To: City of Phoenix City Council, City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board, and City of Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton

 

As citizens, hikers, and visitors of Phoenix, we respectfully submit this petition to request the extension of posted trail hours and the installation of automated gates at all Phoenix trailheads.

 

Petition Overview: We, the undersigned, urge the City of Phoenix to:

 

Extend access to Phoenix trails from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM year-round, to allow safe usage during cooler hours of the day.
Install automated gates at all trailheads that operate based on these fixed hours, ensuring consistent and reliable access for all users.

 

Why This Petition Matters: Gary Driggs, a local community leader and conservationist, once said, "The most redeeming and interesting thing about the Phoenix area is the access to incredible hiking. Next to a metropolitan area, you can literally feel like you’re in the wilderness. That gives us a character that is unparalleled in any other city in the world." Phoenix's unique access to wilderness next to an urban center makes it crucial to ensure our trails remain accessible, particularly in extreme desert temperatures.

 

The Phoenix area recently experienced 100 consecutive days over 100°F, and temperatures often stay above 90°F during most months of the year. Hiking in cooler, pre-dawn and post-dusk hours is not just a matter of convenience—it is critical for public safety and health. Allowing year-round access to trails during these cooler hours will enable thousands of hikers and visitors to continue enjoying these natural spaces without compromising their safety.

 

Request for Automated Gates: Automated gates at trailheads, programmed to open and close at the extended hours, will provide consistent, reliable access that does not change with the seasons. Many working individuals cannot adjust their schedules based on daylight hours, so it is imperative that trail access remains consistent throughout the city.

 

Investing in automated gates and extended trail hours will ensure Phoenix remains a city that prioritizes the health, safety, and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

 

Conclusion: We, the undersigned, call upon the City of Phoenix to implement these changes as a necessary investment in the well-being of our hiking community. By extending trail hours and installing automated gates, the City will uphold its reputation as a destination that embraces the beauty of the desert while safeguarding its citizens.

 

Please join us in supporting this effort by signing below.