Tom's Thumb Trail - Scottsdale, Arizona

Introduction

Last week I was looking to do a hike and figured I'd head up to the Sonoran McDowell preserve up in Scottsdale.  It is one of my go-to areas for beautiful, close-by and stress free hiking.

The Tom's Thumb trail head I thought would be difficult to find, but in fact wasn't.  Just drive to this point with your favorite GPS program. There are many signs pointing you to the trailhead and there was ample parking.

The trail head is well marked and easy to find.  There are bathrooms and a shaded pavilion, but there isn't a water source there.  Also, be judicious with your driving, as the road leading to the trail is fairly narrow but you don't need any special cars or equipment to get there.  It is just a wobbly road that'll leave your stomach in a lurch.

The trail starts off innocently enough but after about half a mile, you'll be expected to work.  The trail is popular with runners and was easy to navigate.  There isn't any shade either.  There are several switchbacks to the top, but plenty of places to stop and check out the valley.  The trail also has several markers on it indicating which way you should go.

After about a mile and a half, you've reached the climb and the rest of the hike -- about .75 of a mile is rolling hills or decline.  You'll be surrounded by a lot of beautiful desert fauna and there were a fair amount of people hiking as well -- so you definitely won't be alone.

Tom's Thumb is a rock outcropping.  I am not sure it looks like a thumb, but you can be a judge of that.  It's formation is definitely unique.  The elevation is also up there, just shy of 4000 feet.  It was a bit cooler up there and there was a nice breeze.

I really enjoyed the trail and it wasn't too terrible.  It was 2.2 miles each way and took me about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top.  There were plenty of awesome views of the Scottsdale valley and beyond.  Just be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.  I was roasting pretty good.

You can also continue your journey around the park as other trails forked from Tom's Thumb.  You could easily put in 10 - 15 miles in a day there.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Hike - Scottsdale, Arizona

 

Introduction

On Presidents Day I was visiting the Scottsdale Arizona area.  I had the entire day to myself and wanted something to do.

Part of me wanted to go back to the Lost Dutchman State Park and take on some other trails. However, I had memories of visiting the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy area last year with my brother and we had done about a mile to a mile and a half of it before bailing out (it was raining).

It was a fairly mild hike and definitely beautiful.  I pulled up the above website and made a plan to visit.

The Trail

The trail is probably one of the best runner trails I've come across in a while.  There are some rocks and baseball side boulders embedded into the dirt, but I figured the trail easy to run on.  I did come across several trail runners.

Being that it was a holiday, the trail was loaded with dog walkers, casual hikers, families and more adventurous types like myself.  On the main Gateway Loop Trail, I came across other people every few minutes.  This part of the trail is a 4.5 mile loop.  The trail has some minor climbs to it, but it is great for the beginner hiker or dog walker.

However, I took a spoke and did the Windgate Pass.  All told, I did 9 miles and you can check out my route here.

There are far less people who venture off the Gateway Loop trail.  I only encountered about half a dozen people.

The trail is extremely easy to follow.  There also isn't any water on the trail, so carry enough based upon the weather. 

I visited Inspiration Point which offers a beautiful view of the Scottsdale valley and then I proceeded to Windgate Pass.  Windgate lived up to its name -- it was hollowing wind there.  You get another view of the Scottsdale Pass as well as "no man's land" further to the east.  It was very peaceful there.

There are several loops you can do so be sure to pick up a free map at the parking area.  There is also an incredible amount of cactus in the area which add a unique element to it.

This is a great hike to go on if you are a beginner or casual hiker.