Phoenix considers closing hiking trails due to extreme heat

Published June 29, 2016 1:43pm MST

PHOENIX (AP) -- Extreme heat would close Phoenix hiking trails under a city proposal that follows a string of deaths.

The City of Parks and Recreation Board on Thursday will discuss closing trails to people if the temperature reaches 110 degrees.

Approval could put the policy into effect by Friday.

The change also means hikers will not be able to take dogs along in the 100-degree heat.

Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Gregg Bach said the policy is an attempt to keep hikers safe while limiting mountain rescues.

Phoenix has 200 miles of trails and dozens of ways to access them.

Officials are discussing ways to enforce the proposed policy and determine consequences for violators.

Signage would be installed to inform people.