Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak to close for excessive heat

PHOENIX — Two of the most popular hiking trails in Phoenix will be closed on Sunday and Monday due to safety concerns during excessive heat, Phoenix Parks and Recreation announced on Saturday.

Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak Trailhead will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

Forecasts project temperatures on Sunday and Monday to reach 108 degrees, which would rank just under the daily record for both of those two days.

The daily record for Sept. 12 is 110 degrees and for Sept. 13 it is 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Parks and rec officials recommend that trail users hike in the early morning or evening during the Valley’s warm months, regardless of an excessive heat watch, since it is cooler and there is more shade.

Extended summer hours are in effect to encourage people to hike during those times from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and ​Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve.

Parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations, while the trails are open until 11 p.m. The parking lots open at 5 a.m.

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