{"id":135127,"date":"2025-08-10T19:49:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T19:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/135127\/"},"modified":"2025-08-10T19:49:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T19:49:17","slug":"how-to-hike-smart-in-phoenix-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/135127\/","title":{"rendered":"How to hike smart in Phoenix heat"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 Every summer, hikers push their limits in triple-digit temperatures and end up needing rescue.<\/a> But one Valley hiking group is showing that you can still enjoy the trails during the hottest months if you take the right precautions.<\/p>\n

Trail Life, a community hiking group<\/a>, tackled Telegraph Pass before sunrise on Sunday when temperatures were more manageable at 85 degrees.<\/p>\n

“Trail life is a community of hikers that connect through conversation, sweating, and a love for the outdoors,” said Kharemah Scotten, a Trail Life hike leader.<\/p>\n

\"Trail<\/p>\n

Adam Klepp<\/p>\n

The group, accompanied by their four-legged mascot Kepler, began their hike at 5:15 a.m., taking advantage of the full moon’s light to navigate the trail safely.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s 85 right now and I’m pouring sweat,” Scotten said. “At 110 like it was yesterday, no, it’s not smart [to hike].\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite warnings and frequent news of rescues, many hikers still attempt challenging trails during dangerous heat.<\/p>\n

“I’ve read the news. Children getting rescued, families getting rescued\u2026why are you out here? You don’t have to be a tourist to understand it gets hot out here,” said Sky, a longtime Valley hiker who set his alarm for 4 a.m. to beat the heat.<\/p>\n

Sky says he hikes early, not just for his safety but out of consideration for first responders.<\/p>\n

\"Trail<\/p>\n

Adam Klepp<\/p>\n

“I like the firefighters and I want them to stay healthy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The Trail Life group successfully completed the 500-foot elevation gain to the top of Telegraph Pass with plenty of water remaining, showing that with proper planning, summer hiking can be done safely.<\/p>\n

“If you can freeze your ice pack halfway, fill the rest with water, it will keep your spine cool, core temperature cool, and I got ice water on tap every trip,” said Derek Jones, a Valley hiker.<\/p>\n

Many trails in the Phoenix area close after 8 a.m. during summer months. Every year, more than 200 hikers require rescue in the city of Phoenix alone.<\/p>\n

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/b><\/p>\n

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