While summer holidays draw people outdoors, Phoenix is limiting access to popular trailheads this Fourth of July.
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Phoenix park rangers will close entrance gates to Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, South Mountain Park and other popular hiking trails.
In a statement, the city says the closure is meant to reduce fire danger.
Phoenix also announced regulations for holiday hikers, including no alcoholic beverages, glass containers nor fireworks. Rules from the annual fire ban that began May 1 remain in effect.
Additionally, the upper lookouts in South Mountain Park will be emptied and closed at 1 p.m. The city recommends bringing extra water and using caution while hiking to avoid heat illnesses.
