John Zeto Jr., a 58-year-old retired Tampa firefighter now living in Phoenix, has turned his passion for hiking into an unexpected life-saving mission—rescuing stranded and injured hikers on Arizona’s rugged desert trails.
At a Glance
- Zeto patrols Arizona trails 4–5 times weekly, carrying rescue essentials including water, electrolytes, ankle braces, and first-aid gear
- In May 2024, he rescued an Idaho hiker suffering heatstroke on Superstition Mountains, hiking the man out and driving him 20 miles to safety
- He has performed CPR, carried injured hikers, and aided dozens of stranded or exhausted trail users
- His rescue efforts were spotlighted by The Washington Post and a viral YouTube video
- Zeto hopes his work raises awareness of outdoor risks as hiker rescues surge across Arizona
One Man’s Mission to Save Lives
Arizona’s Superstition and Camelback Mountains are notoriously dangerous, especially in scorching summer months. Retired firefighter John Zeto Jr. understands this better than most. Since moving to Phoenix in 2022, he’s encountered dozens of hikers in trouble—many dangerously unprepared for the desert’s harsh conditions.
In May 2024, Zeto encountered Idaho resident Colt Johnson suffering from severe heatstroke. He shared his water, carried Johnson over rugged trails for three miles, and then drove him 20 miles to rehydrate—likely saving his life.
Watch a feature: Retired firefighter steps up to save hikers he runs into on trails.
Why Preparedness Matters More Than Ever
Zeto’s rescues shine a spotlight on Arizona’s growing outdoor safety challenges. The state has seen record rescues in recent years as more hikers—many tourists or inexperienced locals—underestimate desert hazards.
Zeto regularly assists victims of dehydration, sprains, and exhaustion. “Most of these people aren’t bad hikers,” he told The Washington Post. “They’re just not prepared for what the desert can do.”
With temperatures topping 100 degrees on popular trails, Zeto hopes his efforts inspire others to pack more cautiously—and remind hikers that even short outings can turn dangerous fast.
For now, Zeto remains a guardian on Arizona’s trails: one prepared hiker making a life-saving difference for many.
