-->
Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Tom’s Thumb Day Hike
when January 18, 2025 Saturday
Trip Report : February 13, 2021
  Trip Report : February 13, 2016
  Trip Report : January 16, 2010
where McDowell Sonoran Preserve
the hike     This is a special spot that looks a bit different from the rest of the McDowell Mountains! Tom’s Thumb is a prominent granite bump in the McDowell Mountain Preserve, easily visible from the Scottsdale area. This is a steady and pretty steep climb with interesting rock formations and views along the way and at the top. This trail has loose gravel so hiking poles are needed, especially going down.
We will reward ourselves by spending some time exploring the rock garden-like area around Tom’s Thumb, including a pseudo-cave (consisting of a narrow passage leading to a partial enclosure in the midst of giant boulders). We can also go to The Lookout near Tom’s Thumb, which has great views of almost 360 degrees. Great photo opportunities! This is about 5.1 miles

Tom, will continue on and do the Windgate Pass loop for 11 miles.
Tom Thumb trailhead has restrooms, but no water.
You will need:
 •  gloves (sharp boulders)
 •  hiking stick (several steep sections; 2 sticks preferred)
 •  hiking boots with good traction (due to the trail’s pea-sized gravel)
 •  sunscreen
 •  snacks
 •  water
 •  rain gear
 •  camera
distance 5 or 11 miles
time 5-7 hours
EC +-1000 to +/- 2000 elevation change
elevations 2800' (Trailhead) to 3800' (Tom’s Thumb area)
type In/out or Lollipop Loop
starting at
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead 23015 N. 128th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
on trail 100% — Tom’s Thumb Trail, Lookout Trail, Windgate
rating "C or B+"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed no
cost The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Scottsdale
leader    You must email the leader to confirm.
This hike is co-led by Tom.  Limit of 20 hikers.
meet 8:30 AM at the AJ’s Finer Foods parking lot, 18271 N. Pima Rd., just north of Loop 101 in Scottsdale (DC Ranch Crossing shopping center). We will make carpooling arrangements here, as there is limited parking at the trailhead.

Directions to AJ’s:
Take the Loop 101 to Exit #36 Pima/Princess Rd., 0.6 mi. north to AJ’s: parking lot on the east (right) side of the street. (NOTE: There are two exits on Loop 101 that say Pima Rd. Do NOT take exit #42, which is Pima / 90th Street).
drive
•  Take Pima north to Happy Valley Rd and turn right.
Turn right into Ranch Gate Rd to 128 th street.
Turn right into 128 th street (South) and go to the end. Tom Thumb trailhead parking

Schedule of Events Arizona Trailblazers Home Page

updated January 8, 2025 © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.