+ Add trail

#100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 21.6 mi · Network

A rolling 21.6-mile network. Mostly sun-exposed; water access along most of the route; best in the morning or evening during summer.

Dogs allowedAllowed
Leash ruleRequired
Trail effortRolling
ShadeExposed
Certified dog policySource: Trail Rules | Phoenix Parks and RecreationAvoid midday in summer.
Best entry:Parking #2

#100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail is a 21.6-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 3648 ft. Looking for more options in Phoenix dog-friendly trails or across dog-friendly trails across Arizona? Use the sections below for dog policy, access points, shade/heat, water, terrain, and safety.

Dog Fit

Dogs allowed status, leash expectations, and suitability by dog type

Dogs must be on a leash in all Phoenix city parks. Phoenix City Code §23-18.
Suitability by dog type

By Dog Type

How this trail suits different kinds of dogs

Small Dog
Toy & small breeds
38%
Tough
Long for small breeds
Natural & paw-friendly
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
50%
Caution
Gentle slope
Long for senior dogs
Smooth surface — easy going
Reactive Dog
Reactive to dogs & strangers
76%
Good fit
Moderately busy — stay alert
All dogs leashed — controlled
Can cut short if needed
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
69%
Good fit
Soft natural surface
Moderate traffic
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
62%
Fair fit
Too long for early fitness training
Gentle grade — good challenge
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
77%
Good fit
Swim spots confirmed on this trail
Water along most of the route
Leash required — limits water play

Trail Suitability

Who this trail works best for — and what to watch

Exposed, with swim access trail — good fit with minor considerations

Best for

Senior dogsHeat-sensitive dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy dogs

Use caution if

Reactive dogs

Trail conditions may be challenging for reactive dogs

Most comfortable when

Weekday visits

— Moderate traffic — calmer on weekdays

Avoid after heavy rain

— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet

Why this trail works

  • Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
  • Natural, soft surface
  • 3648 ft of elevation gain — good cardio workout

Safety & Conditions

Hazards, heat exposure, crowd level, and nearby emergency vet context

HAZARDSMedium
SHADE / HEATExposedHeat risk present
CROWDMediumModerate use, mix of busy and quiet times
NEAREST VET3.8 km awayPalo Verde Animal Hospital

Heat exposure

Low shade coverage — bring extra water and avoid midday in summer.

Terrain & Comfort

Elevation, surface, shade, heat, and water signals for dog hiking comfort

EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeLow
WaterGood

Elevation & Width

Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 21.

Trail Effort

Moderate

Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:3,648 ftGain/mi:169 ft/miSteep sections:Medium
Rated from 3,648 ft gain + 169 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
1,726 ft1,306 ft0 mi21.6 mi48121620
Trail Width
Narrow
Narrow
< 6 ft
In-between
6-10 ft
Wide
10+ ft
NARROWTypical: ~0 ftWIDE

Mostly single-file with tighter passing space.

Surface & Paws

Surface coverage helps you plan for paw comfort and choose routes that match your dog's tolerance for rough or hot terrain.

Surface

What your dog will walk on

Mostly: Dirt

Softer footing that can feel easier on paws and joints.

Soft footingSmooth / Paw-friendly
Surface along the trail
DirtConcreteDirtConcreteDirtUnpavedDirtUnpavedDirtUnpavedDirtUnpavedDirtUnpavedDirtUnpaved0 mi21.6 mi48121620Natural/SoftHardGravel/Compacted

Top surfaces

Dirt
68%
Unpaved
28%
Not mapped
3.8%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Dirt. A notable share is unpaved (28%). Softer footing—can get muddy after rain. Generally comfortable for most dogs.

Best forrelaxed walksexpect mud after rain

Shade & Heat

Shade coverage and heat exposure are summarized to show when this trail is safer for warm-weather dog hikes.

🌳 Shade

LOW

Low shade coverage

43.6%
Shade along the trail
0 mi21.6 mi48121620SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
39%
Partial
25%
Shade
34%
Dense
2%

Quick read

Limited natural shade. Expect prolonged sun exposure.

Water Access

Water proximity is tracked along the route (82%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 82%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby82%
Water along the trail
StreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStream0 mi21.6 mi5101520Stream

Water types nearby

CanalLake/PondStream

Canal • Lake/Pond • Stream

Quick read

Water is frequently near the route—great for cooling breaks. Bring a bowl anyway. Swimming spots may be available. Check current/flow after rain.

Access & Entry

Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs

Parking Lots18
Capacity441spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 18 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.

