Phoenix temporarily closing Camelback, Piestawa trails due to excessive heat advisory

By Pratham Dalal
Published: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 - 12:53pm
Updated: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 - 2:03pm

Camelback Mountain 8 hikers rescued
Phoenix Fire Department
Firefighters bring a hiker down from Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Tuesday and Wednesday as temperatures are expected to reach upwards of triple digits in Phoenix.

The city also is closing three prominent hiking trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve due to the heat. Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain trails are being closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Earlier this year, the city announced the trails would close automatically on extremely hot days to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths. According to a city press release, hikers are encouraged to hit the trails in the early morning and late evening to stay cool.

The excessive heat warning is expected to last until 8 p.m. Wednesday in Maricopa County.