Tom's Thumb - McDowell Sonoran Preserve



View from trailhead



This is a fantastic hike!  I very much enjoyed every aspect of this trail.  The trail leads to a 140 foot granite rock spire that sits high up on the McDowell Mountains.  This rock spire, known as Tom's Thumb, after a local climber, is visible from the 101 freeway in North Scottsdale.  The trailhead is located on the North side of the McDowell Mountains in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Click here for a trail map to the area.  The trail is in exceptional condition and is very easy to follow. The trail is 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1363 feet.   In other words, it gives you nice workout with a rewarding view from on top.  There is nothing difficult about this hike other than the elevation gain and that the trail is composed of loose gravel from the eroded granite.  Be careful on your way down as it is easy to loose traction and slip.  I would recommend hiking shoes for this trail for that reason.

Click here or below  for a detailed map of the trail with photos.

Tom's Thumb Trail



Approaching the saddle area at 2 miles

 The trail starts at the very Scottsdale looking trailhead and starts out flat for the first 1/4 mile.  You can see Tom's Thumb on the ridge high above you from the trailhead.  The trail then begins to climb steeply.  There are many side trails leading off to rock climbing areas and other trail networks. The entire trail is well signed so just follow the arrow for Tom's Thumb on the signs.  You will climb steeply for the next mile.  Around mile 2, you will come to the top of the main ascent to a saddle. Follow the trail down a hill to the saddle area, at which the trail forks with the East End Trail.  Take a look to the east and you can see Fountain Hills below and if you time it right you will see the fountain in Fountain Hills shooting over 100 feet into the air. 

Tom's Thumb

Follow the Tom's Thumb trail sign to your right.  You will come into a nice area full of granite boulders. 

Continue to follow the trail up a small hill where you will come to another fork in the trail, follow the Tom's Thumb trail to your right.  It is just a few hundred yards further and the large rock spire will come into view. 

Boulder area at the top, near Tom's Thumb

You have a nice view looking North, and South towards Phoenix and also of Pinnacle Peak to the west.  If you enjoy scrambling on rocks then take some time to explore the boulders in this area.  Many of them have cracks to squeeze through, which is always a fun adventure. 

Head back down the trail the way you came. 

Length:  5 miles - out and back

Elevation Gain: 1,363 feet
Difficulty:  Moderate- not technical, I give this rating due to steep incline

Recommend:  All hiking levels, but remember it will give your cardio a workout

Season: Fall thru Spring
Hiking Time:  2 hours
Info:  No water at trailhead.  Bring ample for your hike.

Northern view from Tom's Thumb

Directions:   North Scottsdale: Take 101 freeway to Pima/Princess Exit, head north on Pima Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road. From 4-way stop (intersection with Alma School Rd), stay straight another 2.3 miles then turn right onto Ranch Gate Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right onto 128th Street which dead ends at the new Tom's Thumb Trailhead.

Southern view with Scottsdale below from Tom's Thumb

Exploring the rocks