Southern Arizona rescue group urges hikers to avoid trails in heat | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Extreme heat is expected to continue tomorrow, prompting warnings for Southern Arizona hikers from one search and rescue group.

Scorching temperatures kept the trails quiet Wednesday and the parking lot mostly empty at Sabino Canyon. However, not everyone stayed away.

“I like to try to knock out like a trail a day, especially being newer to Tucson,” Dominic Harris-Logan, a hiker, said.

Runner Eddie Lewelling also ventured out, noting the solitude.

“I have the whole park to myself,” he told News 4 Tucson.

Amy Di Miceli with the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, SARA for short, stressed the dangers of the triple digit conditions. The volunteer search and rescue group averages one to two calls per week, she said, including those who suffer from heat emergencies and get disoriented.

“It’s always good to be prepared for the heat, bring lots of water, take those rest breaks, but probably most importantly don’t go out hiking in this weather,” Di Miceli said.

Those suffering from heat exhaustion may experience cramps, become nauseous and have a headache. That can progress into life-threatening heat stroke, where the body cannot cool itself down.

Harris-Logan decided to turn around several miles into his hike after he started running low on water and sweating more than he’s used to. He plans for an early start tomorrow.

“After today I’m definitely coming around 8:30 tomorrow, and I’m going to catch the shuttle up and hike down, especially with how hot it is,” Harris-Logan said.

SARA recommends finishing up hikes by 10 a.m. or when temperatures reach 90 degrees. Di Miceli urges individuals who get heat exhausted while hiking to call 9-1-1 and request search and rescue. She notes that SARA’s services are free.