Tom's Thumb Trailhead

Always a five star! This hike is awesome. It is not too long, has some good steep sections with some recovery flats, and had great views. I have seen desert tortoises 🐢 on this trail and today we saw a rattler. It was minding it's own business and knew we were there. The volunteer at the trailhead was amazing too. Welcomed us and shared some insight into the trail. You have to do this one!

We did the easy trail down below- it was a beautiful/chill path that was well maintained! Loved the views! So quiet and peaceful!

Amazing trail! It is some work walking up as it is approximately one mile but a very good workout. The views along the way are quite remarkable! Huge boulders and rocks at crazy angles. The trail is well maintained but a bit gravelly on the way down. We took our time and for us it took 3 hours up and down. Lots of parking with bathrooms at the base, no running water. I would recommend this trail.

This is a perfect go-to hike or climbing area. We hit it on every visit. There is a lot of variety and elevation choices with amazing views.

4 mile out and back to Tom's Thumb, with plenty of shade at the top. The first 1.5m is all incline after the flats. The rock/gravel is loose as a woman fell today, so please be careful. The incline is gradual with switchbacks. The trail then tends to plateau at times, making it more of a nature walk, so hang in there. Make sure to check out all the overlooks to the top as they contain some nice captures. These boulder formations are incredibly unique. If the top of Tom's has high traffic, hike around back on the left, and you'll have some nice, lined up views with nobody in sight.

Great hike, great views, well maintained, nice trail head with restrooms and information available a benefit of living in Az. It is a challenging hike from parking to top at 4 miles.1359 elevation, but lots of view points, wide trail, so about anybody can do this trail if they take their time. The only caution would be the trail is steep in sections with hard packed little ball bearing type sand on top... so hiking boots, trail running shoes with aggressive tread is highly recommended... Road running shoes can be slippery in the steep sections. For the experienced, it is a great trail run that can be expanded upon with additional loops at the top...make it an 8 mile, 15 mile or more.

I had an amazing time on this trail. Parking is clean, and restrooms are available, but no sinks to wash your hands. Maps are available for all surrounding trails, including rock climbing capabilities. Paved all the way to the trail head car accessible. No shade covering for vehicles. If you get started super early (4-6), you'll have Shade the first part of the trail that inclined 2.5 mi to the saddle. The second part of the trail is easier than the first part, not so inclined, and more rock formations. There's trail signs on the trail to keep you on track. Take plenty of water and electrolytes with snacks. Some breeze... but heat is hot when there is no breeze. Enjoy.

This is a wonder filled place to explore our beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This is one of the more challenging places to hike. But you have the choice of moderate to difficult trails. Go explore and have fun.