Almost every week there is a news story about a hiker being rescued off the trails here in Phoenix. The desert is no joke and even presents significant risks when hiking in the early morning hours.

Please be smart out there.

Hiking in the Heat Can Lead to Serious Trouble

With Phoenix summer temperatures often soaring above 110°F, hiking can quickly turn from a fun family outing into a dangerous situation. A recent rescue on South Mountain shows just how serious the risks can be, especially when kids are involved.

What Happened

On June 29, a family of 11, including six children between the ages of 5 and 15, set out on the Holbert Trail at South Mountain Park. The trail had already been officially closed due to extreme heat, but the group began their hike around 10 a.m. By midday, several of the kids were suffering from heat exhaustion, and Phoenix Fire crews had to help them off the mountain.

Why It Matters

Child advocate Anika Robinson says hiking with children in this kind of heat can be considered child endangerment or neglect under Arizona law. It’s similar to leaving a child in a hot car. In severe cases, parents could face felony charges. There’s also the risk that children could be removed from the home if authorities believe they were put in danger on purpose or through negligence.

What First Responders Are Saying

Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade called the situation reckless. He reminded the public that hiking with kids in extreme heat is never worth the risk and puts rescuers in danger too.

What the City Is Doing

While no one in the South Mountain incident was cited, city officials made it clear that their top concern is public safety. They encouraged people to call 911 immediately if someone is showing signs of heat illness, without worrying about getting in trouble.

How to Stay Safe on the Trails

• Always check for trail closures and warnings before you go.

• Hike early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

• Bring plenty of water, and take breaks often in the shade.

• Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and know when to turn back.

• If kids are with you, take extra precautions or consider postponing your hike.

No hike is worth risking anyone’s well being, let alone a child’s. Phoenix summers are no joke, and the consequences of ignoring heat warnings can be both dangerous and legally serious.

With a little planning and caution, families can still enjoy the outdoors safely.

Read the initial article of this incident at AZFamily.com