North Mountain Preserve

The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 and Trail 306 Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through the classic Sonoran Desert landscape. You'll wander along singletrack paths, surrounded by iconic saguaro, cholla, and palo verde trees, with views of rugged mountains like Piestewa Peak and North Mountain as you approach the Dreamy Draw area. This 1.7-mile (2.8 km) route, with a gentle 52 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick nature escape, taking only about 43 minutes.

Planning your visit to this accessible loop in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve is straightforward. The trail is well-marked, though a map is always recommended given the network of paths. To make the most of your experience, aim for an early morning or late afternoon start, especially in warmer seasons, to avoid the midday heat. Always carry ample water, even for this shorter distance, as desert conditions demand hydration.

Beyond its scenic beauty, this area holds historical significance, with trails traversing lands once inhabited by the Hohokam people. The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 is notable as the longest single trail within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, offering a sense of remoteness despite its urban setting. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like jackrabbits and roadrunners, adding to the charm of this easy desert adventure.

The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 offers an immersive journey through the Sonoran Desert, showcasing classic desert flora like cacti and agave, with wildflowers adding color in spring. This difficult hiking route covers 27.5 miles (44.2 km) with 2183 feet (665 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 12 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from smooth dirt paths to uneven, rocky sections, especially west of Cave Creek Road, and enjoy rugged mountain views around Piestewa Peak near the Dreamy Draw area.

Planning your visit is made easier by multiple access points, including the 40th Street lot, Dreamy Draw, and the North Mountain Visitor Center, all providing essential amenities like toilets and water. The trail is well-marked, often with QR codes for navigation, though informal side trails exist. It's a popular multi-use path, so anticipate sharing the route with other hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, particularly during cooler months and on weekends.

This trail is notable as the longest single route within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, offering a unique opportunity for extended hikes within an urban setting. Despite its proximity to the city, sections provide a remote feel, with tunnels allowing passage under major roads. Its significant length and varied terrain make it an excellent option for experienced hikers seeking a substantial challenge and a comprehensive exploration of the region's desert landscape.

The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 immerses you in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, offering expansive views of rugged mountains and unique rock formations, particularly around Piestewa Peak. You'll traverse a varied landscape of singletrack paths, often a mix of dirt and rock, with occasional short, steep climbs that keep things interesting. Expect to see classic desert flora like cacti and agave, and if you visit in spring, you might catch a vibrant display of wildflowers.

Planning your hike on this extensive route is made easier by multiple access points, such as trailheads at Mountain View Park and Tatum Blvd, allowing you to customize your adventure. The trail is shared with mountain bikers and runners, so be mindful of others. For a route of this length, remember to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and take advantage of amenities like water and restrooms available at Dreamy Draw and the North Mountain Visitor Center.

This difficult 25.7-mile (41.4 km) trail, with its 2210 feet (674 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 11 hours and 22 minutes duration, stands out as the longest single trail within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Despite its urban setting, sections of the Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 offer a surprisingly remote feel, making it a notable option for those seeking a substantial desert trekking experience close to the city.