Phoenix Expands Trail Closures at South Mountain During Extreme Heat

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Trail view at South Mountain, now with expanded closures for safety during extreme heat.

News Summary

As summer 2025 approaches, the City of Phoenix is expanding trail closures at South Mountain during excessive heat warnings to protect hikers. The closures, affecting popular trails like Hau’Pai and Holbert, come after an increase in mountain rescues. While less than seven miles of trails will close, over 100 miles will remain open. The city allocates $350,000 for safety awareness efforts. These measures respond to growing concerns about hiker safety amid extreme temperatures and aim to balance nature enjoyment with health risks.

City of Phoenix Expands Trail Closures at South Mountain During Extreme Heat Warnings for 2025 Summer

As the summer of 2025 approaches, the sunny city of Phoenix is taking action to ensure the safety of its outdoor adventurers. With those sizzling heat waves that the area is known for, the city is expanding trail closures at South Mountain during days when excessive heat warnings are issued. It’s one move that has the community buzzing and wondering what it all means for this popular hiking destination.

Since 2021, trails at famous spots like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak have been closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those scorching days when heat warnings are in effect, and it seems that the City of Phoenix is ready to take it a step further. Last summer, there were a whopping 45 days when these restrictions were in place, affecting many eager hikers.

Now, the spotlight is on South Mountain, where the beloved Hau’Pai Trail, Holbert Trail, and Mormon Trail have been added to the list of trails to be temporarily closed during extreme heat warnings. These closures aim to protect hikers as extreme temperatures have a serious impact on safety, with unfortunate incidents occurring even among experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Data shared by the Phoenix Fire Department highlights the pressing need for these changes. With 18 mountain rescues reported at South Mountain from May to September in 2023, this was a sharp increase from 25 rescues the previous year. \The numbers reveal why the city’s Parks and Recreation Department feels strongly about saving lives and making the outdoors a safer space for everyone.

These new restrictions affect less than seven miles of trails on South Mountain, and concern less than a tenth of the area. The good news for outdoor lovers is that over 100 miles of those scenic trails will still be open even on the hottest of days. So, there are still plenty of options for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while being mindful of their health.

In March 2025, city officials unanimously voted for these new measures to help ensure the safety of hikers. The closed trails will include the challenging Holbert Trail (2.56 miles), the Mormon Trail (1.35 miles), and the renowned Hau’pal Loop Trail (2.8 miles). While access to the National Trail from the popular Pima Canyon Trailhead will be restricted, it remains open from other entrances, so no need to fret entirely.

These selected trails have been marked out for closure because they are considered technically demanding, posing serious challenges for hikers and rescue teams alike. City board members stressed the importance of reducing pressure on first responders who risk their lives during search and rescue missions in extreme heat.

In a bid to enhance safety and successfully manage public sentiment, city officials even considered more comprehensive closures; however, they met with backlash from the hiking community, who felt this limitation interfered with their freedom to hike safely, mindful of their hydration needs and personal choices.

So how can those looking to explore the wild places around the city stay informed? The City of Phoenix is set to allocate a budget of $350,000, aimed at rolling out new graphics to spread awareness about heat advisories, sign installations, map updates, and an extensive public outreach campaign promoting trail safety. Education will be at the forefront, empowering all visitors to make informed decisions about their hiking adventures.

While the focus right now is on the new South Mountain restrictions, it’s important to note that these new rules do not affect the existing closures already in place at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. As always, public sentiment remains mixed as some hikers express concern that these closures might negatively affect tourism and access to the area’s remarkable natural beauty.

As summer temperatures rise, it’s heartening to see the city take meaningful steps to balance the love for nature with the pressing need to keep everyone safe under the burning Arizona sun.