Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
405 reviews
Excellent
321
Very good
76
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
0
PMR2056
Rochester, MI115 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a great hike as it can be done by a wide range of people and has real nice views and picture opportunities along the way up as well as at the top. The majority of the hike is along a fairly smooth path with a limited amount of rocks until you get to the top portion. It does go up around 1,200 feet so there are a number of switch backs along the way, but our group of 8 was all over 50 and everybody made it to the top. It does get busy on the weekends, however it has a large parking area so that was not a problem. If going in the warmer months you will want to start early in the morning.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WanderingWithUsTwo
Phoenix, AZ737 contributions
Mar 2020
The McDowell Mountains sit about 30 minutes north of central Scottsdale. Within the vast park they provide opportunities to bike, ride horses, and hike. One of the most popular trails here is the Tom’s Thumb trail. When we looked up the trailhead on google maps it didn’t send us to the main area. Since there are many residential areas surrounding the park there are several private trail entrances in neighborhoods which is where the directions sent us. We suggest getting the directions and following them until you start seeing signs directing you to the trail and the main parking lot. When we went they were rebuilding the road to the parking lot so they had a bumpy dirt road in the meantime but nothing that you can’t access with any form of vehicle. Since there are many trails that start at this main lot there is plenty of space to park with well over 100 spaces. However, since there are several trails and spaces available it is very popular and can fill up very quickly so it’s best to get in very early or wait until the first wave dies down around 12 or so. There are some restrooms at the entrance along with water but aside from that there are no other amenities along the way. The trail is 2.5 MI (4 KM) and ascends over 1,300 ft (396 M). Along the way there are also areas for rock climbing for those who enjoy that as well and the area is also accessible to mountain biking. The hike is in the sun for a majority of the time and can be difficult on the way up before evening out as you're near the top. From the top you can get panoramic views of the city and get some great photos. Overall, this is a great park with lots to do and not too secluded from the city. We hope to be back and explore some of the other less-popular trails in the near future!
- @wanderingwithustwo
- @wanderingwithustwo
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FarAway20987004532
8 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Beautiful Hike this morning. Many flowers are blooming. Best to get an early start to avoid a busy trail. I wouldn’t recommend the entire toms thumb trail for small children as it is challenging and has many slippery areas. I would recommend the Toms Thumb Feldspar Loop for small children it is very nice with less people ,more wildlife and not difficult
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lolita Y
Phoenix, AZ80 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Although the trail is challenging and the views are spectacular, I cannot recommend this trail. There was too much loose gravel on extremely steep parts. And the dogs! Ugh. Dog poo everywhere. Really disgusting and disappointing. Many sections are single file and young people don’t seem to know manners. Descending the steep sections with a run is much easier and safer than with a walk (loose gravel) and ascending youngsters show no etiquette. Unfortunately I’m one and done.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vagabond_dreams
Alberta, Canada328 contributions
Nov 2022
Loved this hike! A beautiful trail with great views. We went on Thanksgiving Day so it was very busy, which was mostly an issue on the first section with the switchbacks. On the upper half the trail was wider and people were more spread out. Not rocky underfoot but quite a lot of loose gravel - was glad i had my hiking poles for the way down. Very windy at the top! But we found a nice sheltered spot to enjoy a snack and the views. Rated as "hard", but if you're coming from Alberta I'd say it's on the easy side of moderate.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dawn O
Kalispell, MT27 contributions
Jan 2022
In thirty days we hiked over 100 miles in the Phoenix area. This was our favorite hike over Camel back and Picacho Peak. Although not as challenging it's still a nice bit of uphill and the scenery is great.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robyn H
Kelowna, Canada11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Completed this hike in early Feb, was a great hike with spectacular views that seem to change as you go along. First half is defiantly a good walking workout that will get your heart pumping. Take lots of water as you will make drinking stops along the way both up and down. Bring yourself some snacks for when you hang out at the top and enjoy your accomplishment.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
945seann
Phoenix, United States44 contributions
Sep 2019
Did the Tom's Thumb hike from the West side up and over to end up at the Tom's Thumb Trailhead. Its a great workout through some beautiful high desert. Going up the west side is great. Coming down that side can be a little rough. Definitely recommend the east side for your down hill. Requires two cars but for a long hike its worth it. Saw only two other people during the week and nobody after the first mile and half in. Saw some deer and a rattle snake.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AnitaJack
Sartell, MN71 contributions
Feb 2022
I wasn’t expected this to be a harder hike, due to elevation rise, but it’s worth it! Great workout for the legs. We added a mile to our hike by checking out one of the side trails near the top. Ranger at trailhead to answer questions. Bathrooms there, but no running water. After descending, I got a sticker from the volunteer “ranger”!
