INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Phoenix has extended summer hours so hikers can take advantage of cooler temperatures and shade along three trails.
Extended summer hours are in effect through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak trailheads in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Pima Canyon trailhead in the South Mountain Park/Preserve.
To provide an extra two hours of availability and promote hiking after 7 p.m., parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations. Year-round at those three trailheads, parking lots open at 5 a.m., and trails are open until 11 p.m.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation and Phoenix Fire departments remind trail users to be smart when hiking and following safety guidelines:
- Watch the Weather: Hike when it's cool, early mornings and evenings when there's more shade.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat and sunscreen.
- Bring Water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before half is consumed.
- Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone.
- Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times and location.
- Don't Trailblaze: Stay on designated trails.
Dog are prohibited on any Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors.