closure threshold to be active when temperatures are predicted to be above 105 degrees.

“I am proud of the decision we made tonight after carefully considering important data from our Parks and Fire Departments as well as valuable input from the public,” said Phoenix Parks Board President Kelly Dalton. “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 evaluate and strengthen these measures as necessary to protect our community.”

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