Located in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale, the Tom’s Thumb trail is one of my favorites trails in the Phoenix metro area. The trailhead itself is actually a collection of trails with the Tom’s Thumb trail as the centerpiece. With a nearly 1,200 foot elevation gain in approximately 2.3 miles to the base of iits iconic namesake rock formation, this well worn trail is considered challenging and strenuous. You will also be required to do a little bit of light scrambling as you navigate the ridgeline and final approach to the base of the Thumb rock formation. In short, the expansive views and other worldly rock formations along the trail make it well worth the effort in my opinion.

Be Prepared For A Real Desert Hiking Experience:

Its important to note that because this is a strenuous desert hike its advised to bring more than adequate supply of water to stay hydrated. During late Spring and Summer early morning hikes make a lot of sense due to the intense desert heat and limited shade on this mountain trail. In addition, during the cooler months because of the higher elevations of the McDowell Mountains the temperature at the approximately 3,800 foot elevation of the based of the Tom’s Thumb landmark can easily be 10 degrees or more cooler than the Valley floor. This is also rattlesnake country so its advised not do any bush whacking or wandering off the trail.

Side Trails:

For those who prefer a less strenuous hiking adventure, there are also a number of easier and scenic desert trails that can be accessed from the main Tom’s Thumb trailhead and parking area. With only a 300 foot elevation gain and lots of scenic views and interpretive points of interest along the way, The Marcus landslide trail is a good choice.

Dogs On The Trail:

Dogs are welcome at this this trailhead but must be on a leash at all times. As you will see from signage at the trailhead, its generally not recommended to bring a dog out on the trail when temps exceed 90 degrees. To play it safe with your dog, your best bet is to visit really early in the morning or in the cooler Winter months.

Photography Tips:

As far as photography tips, with the rugged landscape of the McDowell Mountains up front and personal, and with expansive views of the Mazatzal mountain range and the Four Peaks to the East, this make this an ideal environment or setting to shoot with a wide angle lens. With mountains, Saguaro cactus, and open Sonoran desert vistas, this is also a great venue for shooting sunrise and sunset landscape images as you will see below.

Below are a few images and a video link with some additional info about the Tom’s Thumb trailhead and surrounding desert preserve . Please click on the images to see full size high resolution versions that are available for sale. Please contact me if you have any questions or want to purchase an image that is not linked. All images are copyrighted.

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Sunset Skies At Toms Thumb trail — Brilliant colored sunset skies with Tom’s Thumb landmark in background.

Toms Thumb Trailhead Building — Sunrays light up the cool trailhead building at Tom’s Thumb. Restrooms and seating are available.

An Old Growth Saguaro cactus at the Tom's Thumb trailhead — This is a frequently photographed old growth Saguaro cactus at sunrise time near one of the trailheads multiple and spacious parking lots. Unlike some other popular trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve there is generally always adequate parking at Tom’s Thumb.

Sunrise At Toms Thumb Trailhead In North Scottsdale AZ — This is a vibrant sunrise landscape image with the Four Peaks range in the distance taken from the main parking lot of the trailhead.

The trail leading to the famous “Marcus Landslide” geological formation.

A popular vista at sunrise time on the Toms Thumb trail.

A Hiker Watching The Sunrise On Toms Thumb Trail — A Lone hiker enjoying the sunrise to the East with iconic Four Peaks mountain range in view.

A hiker on the rugged ridgeline approaching the Tom’s Thumb landmark about 1/4 mile away. This is rattlesnake country so its best to always stay on the trail.

A hiker at the base of the Tom’s Thumb rock formation high in the McDowell Mountains. The sweeping views here are some of the best in the Phoenix metro area.