With the exception of some rainy days and one notable snow storm, the cool weather has made for a great hiking season in the Sonoran Desert.

However, all good things will come to an end and temperatures are already jumping from below normal right to above normal with only a passing nod to average.

There is still some great hiking weather in the offing, and with the Town of Fountain Hills’ new trail facility at Adero Canyon there will be plenty of people still wanting to hit the trails. According to the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills there have likely been 5,000 or more visitors to the trailhead since it opened last November.

With the new facility and relatively easy access, fire department officials see the potential for novice hikers to get themselves into trouble when the summer heat really starts bearing down.

For those planning to hike in hot weather hydration is the key, according to Fountain Hills Asst. Fire Chief Jason Payne. If planning a hike, begin the hydration process 24 hours or more in advance, Payne said. It may even be a good idea to maintain continuous hydration for active hikers. For example, by nature of the profession, firefighters always maintain a hydration regimen.

Water is the best for hydrating, but those wanting to add some electrolytes can mix in some sports drinks.

It’s also a good idea to know how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness on the body. Muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness and headache are some key signs to watch out for.

As the summer progresses, start hiking early. The sun is up early to offer some daylight. But the heat can come up fast, and Payne is recommending people get off the trail by the time temperatures reach 105 degrees. That will vary with humidity.

Those not used to being outdoors in the heat or who are unfamiliar with their body’s tolerance would be best advised to stay off the trails for recreation.

Precautions for hiking in the heat are pretty much the same as any activity outdoors in the summer. Besides hydration, wear a hat, use sunscreen and carry a hiking stick. This will warn snakes and other critters you are coming and give them enough time to get out of your way.

Don’t hike alone and let someone know where you are going. Have a fully charged cell phone. According to Payne, there are no known dead spots for cell service in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. Payne organized and Conservancy volunteers executed an emergency test last fall.

Call for help and rescuers will be able to locate if the phone stays on. The trails in the Preserve also have emergency location markers installed at ground level, and they are almost within sight of one another.

Fountain Hills Fire Department has trained personnel for remote rescues and they cooperate with other agencies if assistance is needed. There are literally hundreds of miles of trails connecting Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and McDowell Mountain Park.

Payne said sprained ankles are a common injury and mountain bikers, particularly on the designated bike trails in the park, are subject to more severe injuries.

Not all trails in the Fountain Hills Preserve are recommended for biking, and it is suggested bikers stay off those trails.

Enjoy the trails, but with hot weather just around the corner, be careful out there.