NE Valley Times

As temperatures increase, outdoor enthusiasts in Arizona are advised to alter their hiking schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day. Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon highlighted the risks: “Our weather is beautiful this time of year, but we must respect that it can often be too hot to be on the trails even by 11 a.m. Arizona heat is dangerous, and situations can escalate quickly from dehydration to deadly.”

To ensure safe hiking experiences, several measures are suggested, including hiking with a buddy, hydrating the day before, carrying sufficient water for oneself and any pets, ensuring cell phones are charged, and selecting appropriate footwear such as hiking boots or tennis shoes. Authorities also recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses, informing friends about hiking plans, knowing one's location through a map, and choosing hikes that match one's fitness level. Additionally, hikers should avoid overexertion, especially after nights of celebration.

For additional hiking safety information, ScottsdaleAZ.gov provides further resources under the "hiking safety" section.

A Desert Hiking First Aid course, focusing on safety for urban hikers, will be offered by the Scottsdale Fire Department. Scheduled for Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park, the registration fee is $75.