| when | Trip Report : December 23, 2017 |
| Trip Report : January 29, 2011 | |
| where | McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale |
| the hike |
This is a good chance to hike some of the trails at the back of the preserve
that people don’t get to as often.
The first leg is a steady, steep climb with great views along the way and at the top.
Tom’s Thumb is a prominent granite bump in the McDowell Mountain preserve,
easily visible from the Scottsdale area. We can check out Tom’s Thumb for
a bit before heading down the steep East End trail, which loses more elevation
than we just gained – losing 1,041 ft in just 1.27 miles. But wait, there’s more! We then trek upwards again (635 ft. elev gain) to Bell Pass, before heading down the rest of the way (1413 ft. elev. loss) to the trailhead. No auto shuttle! Two parties will start in opposite directions from the trailheads, meet in the middle for lunch and exchange of car keys. |
| distance | 10 miles |
| time | 6-8 hours |
| EC | +1512' -2454' elevation change |
| elevations | 2716' (Tom’s Thumb trailhead), up to 3610' (East End), down to 2569' (Jct. Windmill Trail), up to 3204' (Bell Pass), down to 1,791' (Gateway trailhead) |
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| on trail | 100% — Tom’s Thumb, East End, Bell Pass and Gateway trails |
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| weather | Scottsdale |
| meet | 7:00 AM at the Desert Village Shopping Center, 23359 N. Pima Rd in Scottsdale. |
| Schedule of Events | Arizona Trailblazers Home Page |
| updated December 24, 2017 | © Copyright 2017, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |