Tom's Thumb
4.4
Miles (round-trip)
1,100
Ft elevation gain
2h 30m
Est. time
About This Trail
Tom's Thumb Trail takes you through the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve to one of Scottsdale's most distinctive rock formations — a towering granite spire that resembles a thumb jutting from the ridgeline. The well-maintained trail winds through classic Sonoran Desert studded with saguaro cacti before climbing to a saddle with impressive views of Four Peaks, the Verde River Valley, and the sprawling Phoenix metro. The final approach to the base of Tom's Thumb involves some mild scrambling on granite slabs. It's a perfect intermediate hike that offers genuine mountain scenery without extreme difficulty.
Highlights
- Unique granite spire rock formation
- Excellent Sonoran Desert scenery with saguaros
- Panoramic views from the ridgeline
- Well-maintained trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Best Season
October through April. The trail is exposed with little shade — avoid midday in warmer months. Trailhead parking lot can fill by 7 AM on weekends.