Tom's Thumb Scottsdale Hike: Guided Desert Trail to Granite

Climb to a granite monolith and stand above the Sonoran Desert

A guided hike to Tom's Thumb, an iconic granite formation in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale, takes you through Sonoran Desert terrain with a local guide who points out geological features, native plants and wildlife. You ascend switchbacks to reach the monolith, explore the rock formations at the summit, and take in views of Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. McDowell Sonoran Preserve3h · entry included
2. Sonoran Desertpassing by

Guided hike to Tom's Thumb

• Meet local guide at trailhead
• Hike through Sonoran Desert terrain
• Observe unique flora and fauna
• Ascend switchbacks to Tom's Thumb
• Explore granite monolith area
• Enjoy views of Scottsdale and surroundings

The experience

The hike starts at the trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest city-owned preserve in the world. A guide from Mad Desert Trekking meets you and leads the way through terrain shaped by geological forces and populated with plants and animals found nowhere else. The trail climbs via switchbacks toward Tom's Thumb, the famous granite monolith that anchors this part of the preserve.

Along the way, your guide explains the desert's geological story and points out the flora and fauna that thrive in the Sonoran Desert's heat and aridity. The landscape shifts as you gain elevation, and the views expand across the preserve toward the McDowell Mountains. Once you reach the summit, you have time to explore the unique terrain around the Thumb itself and take in the vistas of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.

What’s included

• Backpacks.
• sunscreen.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• expert-led guidance from a local Mad Desert Trekking guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Mad Desert Trekking

Is this one for you?Three hours leaves room for breakfast before or a late lunch after, so the hike fits easily into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day in Scottsdale.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Tom's Thumb and why is it worth hiking to?

Tom's Thumb is an iconic granite monolith in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale. The hike leads you to this formation so you can explore it up close and stand at the summit with views across the preserve and toward the McDowell Mountains.

What kind of desert plants and animals will I see on this hike?

The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse of North America's deserts. Your guide will point out native flora and fauna unique to this desert ecosystem as you hike, though specific wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season.

How strenuous is the hike to Tom's Thumb?

The hike involves ascending switchbacks to reach the monolith and requires a high level of physical fitness. The terrain is challenging enough that it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What does the guide provide during the hike?

Your guide leads the hike and explains the geological features, plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. Backpacks, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks are provided for the journey.