The Valley's mountains are popular destinations, but any time of year, and especially in the summer, they can be dangerous, and even deadly.
As of July 1, the Phoenix Fire Department had already responded to 125 mountain rescues, and if that trend continues, they estimate mountain rescues will be up by 35% for 2018.
A month-by-month breakdown since January 2018 shows that firefighters conducted the most rescues in March, at 31, which could equate to a rescue every single day, believed to be due to the large number of visitors in town for spring training.
Firefighters can't stress enough, if you're going to hike the mountains, know your limits, bring plenty of water, and take the heat seriously.
In the summer months, especially on days over 100 degrees or if an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued, you should reconsider your hiking plans.
You can find a guide and info to all Phoenix mountains and trails by clicking here: www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails
