Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak Closed Today For Excessive Heat

Two of the most popular valley hiking trails in Phoenix will be closed on Monday due to safety concerns during excessive heat.

Phoenix Parks and Recreation announced that Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak Trailhead will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

Forecasts project temperatures on Monday to reach 109 degrees, which would meet the record set for the day, according to the National Weather Service.

Parks and recreation officials recommend hikers hit the that trail in the early morning or evening during the Valley’s warm months, regardless of an excessive heat watch.

Extended summer hours are in effect to encourage people to hike during those times from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and ​Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve.

Parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations, while the trails are open until 11 p.m. The parking lots open at 5 a.m.