Police are still investigating after a hiker was found dead on a Phoenix trail over the weekend. Officials are reminding hikers that trail closures remain in effect and outdoor recreation can be very dangerous in Arizona’s scorching heat.
The 61-year-old man whose body was recovered on South Mountain was described as an experienced hiker and his cause of death has not yet been determined. The Phoenix Police Department said there were no immediate signs of foul play.
Friday and Saturday were the hottest two days of the year so far in Phoenix — the high temperature reached 117 degrees on both days. And the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner is investigating at least 23 deaths from Saturday as possibly heat-related — the highest potential one-day death toll so far this heat season, according to county data.
Phoenix fire Capt. Mike Johnson said hiking can be risky in these temperatures. Johnson said even avid hikers can get injured, or the heat can cause them to become disoriented.
“That’s why it’s important not to be out there on these trails when it is warm. If you do find yourself in a bad spot you could be out there a lot longer than you expected,” Johnson said.
Phoenix since 2021 has been closing certain popular trails whenever the National Weather Service issues Extreme Heat Warnings.
The Echo Canyon and Cholla trails on Camelback Mountain, the Piestewa Peak Summit trail, and several trails on South Mountain close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the warnings are in effect. But the city’s Parks and Recreation department also strongly discourages hiking on all other city trails between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on extreme heat days.
An extreme heat warning and trail restrictions are currently in effect at least through Sunday.
Johnson encourages hikers to adhere to the trail closures. When trails are open, he recommends hikers take other precautions to stay safe.
“Make sure you have plenty of water — more than you think you’re going to need,” Johnson said. “And most importantly I would say is have a charged cellphone in case you do find yourself in trouble.”
Hikers can sign up for alerts about heat warnings and trail restrictions through the Phoenix Parks and recreation website.
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