By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Pima County trails remain open to hikers even as temperatures reach record highs this week, a policy that differs from Phoenix, which restricts trail access during extreme heat.
Read more Lawsuit accuses DHS of revealing confidential asylum claims to Iranian government
County officials said the structure of their trail system makes similar closures impractical.
Pima County Search and Rescue has conducted nearly 80 rescues since January and expects to roughly double that number by the end of the year. Deputies said many calls involve hikers who ran out of water or are suffering from heat exhaustion.
“Right now, mid-summer, high heat, we are seeing a lot of that — they didn’t bring enough water, they brought a single bottle of water, or maybe they’re hiking to the point where they’re getting cramps, and they can’t continue on,” said Adam Schoonover, a Pima County Search and Rescue deputy.
The unit has also responded to two incidents involving hikers who died in the past two weeks, including one who suffered from a heat-related illness.
Why Pima County won’t close trails
Pima County officials said there are 25 trails across five different mountain ranges across the county, many of which don’t have singular access points or gated parking to enforce closures.
Several also connect to federal trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Arizona State Parks, like Sabino Canyon or Catalina State Park, which often will not close for heat alone.
Those factors have led officials to focus on education rather than restriction.
“It’s always been the Sheriff’s Department’s viewpoint that rather than closing the trail they’re going to just educate people and hopefully they heed those warnings to say, hey, hike in the morning versus midday where the heat’s the hottest, or you have the highest temperatures,” Schoonover said.
Read more Driver faces felony charges after crashing with .441 BAC in Glendale
Timing is key, park manager says
Catalina State Park Manager Steven Haas said hikers can still safely use trails in the summer — with the right timing.
“For us, it’s about timing. So it’s safe to hike here in the summer, just do it early or do it late and get off the trail by 9 a.m. or get on the trail by 6, 6:30 p.m.,” Haas said.
Phoenix model shows results
Phoenix began restricting its trails during extreme heat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. several years ago. The city recorded only 35 mountain rescues in 2024, a steep decline from prior years.
Pima County trails are posted with signs warning visitors about extreme heat and safety precautions. Schoonover and Haas both noted that Pima County Search and Rescue is a free service, and hikers in distress should call 911 without hesitation.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Arizona wildlife officials urge action from hunters to slow spread of rabbit virus
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.