Phoenix Mountain Preserve

04/25/2025

"Summit Fever" is the #1 cause of deaths & rescues on Camelback. Extended time in extreme heat kills!! (As can over-exertion with a pre-existing health condition!) Almost anyone without a pre-existing health condition can hike approximately 30 yards/meters to the helicopter landing pad on the Echo Trail where they can take great photos and turn around. Reasonably fit visitors without health issues can probably make it to the first ridgeline, with a bench and great views. During the hot months, this is where visitors should turn around. Summit Fever is a phenomenon on mountains around the world where people keep climbing despite conditions that will cause their death or rescue, because they "Have to climb to the summit!". NO! YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLIMB TO THE SUMMIT!! In the cooler months it takes visitors an average of about 2-3 hours (sometimes much more) to reach the summit and descend. In the hot months that amount of time in extreme heat for visitors will result in rescue either by local hikers, or Phoenix Fire Department, or death. Heat deaths happen every year, they are 100% preventable.

04/25/2025

Though we are a desert city in which heat is a part of life, climate change is making Phoenix summers drier and more intense. According to data collected by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the average local summer temperature has increased by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit over the pa...

02/26/2025

02/17/2025

The last few weekends, members of this group have spoken to hundreds of people who visited the trailheads in Phoenix.

Overwhelmingly, the people we've engaged with see the 7am / 8am closure proposal as government overreach and would like to see the City of Phoenix, AZ USA offer more education and resources and lead with personal responsibility instead of closures.

These personal interactions with people make clear that the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department needs more comprehensive engagement with trail users on the issues, instead of relying on the biased survey as any indication of trail users' perspectives.

02/05/2025

01/22/2025

01/21/2025

Anyone who has driven around the valley knows it. The valley has grown rapidly !

According to the United Nations World Population report, the City of Phoenix, AZ USA grew from ~ 1.51M residents in 2014 to ~1.62M residents in 2024 , about 10% growth.

However, the Phoenix Metro area grew at a much more rapid pace - from 3.9M in 2014 to 4.8M in 2024. Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Peoria, Avondale - all grew between 16% and 20%.

Why does this matter? Well, people from across the valley come to visit the Parks that are managed by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and unfortunately, the increased population around Phoenix also leads to increased incidents that need to be handled by the Phoenix Fire Department.

Who pays for that ? Not taking into account some capacity sharing agreements with others in the valley, the Fire Department is primarily funded by the Phoenix tax payer base (who only grew with 10%).

It's no surprise that the Fire Department is struggling with response times. These strains on the capacity levels of the cities first responders are now threatening our ability to exercise in the mountain parks like South Mountain, Camelback and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the city has already taken steps to reduce access to these trails.

We need to stop this slippery slope now, before this goes further and we lose access to our gorgeous desert trails altogether. Join us Thursday, January 23rd at 5PM at the City Council Chambers at 200 W Jefferson St in Phoenix to provide feedback to the city's Park and Recreation Board.

01/19/2025

With adequate preparation and the use of common sense, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a statistic in the rescue numbers. These are the five biggest factors that increase your risk on becoming a trail rescue statistic.

Inadequate Preparation
Risk: Lack of research about the trail, weather, or necessary gear can lead to getting lost, injured, or overwhelmed -> Mitigation: Research the trail’s difficulty, distance, and elevation. Check weather forecasts and pack essentials, including a map, water, snacks, and proper clothing.

Dehydration and Heat-Related Illness
Risk: Extreme heat, insufficient water, or lack of electrolytes can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke -> Mitigation: Carry more water than you think you’ll need and drink frequently. Use electrolyte supplements and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day if your schedule allows it. Cover up your skin and use ice sleeves or ice bandanas.

Overestimating Abilities
Risk: Tackling trails beyond your or your group members fitness or experience level increases the likelihood of injury or exhaustion -> Mitigation: Choose trails that match your skill level. Start small and work up to more challenging routes. Turn back early if you or a group member feels unwell or conditions worsen.

Getting Lost
Risk: Straying from marked trails or failing to carry navigation tools can lead to disorientation ->
Mitigation: Stay on marked paths and carry a map or GPS device. Tell someone your plans and expected return time. Avoid taking shortcuts or venturing off-trail.

Lack of Emergency Preparedness
Risk: Not knowing how to handle injuries, severe weather, or unexpected situations can escalate minor issues into emergencies. Mitigation -> Learn basic first aid, carry a whistle, and pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, extra layers, and a personal locator beacon, like a Garmin Inreach for remote areas.

01/19/2025

[♻️] : Phoenix’s trails are a treasure we all cherish – from sunrise hikes to desert rides. But these iconic paths need our collective effort to stay open and accessible for everyone.

That’s why we’re here: to advocate, educate, and work together to protect our trails for future generations. 🥾💚

📢 What can you do today?
✅ Follow for updates, tips, and ways to get involved.
✅ Share this post to spread the word about keeping Phoenix’s trails open.
✅ Sign the petition at keepphoenixtrailsopen.org (link in bio)
✅ Attend the January 23rd Phoenix Parks Board Meeting at 5PM and make your voice heard.

Together, we can make a difference.

10/28/2024

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3256

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09/03/2024

FYI