26 NOVEMBER 2024 By Sherry Sklar This summer’s record-breaking heat wave in Phoenix saw 113 consecutive days over 100°F and 55 straight days of excessive heat warnings. October even set new records, marking the first time in history that the city reached 110°F during the month. Camelback Mountain is a challenging hike for the most experienced, but it remains a hotspot for rescues each summer due to extreme heat conditions. This past year, three hikers were rescued from the Echo Canyon Trail after suffering from heat exhaustion, a recurring issue during the summer. This highlights the need to get people on and off the trails safely. Camelback Culture Community, a group of passionate local hikers led by graphic design director Jes Dobbs, launched a petition calling for extended trail hours and the installation of automated gates at Camelback Mountain and other trailheads. Their goal is to provide safer access during the hours before dawn and after sunset, addressing growing safety concerns caused by rising temperatures and delayed gate openings. With a final tally of over 1,900 signatures, the petition asks Phoenix Parks and Recreation to enact consistent, year-round rules across all parks and trails, ensuring reliable access for hikers. According to the City of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain – home to the Echo Canyon and Cholla trailheads – draws over one million visitors annually, making it the busiest hiking location in the city. Currently, trail access is restricted from sunrise to sunset. Dobbs argues it needs to be more specific and reflect the realities of Phoenix’s desert climate, where temperatures are cooler in the early morning but rise to the most intense heat of the day by late afternoon. She and her group propose extended hours from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing people to hike when it’s safest and most convenient. “I believe having trailheads with year- round, consistent opening and closing times will enable locals and visitors to hike in the cooler hours of the day legally and when their lives allow,” Dobbs said. “Many hard-working people don’t have the option to take a midday hike. They deserve access to exercise and nature during their limited free time – before and after work.” The push for extended hours is about more than just convenience. Dobbs emphasized that this change would reduce overcrowding during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays, benefitting both hikers and the communities surrounding the trails. However, a shift in how parking access is managed has added to the frustrations of early-morning hikers. On August 31, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department ended its contract with the maintenance company responsible for opening the park gates and allowing access to the parking lots, leaving park rangers to handle the task. This change has led to delays in gate openings, with the city aiming to hire a new maintenance company by the end of the year. Dobbs believes all stakeholders – hikers, local resorts and the city – share responsibility for promoting safety and preparedness. Dobbs advocates for better education on the trails, calling for everyone to do their part in ensuring that visitors are well-prepared. When asked how she and her group plan to celebrate a win if the petition passes, Dobbs shared, “By hiking!” Camelback Culture submitted the petition to the City of Phoenix City Council, the City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board, and City Manager Jeff Barton in mid-October and is currently awaiting a response. camelbackculture.com PHOTO COURTESY OF JES DOBBS Petition for extended trail hours gains traction amid record summer heat MAKING CAMELBACK SAFER Camelback Culture Community, a group of passionate local hikers, launched a petition calling for extended trail hours and the installation of automated gates at Camelback Mountain trailheads.

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