A weekend hike turned into a dramatic rescue on Camelback Mountain after a woman was injured and unable to descend on her own.
Phoenix Fire Department officials said rescue teams were dispatched around 10:45 a.m. Saturday following reports of a hiker in distress on the Echo Canyon Trail — one of the city’s busiest and most challenging routes. Firefighters located the woman approximately a mile up the trail and determined she had sustained a lower leg injury that prevented her from walking down safely.
Due to the steep, rocky terrain, ground crews called in the department’s Firebird 10 helicopter to perform an aerial extraction. The hiker was airlifted from the mountainside and transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed she was in stable condition.
The Phoenix Fire Department frequently reminds hikers to take extra precautions on local trails, especially during the winter months when conditions can still be unpredictable. Camelback Mountain, known for its panoramic views and rugged climbs, sees numerous rescues each year despite ongoing safety education efforts.
More information about Phoenix hiking safety is available through the city’s official website.