Primary trailhead

Parking #2
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail🅿 Small lot

Other access points

Parking #3
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail🅿 Small lot
Tatum Boulevard Trailhead
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail

Amenities along the route

Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.

Near the start

Mostly parking nearby

🅿️Parking
4
closest: 241 m • short walk
Point details
  • Parking area
    241 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    246 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    449 m • nearby
    ↗
Show 1 more
  • Parking area
    452 m • nearby
    ↗

Near the middle

No mapped amenities near this part of the trail.

Near the end

Mostly parking nearby

🅿️Parking
14
closest: 65 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Parking area
    65 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    68 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    140 m • very close
    ↗
Show 11 more
  • Parking area
    141 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    142 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    147 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    333 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    335 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    390 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    390 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    399 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    400 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    438 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    439 m • nearby
    ↗
Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~441 spacesEstimated capacity
18 parking locations
No known parking fee

Parking generally sufficient for peak times. Multiple access points reduce congestion near trailheads.

Map & Route

Trail layout, trailheads, parking, and dog-relevant points of interest

Map

Explore More

Highlights, viewpoints, and bailout options

Highlights

13 highlights on or near the trail

👁️ ViewpointViewpoint · 7.9 miViewpoint · 7.9 miViewpoint · 12.2 miViewpoint · 22.5 mi⛰️ PeakPeak · 7.7 miPeak · 7.7 miPeak · 7.8 miPeak · 7.9 miPeak · 12.4 miPeak · 13.3 miPeak · 13.4 miPeak · 20.1 mi0 mi21.6 mi5101520

Highlights

13 total
Closest: Viewpoint · 8 m

Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Viewpoint

Very close
8 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Viewpoint

Very close
19 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Viewpoint

Close
59 mfrom trail
Open OSM
Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: mediumScore: 0.4

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

Actionable: 14Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 1.9 km
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 14Actionable exits: 14Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 1.9 kmClosest near Midpoint: 846 mClosest near End: 766 m
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · 1.9 km from startTrail entrance / exit · 2.0 km from startTrail entrance / exit · 3.1 km from startTrail entrance / exit · 3.2 km from startTrail entrance / exit · 3.7 km from startTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi21.6 mi10.8 mi
14 actionable exits· closest 1.9 km from start
  • Route structure (network) supports alternate exits.
  • Entrance count is estimated from graph topology (proxy).
  • Graph-based route structure estimate using stored segment geometry.

Top exits near Start

Trail entrance / exit

Near Start · 1.9 km from start

EntranceDead End
1.9 kmGoogle Maps OSM unavailable

Trail entrance / exit

Near Start · 2.0 km from start

EntranceDead End
2.0 kmGoogle Maps OSM unavailable

Rules & Safety

Dog policy context, emergency resources, and trail hazard overview

Current hazard level is marked as medium. 5 nearby emergency veterinary options mapped where available.

Dog Emergency

Emergency help nearby

Nearest vet: 2.3 mi

Palo Verde Animal Hospital

2.3 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1215 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, 85020-4216

Phoenix Veterinary

2.3 mi from trail · Emergency vet · 4015 East Cactus Road, Phoenix, 85028

Lovet Pet Health Care - Madison

3.5 mi from trail · Veterinary · 531 East Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85020

Banfield Pet Hospital

4.7 mi from trail · Veterinary

Harmony Veterinary Hospital

4.8 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1745 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85021

Hazards

Updated: —

Medium
Road: 2Risky road: 2Water: 23

Primary concerns: Road crossings (2 risky), Water crossings (23)

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 2
Risky: 2
Water crossings
23
Cliff / steep edge
0
Bike conflict
0
Off-leash conflict proxy
0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dogs on this trail

Are dogs allowed on #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on this trail, as per the blanket Phoenix city park leash policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail?

Yes, there is a drinking water amenity located 63.3 meters from the trail.

Is #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

The #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail has low shade coverage, with only 43.62% of the trail having shade proxy coverage.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail?

The trail surface is primarily dirt, with 71.43% being dirt and 28.42% being unpaved. There is also a small percentage of concrete.

How muddy does #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail get after rain?

The trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces like dirt and earth.

How crowded does #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

The trail is considered medium crowded, with large parking nearby being a contributing factor. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.

What is the parking situation at #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail?

There are 18 parking locations with an estimated capacity of 441 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

Unknown based on available data.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on #100 - Charles M. Christiansen Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

The trail has a low heat risk. Safety concerns include 2 risky road crossings and 23 water crossing points. The terrain is mostly natural surfaces, contributing to a high mud risk.