PHOENIX — Recent rainstorms in the Valley have generated a safety risk at a popular hiking trail, prompting city officials to block off access until the issue can be remedied.

Phoenix has experienced a significant amount of rainfall this month, but the extra precipitation has caused some erosion at Camelback Mountain and some boulders are at risk of falling.

On Thursday morning, hikers came to the popular Echo Canyon trailhead and were surprised to find the gates closed. Park rangers told them the trail would be closed for at least 2-4 weeks due to the erosion.

The rainfall apparently washed away sections of sand and gravel that was holding some boulders in place. The city's parks department is now working with contractors to evaluate the boulders, which may need to be blasted away.

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