Phoenix, Arizona is home to some of the best and largest city parks in the country and the Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail is a great introduction to this fantastic park system. Also known as Trail 100, the Christiansen trail is a 10.7 mile stretch of wilderness through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve right in the middle of suburban Phoenix, which will make you forget that you're in the city, especially if you don't bring enough food or water. The trail is intended for hikers, horses, and mountain bikers.

There are multiple parking areas to access the Christiansen system. The most convenient parking areas are located right off of N Tatum Blvd and another at the main parking area for Dreamy Draw Recreation Area. The Tatum parking area has very limited space so arrive early and create a 'plan B" parking option. Both parking areas allow easy access to any of the trails in the trail system. For the best access to Trail 100, it is best to park at Dreamy Draw and ride NW for 5 miles (until you hit 7th) then return on the same trail, making it and out & back.

The 5-6 miles on Trail 100 have great views of the Phoenix suburbs, nice singletrack, gentle climbs, and only 200ft of elevation gain, making it a very beginner friendly trail. There are many other exciting and technical trails nearby that are all marked well with posts.

This trail crosses a few arroyos with sharp turns so always be careful of on-coming hikers, riders, or horses.