Rescue crews perform 3 unrelated rescues on Camelback Mountain

PHOENIX — Technical rescue crews have been busy rescuing hikers from Camelback Mountain in Phoenix on Monday, authorities said.

Around 11:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to the Echo Canyon Trailhead at Camelback Mountain to help a woman who was about a quarter of the way up the trail, the Phoenix Fire Department said.

She told firefighters she couldn’t continue her descent after slipping and injuring her ankle.

While crews were assessing her, Command received reports of a second hiker in need of help. This woman said she felt dizzy and was unable to continue her hike.

Command is now receiving reports of a second patient. Crews are ascending the trail. pic.twitter.com/UiE6fFKMph

— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) March 16, 2026

Firefighters ultimately hoisted the first woman off the mountain, while the second was able to walk down with assistance. As crews were helping her descend, command was alerted to a third hiker, a man who had fallen and needed help getting off the mountain.

Firefighters are safely extracted the first hiker off the mountain utilizing a hoist operation. There are now reports of a third injured hiker. pic.twitter.com/OdcgE1fDyp

— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) March 16, 2026

Like the first hiker, he required a hoist rescue.

Both women declined transport to the hospital, while the man agreed to be taken for further evaluation.

The hikers were rescued during an unusually intense March heat wave.

Phoenix is forecast to reach 100 degrees by Wednesday, with temperatures possibly climbing above 105 on several days before the weekend ends.

If that happens, it would mark the earliest triple‑digit heat ever recorded in the city. Phoenix has only hit 100 degrees once before in March — on March 26, 1988.

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