Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona
Description
Visit an iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. See Geological features and well as flora and fauna that are unique to the Sonoran Desert. Amazing views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding areas.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Visit the most iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve! Spend your morning or afternoon on an expert-led hike to the famous Tom's Thumb formation in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. A local guide from Mad Desert Trekking will greet you at the trailhead and hike with you through the incredible terrain of the Sonoran Desert. During the course of your hike, you will be presented with unique geological features, as well as native flora and fauna that are unique to the Sonoran desert. Experience this incredible feature up close and personal. Ascend the switchbacks and take in the incredible views of the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve while we make our way up to the famous granite monolith called Tom's Thumb. Once up top you will be able to expore the unique terrain around "the Thumb" and be presented with beautiful views of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.
Experience the energy of the desert in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona, the largest city-owned preserve in the world.
Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona east of state capital Phoenix. It's known for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Farther north, trails wind through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desertscape of hills, rock formations and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio. Downtown's Old Town Scottsdale has 1920s buildings and 19th-century olive trees.
Phoenix is the capital of the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona. Known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures, it anchors a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. It's known for high-end spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses and vibrant nightclubs. Other highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden, displaying cacti and numerous native plants
Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.4 mile loop trail located in Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and cacti and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.
The Marcus Landslide Trail runs along the east edge of McDowell Sonoran Preserve to a massive landslide that scientists believe occurred 500,000 years ago. An estimated 194 M cubic feet of rock and vegetation slid off the side of East End Peak, the second largest known occurrence in Arizona.
The Sonoran Desert National Monument contains magnificent examples of untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. The national monument is the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, and the monument captures a significant portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community within the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Reviews(48)
Great time. Great hike for both the inexperienced and experienced, so take this hike. Curtis Whipple, hiking guide was fantastic. I would do this again.
I had the privilege of doing two hikes with these guys during a trip to the area for my son's wedding.I did a morning hike to Tom's Thumb which was about 3 1/2 hours round trip and then in the evening I did Quartz Trail for some amazing sunset views and that one was about 2 hours round trip. Both hikes were not easy, and as an avid hiker I would say they were both moderate, but I would rate the sunset hike harder due to the steeper climb and the fact you come down in the dark and I don't see so well at night 🤣. Both hiking guides, Jay and Henry, were amazing and knowledgeable guides whose sharing of local history and the area were great and made the hikes that extra bit enjoyable. Matt's (owner) communication was quick and his patience with me was endless while I finalized my plans. As an individual I would book again, and as a Travel Advisor I have zero hesitation sending my clients to Mad Desert Trekking knowing they will be in good hands
Rosie, two hikes, two guides and two totally different vibes! 🎒🌅 You absolutely crushed it, and we love that you tackled both Tom's Thumb with your guide Henry and the steep climb to Sunset Peak with your guide Jay. Thanks for the high praise and for trusting us with your son’s wedding-week adventures. It was fun recommending the perfect routes in the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix and Scottsdale. See you on the trail for round three! 🤙✨ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
Curtis was amazing! Friendly, personable and knowledgeable. Entertaining conversation. He took great care of us with water, snacks and photographs. Would highly recommend to friends.
Eric, that’s what we call a five-star trail day! 🙌 We’re glad your guide Curtis took such great care of you, from the deep-dive conversations to making sure the water and snacks were always handy. Thanks for the shout-out, and we can't wait to guide your friends soon! 🥾✨ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
We booked this adventure using Viator with Mad Desert Trekking. We had an amazing experience. Cha Cha reached out to us the day prior to confirm our reservation and make sure we had the correct meeting location. Once we arrived, we were given water and snacks for hike. Cha Cha was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and encouraging throughout the hike. We were so thankful she led us and allowed us to hike at our own pace. I highly recommend this hike and definitely ask for Cha Cha. You won’t be disappointed.
Catherine, your review is pure gold! 🌟 We are so stoked to hear you had an amazing time on the Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure in the McDowell Mountains. And, we’re thrilled that your guide Cha Cha made it the quintessential Sonoran Desert experience with her knowledge, encouragement and plenty of trail snacks! Thanks for recommending us to the world. We can't wait to trek with you again🌵🏜️ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
If I could give six stars, I would! Doug led us on a spectacular hike. He was so very patient with us as we labored a bit and stopped frequently to take photos. We're both midwesterners in our 60s, so the trek was a little grueling but so worth it. Although being in "relatively good shape" is important, Doug allowed us to take our time. (It took us five hours vs. the advertised three.) It has been three days and our legs are still a little sore. Don't let that deter you, though. It is WELL WORTH the short-term pain. Doug was knowledgeable, courteous, cautious, funny, and easy-going. This is a must-do experience!
Great hike! I went solo with Jennifer the guide . She was so fun , and informative regarding all the various cactus, plants, and wildlife. The weather wasn’t the best ( rainy and 48 degrees) . Very unusual for this area, but Jennifer made it so enjoyable! I highly recommend this hike. 🥾🥾
Very scenic and a challenging climb. You should be in reasonable shape to make this trek. However it was great fun
Amazing hike up to Tom’s Thumb! While the trail is well marked, the experience was enhanced by having a guide as a solo hiker. Curtis was there to meet me at the trailhead and had water and snacks for the adventure. Lots of local knowledge and great pics. Would definitely book with Mad Desert Tracking again.
Mike was amazing guide for our hike today.. he took beautiful pictures and send them to us.he also dropped us to hotel on way back
Wow, thank you for the five stars! We're thrilled that Mike was an amazing guide for your Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure. Thanks for choosing us! — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
Henry was outstanding and our experience was incredible. From the sunrise atmosphere to Henry's patient and encouraging attitude, my husband and I completed out first ever hike- Tom's Thumb! Henry was also super knowledgeable pointing out all of the landscape as far as the eye could see. We also loved receiving pictures aftwrwards. We would 1000% recommend Mad Desert Trekking.
Melanie, we're so glad you had such an incredible experience on the Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure with your guide Henry. We couldn't agree more that the views from the top are worth every step, and are stoked that his patience and encouragement made all the difference. Thank you for the wonderful recommendation and for letting Mad Desert Trekking be a memorable part of your trip to Phoenix! — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
