PHOENIX — Being outdoors is part of Phoenix's identity.
The Valley is crisscrossed by trails where countless bikers, hikers and runners adventure every year. Even if the temps are in the triple digits.
So, when these avid hikers learned Phoenix's Park and Recreation board recently approved temporary closures at South Mountain during excessive heat, they were in an uproar.
“I believe the decision is overly restrictive, disproportionate to the issue at hand and frankly anti-Phoenician," said one resident.
More than 20 people spoke out against it at Thursday's board meeting. Some called the policy "weak minded" and a "slap in the face." It's part of the city's Trail Heat Safety Program where trails at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and now South Mountain will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when the National Weather Service puts out excessive heat warnings. It was created to reduce the number of hiker rescues and deaths on the trails.
According to data from the city, 169 people have been rescued since 2021 with 35 hikers getting saved in 2024. In July, a child died from a heat related incident while hiking South Mountain. Phoenix Police said the boy and his family had just moved to the Valley from out of state.
People who spoke out against the program understand the safety concerns but said the majority of people who do hike those same trails do not get hurt.
"I understand the City’s desire to reduce the number of rescues, but the actions of a few irresponsible people should not be reason to limit access to the people of Phoenix," one woman said.
Instead, nearly everyone who took the podium said the Parks department needed to increase education for visitors when it comes to hiking here in Phoenix. The recommended additional warning signs, park rangers and water stations.
Since there was no agenda item regarding this topic, board members didn't directly address what was said during public comment but thanked everyone who voiced their concerns.
According to the city's website, it will also consider extending closure hours from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and change the requirements. If temperatures are expected to be at 105 degrees or higher, Phoenix can close the trails.
Those same hikers were also against this and plan to once again speak out against it during the January board meeting.