Thoughts While Hiking in the Summer in Phoenix
Posted By Wayne on July 19, 2010
Yesterday, very early, I decided to hike up one of the lesser traveled trails to the top of North Mountain in Phoenix. It was a typical July summer morning in Phoenix, already on the plus side of 90 and with a bit of overcast. The weatherman was predicting thunderstorms for later in the day, so I knew the humidity would be high as well.
I read in the newspaper that the day before 8 hikers had to be rescued from their hike on Camelback Mountain and three hikers had been lost in the Superstitions since July 6th. My thoughts were even though there are plenty of places to hike within the Phoenix metro area, the summer is a very unforgiving time with temperatures in the triple digits for any outdoor activity so the old Boy Scout motto - “Be Prepared” is good to remember.
I had my Camelback pack filled with water, my head covered and quick dry shorts and tee shirt to absorb my sweat. The trail I chose - trail #44 - departs from the North Mountain Picnic Ramada and is almost straight up for the first mile or so, quickly rising to a saddle with great views of downtown Phoenix and South Mountain.
Resting, I wondered how many people today would be on the border of heat exhaustion hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Parks. I remembered the time I had done an early morning run in the summer in Phoenix and evidently had not hydrated enough. Upon meeting some friends for lunch, they thought I had lost my mind. I began repeating myself, asking them questions that they had just answered, and what I had asked seemed completely out of it. Finally my wife figured what was wrong, I needed to rehydrate and she managed to get water and some electrolytes in me.
Today, I was determined to keep myself hydrated. Each point where the trail leveled off for a bit, I stopped and took a drink. The views as I climbed up and up kept getting more spectacular. Soon I was seeing not only downtown and South Mountain, but Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks and the Estrella Mountains. Houses and cars far below appeared as if toys.
Soon I topped out on this trail at the towers where some people were sitting enjoying the view. Joining them, our talk ranged from how hot it was to how spectacular the views were.
Our discussion revolved around how lucky we are to have these great hiking trails and mountains right in the city. Even though our summers are very hot and at times wearing on our good nature, we are thankful for the many months we have of fall, winter and spring where the temperatures are moderate to cool. Hiking during the cooler times of year makes putting up with our summer heat almost bearable.
On the way down I opted to take the more heavily traveled paved trail. I was amazed to see how many people were already on the trail. Families, couples, people walking their dogs, runners, and yes people very much out of condition. I congratulate them for being out on a Sunday morning in the heat and working on getting into condition. My hellos were always met with a smile and a hello in return.
Reaching the parking area, I again was amazed to see it full. Not an empty slot. Makes me think we do have a segment of the population interested in keeping healthy and fit. How about you? Are you getting your exercise this summer? Do you make sure you are hydrated in the summer heat? These are all important questions for you.
I want you to send me your favorite summer hike, location, trail, and length. What makes this your favorite? What do you do to assure you are drinking enough water? Thank you in advance for posting your answers to these questions and sharing them with your fellow readers.
