New collaboration supports the City’s “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” campaign, with $5 from every shirt sold helping fund hiking safety education and community outreach.
PHOENIX, AZ — The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has announced a new partnership with Arizona-based apparel brand State Forty Eight to release a limited-edition T-shirt promoting hiking safety throughout the Valley.
The collaboration supports the City’s “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” campaign, an initiative designed to educate residents and visitors about the dangers of hiking in Arizona’s desert environment and the importance of being prepared before heading onto the trails.
The exclusive shirt is now available for pre-order through State Forty Eight’s website. For every shirt purchased, $5 will be donated directly to the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s hiking safety campaign.
The proceeds will help fund public education, community engagement and ongoing efforts to reduce preventable hiking emergencies, including heat-related illnesses and injuries.
A Local Partnership With a Life-Saving Mission
Phoenix is home to some of Arizona’s most recognizable hiking destinations, including Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and South Mountain Park and Preserve.
While these destinations attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, extreme temperatures, challenging terrain and inadequate preparation can create dangerous conditions for hikers.
City officials hope the partnership with State Forty Eight will help bring greater attention to hiking safety while encouraging the community to take an active role in supporting prevention efforts.
“This collaboration helps us promote an important message in a way that resonates with both residents and visitors,” said Marty Whitfield, Phoenix Parks and Recreation Director.
“Our hope is that by combining the strength of a beloved local brand with our safety initiative, we can inspire more hikers to make responsible choices on the trail and reduce preventable injuries throughout the preserve system.”
Hiking Safety: What Residents Need to Know
The City’s “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” campaign encourages hikers to make responsible decisions before and during outdoor activities.
Among the campaign’s most important safety recommendations are:
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Stay hydrated: Drink water before beginning a hike and carry enough water to remain hydrated throughout the trip.
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Know your limits: Select trails appropriate for your physical fitness and hiking experience.
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Check weather conditions: Review temperatures and forecasts before leaving home.
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Avoid hiking alone: Whenever possible, hike with a companion and tell someone your planned route.
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Avoid extreme heat: Postpone strenuous outdoor activities when temperatures create dangerous conditions.
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Prepare for emergencies: Carry a charged phone, appropriate footwear and other essential safety supplies.
These precautions are especially important in Phoenix, where high temperatures and exposed desert trails can quickly increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and other medical emergencies.
Residents can learn more about the City’s safety recommendations through the official Take a Hike. Do it Right. campaign.
A Personal Tragedy Inspires Advocacy
For Phoenix hiking safety advocate Chelsey McHale, the partnership carries a deeply personal meaning.
Her brother, Clint McHale, died while hiking Camelback Mountain at just 25 years old.
His death has helped motivate her efforts to educate others about the risks associated with hiking and the importance of making safe decisions on the trails.
“My brother Clint McHale lost his life on Camelback Mountain at just 25 years old. This collaboration represents far more than a shirt. It’s an opportunity to educate hikers, encourage responsible decisions, and potentially save lives,” McHale said.
As a partner of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, McHale continues to advocate for greater awareness and education surrounding hiking safety.
Her story serves as a reminder that outdoor recreation, even on familiar trails, can carry serious risks when conditions become dangerous.
How to Support the Campaign
The limited-edition State Forty Eight x Take a Hike. Do it Right. T-shirt is available exclusively online.
Every purchase helps fund the City’s efforts to expand hiking safety education and encourage responsible outdoor recreation.
The City hopes the collaboration will also inspire residents to share the campaign’s safety message with friends, family members and visitors who explore Phoenix’s desert preserves.
For more information or to place a pre-order, visit the official links below.
Official resources:
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Purchase the State Forty Eight x Take a Hike. Do it Right. T-Shirt
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City of Phoenix Hiking Safety Campaign
Supporting Safer Trails Across Phoenix
The partnership between Phoenix Parks and Recreation and State Forty Eight demonstrates how local businesses and public agencies can work together to address community safety concerns.
By combining a recognizable Arizona apparel brand with a public safety initiative, the City hopes to reach more hikers and encourage habits that prevent injuries and save lives.
The message behind the limited-edition shirt is simple: Enjoy Phoenix’s beautiful desert trails, but always put safety first.
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