Take a hike and do it right. That’s the message from the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. The extreme heat hasn’t discouraged hikers from climbing local trailheads. And that has forced park rangers to take extra safety measures.
Local park officials said the hotter it gets the more vigilant their staff has to be. Over the weekend Echo Canyon, Cholla and Piestewa Peak rangers, among other areas, were encouraging folks to dress appropriately and to load up on water before climbing. At some trails they passed out water bottles.
Because these are public parks, they don’t close during operating hours and staff can’t stop folks from hiking. Phoenix Parks and Recreation’s Ken Vonderscher said the best rangers can do is advise hikers to stay safe.
“They’ve been out talking to people, educating people, making sure people make good choices and providing folks with information on hikes," he said. "Sometimes, we discourage people if they’re not sure and try and reroute them to a flatter, medium type of a hike versus an aggressive uphill climb on one of the summit peaks.”
Vonderscher said the city is working with the Arizona Office of Tourism to advise visitors about safe hiking.
