News

According to the city of Phoenix, more than 200 hikers are in need of rescue each year. Some people fail to bring enough water with them on their journey, some get lost on the intricate trail systems, some get injured maneuvering the desert terrain. But not all hiking stories are doom and gloom. Some offer information, some offer inspiration, some are just downright entertaining.

Keep Phoenix Trails Open for All

Keep Phoenix Trails Open for All

The recent decision by the Phoenix Parks Board to implement restrictive early-morning closures on South Mountain trails impacts thousands of responsible hikers, runners, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Sign the petition!

Recent News

Below is a mix of recent headlines relating to hiking news in and around the city of Phoenix, Arizona.

3 hospitalized after being rescued off separate mountains in Phoenix

11/22/2024 - It was a busy morning for Phoenix technical rescue teams, as three hikers were rescued from two separate mountains. [ AZ Family ]

Temporary trail closure during excessive heat is a "slap in the face" some Valley hikers say

11/22/2024 - During Phoenix Parks and Recreation's Thursday meeting, more than 20 people spoke against the program aimed to reduce hiker rescues. [ 12News ]

Hikers react to man's fall on Lookout Mountain

11/19/2024 - The news of a badly injured hiker who fell on Lookout Mountain scares the hikers who frequent this trail because they know this was no freak accident, but something that could happen to anyone. [ Fox 10 Phoenix ]

Ability360 opens Phoenix Summit Challenge to all abilities

11/19/2024 - In partnership with the City of Phoenix, Ability360 provided support as part of the Phoenix Summit Challenge. [ Cronkite News ]

Renovation of South Mountain Visitor Center marks a century of municipal stewardship in Phoenix

11/8/2024 - As one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, South Mountain Park and Preserve spans over 16,000 acres of diverse desert landscapes, making it a beloved natural resource and recreational hub for the community, Phoenix officials say. [ Arizona Digital Free Press ]

Phoenix Parks Board Approves Expansion of Trail Closure Program to South Mountain and Implements Earlier Trail Closures

10/25/2024 - The City of Phoenix Parks Board voted in favor of expanding the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to include all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve and to implement trail closures beginning at 8 a.m., rather than the previous time of 9 a.m. [ City of Phoenix ]

13 hikers, including several children, rescued after getting lost on Arizona trail amid high heat

7/26/2024 - Thirteen people were rescued on the Gateway Loop Trail in Scottsdale after getting lost on an Arizona hiking trail during high heat. [ ABC News ]

Arizona nurse saves mountain biker with CPR who collapsed on trail

5/16/2024 - The Mesa man suffered his first heart attack in 2021 and another on March 10, 2024. The second time, he started to feel pain in his chest while he was on a bike ride with his friend, Stan. He blacked out on the Pima Canyon Trailhead at South Mountain. [ AZ Family ]