PHOENIX — A family of 11 hikers, including six children, was rescued Sunday afternoon from South Mountain’s Holbert Trail after several in the group experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion. The trail had been clearly marked as closed due to an active Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service.
According to the Phoenix Fire Department, the group began its hike at approximately 10 a.m. despite signage indicating the trail closure. The family included five adults and six children, ranging in age from young kids to teenagers.
As temperatures neared 107 degrees around midday, some of the children began to show signs of heat-related distress and were unable to continue the hike. Fire officials responded to the scene shortly before noon after receiving a distress call.
Children Rescued with Carriers, Entire Group Escorted Off Trail
Rescue teams used specialized carriers to bring two children—ages nine and eleven—safely down from the trail. Firefighters also assisted the remaining family members down the mountain, ensuring everyone descended safely in the dangerous heat.
Despite the intensity of the heat and the physical condition of some hikers, no one in the group was injured, and all refused medical transport after evaluation. Fire officials emphasized that the outcome could have been far more serious had the rescue been delayed or if the hikers had continued further along the closed trail.
Trail Was Closed Due to Extreme Heat Alert
The Holbert Trail, like several others on South Mountain, was officially closed to hikers Sunday morning due to the National Weather Service’s Extreme Heat Warning, which forecast temperatures up to 111 degrees in parts of the Valley. Phoenix officials had posted signs and warnings advising against outdoor activity in elevated terrain under such conditions.
Extreme heat poses a severe risk to hikers, particularly children and older adults, due to the high risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Emergency crews routinely patrol popular hiking areas during heat advisories, but rescues like Sunday’s continue to underscore the dangers of ignoring trail closures and weather warnings.
The Phoenix Fire Department is reminding all residents and visitors to take posted warnings seriously and to avoid hiking during high heat advisories, especially with children or vulnerable individuals.
