Hiking Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’re in Scottsdale and looking to get your steps in—without having to fight the crowds at the mall or endure a sweaty gym session—look no further than Tom’s Thumb. This iconic Scottsdale hike is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of place that’ll make you feel like a total hiking rockstar. But, before you throw on your favorite hiking boots and hit the trail, there are a few things you should know when it comes to Hiking Tom’s Thumb. Trust me, I’ve made some mistakes, and I’m here to help you avoid them.

The Parking Lot Puzzle: Where to Park

First off, parking at the Tom’s Thumb trailhead can be a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situation. There’s a relatively small parking lot with 120-ish spaces at the trailhead itself, but it fills up faster than you can say “Where did all these people come from?!” Parking is free.

Pro Tip: Aim to get here early—like, before the sun even thinks about making an appearance. (Early birds get the best parking spots, after all.) If the main lot is full, don’t worry, there’s a nearby overflow lot.

The Trail: A Little Steep, A Lot of Beautiful

Okay, so let’s talk trail. The Tom’s Thumb Trail is a 5 mile, out-and-back trek (2.5 miles one way) that’s got some serious elevation gain. We’re talking 1,000 feet of ascent in under a mile. Yes, your calves will be burning. Yes, you’ll question your life choices. But hey, the views are totally worth it.

The trail is free to use and dog-friendly, as long as dogs are kept on a leash.

The trail starts off relatively easy, with a wide, smooth path, which is great if you need a little warm-up before the incline kicks in. But then, bam—steep—and it stays that way for most of the climb. It’s not exactly the kind of hike you’ll stroll through while casually chatting with your hiking buddy about life, your kids, and everything. No, you’ll be too busy trying to catch your breath. I learned this the hard way on my hike with two of my friends. We were in semi-decent shape; I was doing cardio three days a week at the time, and really struggled with this hike! Dallas, Texas (where we flew from) is lacking in steep-incline hiking areas.

The good news? The view at the top is a total “Wow!” moment. You’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding desert. You’ll feel on top of the world, and the thumb-shaped rock formation at the summit is a perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy photo.

It took my friends and me 3.5 hours to complete the 5 miles. That was with LOTS of catch-your-breath stops, picture taking stops, drone flying stops, and time to sit at the top and enjoy the views.

If you’re hiking the trail alone, you might want a good audiobook to take your mind off of how out of shape, I mean breath, you are. Here’s a link to a Free Audible Trial where you can download a couple of audio books. The trial lasts for 30 days.

Hiking Tom’s Thumb: Things You Should Know Before You Go

1. Water, Water, Water: Drink it. Early. And often. This hike can get hot, even in the cooler months, so make sure you’ve got plenty of water on hand. Dehydration isn’t cute, and it doesn’t help you get to the top. If you want a hands free way to get your water intake, this is the hydration backpack we own.
2. Wear Good Shoes: This trail isn’t technical in the sense that you need to be an expert rock climber, but it does have loose gravel and rocky sections. Flip-flops are not your friend here. Go for something sturdy—like hiking boots or trail shoes. While I wore my everyday tennis shoes for the hike, you might be looking for something a little more sturdy. Here are my personal hiking boots. They’re super comfortable, supportive around the ankle, and most importantly – cute. They’ve been used to hike all over the Pacific Northwest. Looking for a men’s version? Here are my husband’s hiking boots.
3. Check the Weather: Scottsdale can get downright hot, even in the winter, and temperatures can change fast in the desert. Plan accordingly and check the forecast before you head out. We went on a gorgeous blue-sky 60 degrees January morning.
4. Don’t Rush It: Take your time and pace yourself, especially if you’re not used to this kind of elevation gain. No shame in taking a break and catching your breath. (we took an abundance of these breaks)
5. Trail Etiquette: The Tom’s Thumb trail isn’t usually overcrowded, but when it is, remember that it’s a narrow path with a lot of switchbacks. If you’re going uphill, let the folks coming down pass, and vice versa.
6. Keep an Eye on the Sky: The desert sun can be brutal, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, even if the sky is looking cloudy. And also avoid the rattlesnakes, of course—though you’re more likely to encounter them in the cooler months than summer. We didn’t see any, by the way.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Tom’s Thumb might make you work for those epic views, but once you see them, it’ll feel like it was all worth it. And hey, you’ll have earned that post-hike snack (or three), so don’t skip the treat afterward. If you’re looking for a short but satisfying hike with a punch of elevation gain, this one’s a winner.

So, get out there, enjoy the fresh desert air, and maybe even snag a photo next to the thumb-shaped rock formation to prove you did it.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Scottsdale offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler. If you’re looking for luxury, the city is home to several high-end resorts, such as the iconic Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, the kid-friendly Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and the luxurious The Phoenician. These resorts offer upscale amenities like spa services, golf courses, and breathtaking desert views. For a more boutique experience, you can check out the charming Hotel Valley Ho, an old-school mid-century gem that blends retro vibes with modern comfort.

For those seeking a cozier, more intimate vibe, there are plenty of charming bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals scattered throughout the area. The charming, historic district near Old Town Scottsdale has a range of cute inns and smaller hotels, such as The Scott Resort & Spa, which offers a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re after a lavish getaway or a quiet retreat, Scottsdale provides a variety of options for a perfect stay after a day of hiking, exploring, or simply relaxing in the desert.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Tom’s Thumb

If you’re needing other packing ideas, here’s my go-to list of items in my Amazon shop for a weekend away.

Looking for other things to do in Scottsdale? Bike your way around town with a Pedal Bar Crawl. Ride around and admire the landscape on a Sonoran Sunset Desert Jeep Tour. Replenish those calories you worked off on the hike with an Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour.

Tom’s Thumb might be a tough hike, but it’s also an absolute gem. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to burn off that extra large serving of guac from Barrio Queen in Old Town, this trail offers a great workout with stunning rewards. So, lace up, grab your water bottle, and get ready to conquer Scottsdale’s desert beauty, one steep switchback at a time.

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