HikeArizona.COM

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loc ... /29841277/

48 year old woman from England, hiking with husband and son (who apparently were faster and hiked ahead of her.)

Sad incident aside, I can't believe some of the comments on the article. Everything from demands for MORE signs (as if there's a shortage on Echo Canyon these days, to declaring that the trail should be closed if it's hot outside.

It is a sad day. For some reason when people visit Phoenix they think that they need to hike Camelback before they leave, why?

Does Camelback have more fatalities than Piestewa/ Squaw peak? If yes, is this due to greater numbers of tourists hiking it in the heat?

I do not recall a single incident on the Front Range Hikes of the Catalinas during the last year, but I do recall at least 1, maybe 2 incidents related to heat at Catalina State Park. People who are not used to the heat might be lulled into a false sense of security by seeing other people hiking, or a "park" status.

Was gonna mention that earlier =)

@widowmaker
Unfortunately, every visitor's guide and online visitor's guide for 'things to do around Phoenix' mentions hiking Camelback. Visitors also see the locals hiking and forget that those are well conditioned LOCALS who are used to the terrain and heat.

At Squaw this morning there was a ranger stationed on trail near the beginning. I presume to offer free life saving advice for the non-regulars. Albeit a very different situation, Preventive Search and Rescue has proven effective at Grand Canyon according to this article.

The regulars in town may be more acclimated. However I think they are simply more aware of knowing when to start, quit and knowing their limits. The majority of regulars I know shift to sunrise/sunset, do less laps or slow down.

Yesterday was muggy with little breeze. Today was warmer but a nice breeze. Just one of many factors that make a difference.

Last week we had some good friends and customers from Canada stop by our biz. After I questioned their sanity....willfully leaving Canada for here, I asked what their plans were. Well tomorrow we'll climb Camelback. I said that is an awesome place to see the sunrise.
Oh we won't start that early, said he.
Oh yes you will said I.

The park service at Lake Mead physically closes the trail to Arizona Hot Springs during summer months. Whether this is a good solution or not, after several deaths and many SAR incidents, it is what they have come up with for that trail.