PHOENIX - The official high in Phoenix on Monday was 116 degrees. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning, so it was not surprising the parking lots at Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain were not crowded.
The mountains, however, were also not empty.
“I feel like I do this very regularly. I am fit enough to do this and the heat is not that big of a deal to me,” said Martin Scholing.
In fact, Scholing hikes Piestewa Peak four times a week no matter how hot it gets. Often called an extreme hiker, Scholing almost enjoys the hot weather.
“There is a little wind going on, it’s actually not as bad as you might think,” he said.
INFOGRAPHIC: Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
Jose Jimenez is an ultra-runner, so even on blistering hot days he runs up the mountain.
“I like to push myself,” he said.
Jimenez and another runner ran the 2.2-mile trail that rises 1,100 feet in about 35 minutes.
“You feel good after you’re done,” said Andrew.
Dave Metzler is one of the park rangers who patrols Piestewa Peak and Echo Canyon. An ultra-runner himself, Metzler says there are about 200 extreme hikers and ultra-runners who frequent the trails no matter the temperature.
“It’s not going to slow them down,” Metzler said.
The extreme heat, however, can be dangerous even to seasoned or veteran runners.
“No matter how athletic you are that danger can strike at any time on the trail,” said Metzler.
Extreme hikers or ultra-runners are not immune to heat exhaustion or heat stroke but their bodies are better conditioned and acclimated to handle it.
“They know their body and know the warning signs,” said Metzler.
The danger, however, is very real and medical experts warn people unless you are an experienced hot weather hiker or an elite athlete who is well-prepared, you should not hike during an extreme heat warning day.
