Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Tom’s Thumb Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
February 13, 2021
|
| |
Trip Report :
February 13, 2016
|
| |
Trip Report :
January 16, 2010
|
| where |
McDowell Sonoran Preserve |
| the hike |
This is the most challenging hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and
worth the effort. The hike from the Gateway Trailhead is quite a bit longer
and more strenuous than from the north side. Initially we are following the Gateway
Loop to the Windgate Pass and head up the most strenuous part of the hike,
the East End Trail. From there we go to the base of Tom’s Thumb.
In what looks like a giant rock garden, we’ll have our lunch break and
refuel. On our way out, will take the Lookout Trail 0.5 miles long with about 300
feet ascent, a spur trail brings us to the Lookout at 3,858 feet.
The views from here are great; almost 360 degrees.
You can see where you’ve been and where you are going.
See
Map and
Route on AllTrails.
Returning on the same trail, we take the Tom’s Thumb Trail down the
switchbacks to where it joins the Windgate Pass Trail. The final stretch will be
returning on the Gateway Loop trail.
If someone volunteers to lead a shorter hike, a group can hike up to the summit
of Bell Pass and return the same way. This would make a 7.2 mile hike with 1400
feet elevation gain.
|
| distance |
14 miles |
| time |
5-7 hours |
| EC |
+-3200' elevation change |
| elevations |
1800' (Trailhead) to 3858' (Tom’s Thumb Lookout) |
| type |
Lollipop Loop |
| starting at |
| Gateway Trailhead |
18333 Thompson Peak. Pkwy, Scottsdale |
|
| on trail |
100% — Gateway, Bell Pass, East End,
Tom’s Thumb, Lookout, Windgate Trails |
| rating |
"B+"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Scottsdale |
| meet |
7:30 AM at the Gateway Trailhead, near the bathrooms. |
| drive |
| • |
Exit the 101 to take Bell Road east to Thompson Peak and turn left. |
| • |
After 0.5 mile turn right into the Gateway Access Area. |
|
