Pinnacle Peak - North Scottsdale

Pinnacle Peak is located in North Scottsdale and sharply rises from the desert floor.  The trail does not actually go to the top of Pinnacle Peak, but skirts below and around it.  I imagine the view from the top, which is accessible via rock climbing routes would be fantastic.  This trail is an out and back trail and in all is 3.5 miles in length.  The downfall to this trail is that it is located in a populated area and is very busy, especially on the weekends.  If you are looking for solitude, you won't find it here.  However, you will find a good cardio workout and nice views of the valley.

This a very well marked trail and is maintained by the City of Scottsdale.  You are not allowed to wander off the main trail.  There are a few rock climbing routes in the area and are accessible via well marked spur trails.   The trail begins to climb very near the start of the trail head and levels out for a bit at about the 1/2 mile mark.

At this point if you look to your right you will see a large prominent boulder which is called Y-Crack Boulder, as the large crack up the face of the boulder looks like it's namesake.  There are a few rock climbing routes on the boulder as well.  The trail soon turns south and begins climbing again.  at .65 miles you will come to a good spot to take a drink and check out the view at the Grandview Lookout.  Continue up the trail to its highest point marked by a sign at 2,625 feet.  The crags of Pinnacle Peak are directly above and in front of you.

The trail begins to descend into a small saddle area with another nice look out spot.  You will then begin a small asscent up the side of the adjacent hill and at about 1.25 miles begin to descend down the western side of the hill. 

The trail offically ends at the bottom of this hill and is marked by a sign.  You can continue .3 miles further down the trail on the Jomax Trail. However, I stopped at the boundary and made my way back.  The return up the hill heading this direction gives you a bit more of a workout then your hike in..
This is a good hike if you are looking for something close to the valley, something that is not difficult, but gives you a work out.  However, like I mentioned do not expect to be alone.  It is very busy. 

Length: 3.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 550 feet
Difficulty: Easy (however good cardio workout)
Traffic: Busy
Fee:  No fee
Hours: Check Scottsdale Park website for hours, as they change with the seasons
Water and Restrooms at trailhead
Kid Friendly
Hiking time: 1.5 hours

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