Heat wave to close select Phoenix trails during day, activate relief stations around Valley

PHOENIX — Select hiking trails in Phoenix will be closed during the day and a nonprofit organization is activating heat relief stations across the Valley as high temperatures are expected to surpass 110 degrees each day through the weekend.

The excessive heat warning begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and continues through Sunday at 8 p.m.

The high temperature on Wednesday is expected to be 109 degrees before rising to 111 degrees on Thursday, followed by 113 degrees on Friday, 114 degrees on Saturday and 113 degrees on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day during the excessive heat warning, Phoenix will close Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead.

The trails will be available until 11 p.m. and parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. to promote hiking after 7 p.m., the city said in a press release.

Phoenix began closing the popular trails last summer during excessive heat warning days to reduce injuries and deaths, as well as protect rescue personnel.

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army is activating 11 heat relief stations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Wednesday and lasting through Sunday, offering people in need a place to go for indoor cooling and hydration.

The heat relief stations are located in Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Surprise, Avondale and Apache Junction.

A list of locations can be found on the nonprofit’s website.

It’s the first excessive heat warning in metro Phoenix so far this year.

Phoenix had 22 days of at least 110-degree weather last year, much better than the record-setting 53 in 2020.

It is recommended that people stay hydrated, limit time spent outside and try to stay inside air-conditioned buildings during periods of extreme heat.

People are also advised to check on elderly family members and neighbors.

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