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NWtraveler969
Seattle, WA328 contributions
Mar 2022
Not much to add to all that's been written. Landscape here very different from Tucson (very few saguaro cacti). Late March, lots of poppies blooming. Awesome rocks, reminds me of the northern border of Joshua Tree a bit, or Texas Canyon near Tucson, or the mountains along I-8 between Yuma and San Diego (In-Ko-Pah). Not far from North Scottsdale so if staying near Kierland, great way to see some beautiful desert scenery, get a workout, a half day adventure.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
keltrinswife
Dublin, OH24 contributions
Is there a fee to be get in?
Is this something my 10y/o could do? We are going in March.
Approximately how long does it take?
Thanks so much!
ladyomaha
Omaha, NE342 contributions
No fee for park entrance. Hike is moderate till the last half mile to get to Tom’s Thumb but plenty of large boulders to sit & rest. Takes 2-3 hours to climb depending on your pace. Suggest you start early to avoid the mid-day heat. Bring plenty of drinking water
ColomboKid
1 contribution
Hey,
Looking to hike this in mid-December. Is it possible to climb in the evening/night even after sunset? is that worth it?
Thanks!
294ronaldb
Naples, FL15 contributions
You wouldn’t see much, but a lot of creatures could see you
Sheela C
Madison, WI8 contributions
I'm wondering if this is ok to hike alone? (seems from comments that there is enough others hiking at this time of year?) I'll be there while husband is at a conference. Thx
Jack
Edmonton, Canada95 contributions
One of the best hikes in the Scottsdale area , it’s beautiful. And lots of helpful folks on the trail should you need assistance.
KD68
6 contributions
What is the difference between Tom's Thumb Trail and Tom's Thumb South besides the length?
Rudy F
Huntersville, NC126 contributions
We hike about 300 miles annually. The main trail is very steep and slippery with gravel in several portions...deffinatly do not recommend strollers. We did not do the South trail but it is advertized as even more difficult plus longer.
FarAway519634
9 contributions
Is this place a good hike for kids?
Cheryl C
Cave Creek, AZ108 contributions
It is pretty steep. If they are young I would stick to a trail at Browns Ranch, which is nearby, or Pinnacle Peak.
Andrea O
Waupun, WI47 contributions
Hi- Just wondering how long of a hike it is and if the signs are really easy to follow? I head there next week.
Nass H
Phoenix, AZ10 contributions
There are a lot of connector trails in McDowell Mt. Park, consider a single-page map of trail system--don't just rely on the signs. The trail length DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU START. It can be 12 miles RT from Gateway parking lot (i.e."west" side ) or about 3-mile one-way noted by someone (I think this is from the recently opened Tom's Thumb trailhead, TTH). TTH is not as scenic as starting from the Gateway trailhead, but better choice if you are unsure of your ability or want to keep it short. There used to be free maps at the Gateway trailhead, hopefully they are still there. The hike is easy until the last 2 miles where most of the elevation gain occurs, but not much. A big plus by starting at the Gateway is that you cross a mini riparian area where spring water flows 24/7--supercool spot, but watch out for the snakes! We usually do Gateway to Tom's Thumb and back and usually slow jog on the way down. If interested, check HikeAZ website and search for "Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass Trail, AZ." Unfortunately, the McDowell Sonoran preserve website doesn't show this route anymore for some reason and isn't very helpful.
Audrey M
13 contributions
Where is it in relation to Phoenix. Will be staying in Phoenix, Villa Mirage in October and would like to hike this trail.
LLR429
Atlanta, GA13 contributions
Audrey - The trail is located in north east Phoenix/ Scottsdale. It is approx 20 minutes from the Westin Kierland. Google Maps will take your there - it is an awkward drive: you'll travel through residential neighborhoods and down a semi-paved road where, out of no where, there's a lovely new trail head building with bathroom and parking. (& trail maps)
Enjoy!
Tom's Thumb Trailhead (Scottsdale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tom's Thumb Trailhead
- We recommend booking Tom's Thumb Trailhead tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Tom's Thumb Trailhead tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tom's Thumb Trailhead:
- (3.77 mi) Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- (6.65 mi) ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection
- (7.62 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Scottsdale North - Airpark, an IHG Hotel
- (6.90 mi) Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas, Scottsdale
- (6.34 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale North/Perimeter Center
- Restaurants near Tom's Thumb Trailhead:
- (6.48 mi) That's Amore Gelato
- (8.03 mi) The Capital Grille
- (3.81 mi) Talavera
- (8.43 mi) Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- (8.52 mi) True Food Kitchen