Iconic Tom's Thumb Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale

Overview

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.

City: Scottsdale

Mon 02 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $145.00

Make a reservation

Mon 02 Jun

Starting at $145.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

Sunscreen

Bottled water

Snacks

Backpacks

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Tom's Thumb Trailhead

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.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Experience the energy of the desert in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona, the largest city-owned preserve in the world.

Scottsdale

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

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

The Gateway Trailhead

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.

Marcus Landslide Trail

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.

Sonoran Desert National Monument

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.

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (37)

heathersP8845DX

Mar 2025

Went on the guided Toms thumb hike My guide Luz was wonderful and so knowledgeable. Trail and views were amazing! Definitely recommend this company for anyone looking to get out and explore with help of local guides

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Heather, we're excited to hear you experienced such a wonderful time on the Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure with your guide Liz. We focus on providing our guests with unforgettable experiences, and it's always gratifying to hear that we've succeeded. We hope you'll join us again soon for another adventure! — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵

Stephanie_G

Feb 2025

Had a wonderful early morning hike with Lizzy to Tom’s Thumb. She was the perfect guide, with easy conversation, vast knowledge and a knack for pictures. Beautiful views and a great workout!

Nomad104116

Feb 2025

This was a very good trip. Lots of options while we were there. Hiking in the dessert is a must if you are active and enjoy the out of doors. The dessert is simply beautiful and unique! In its own way! In January we hit a cool spell and we actually wore jackets in the middle of the afternoon. But so much more to do - the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Botanical Garden, the Museum of the West, The Music Museum, Taliesin, Contemporary Art were all fabulous. And the food . . . wonderful. And Old Town was a destination in itself.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

John, we're so glad you enjoyed your Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure during your trip to Scottsdale in January 2025! And YES, hiking in the Sonoran Desert is an absolute must during a visit to Scottsdale! We totally agree, it's beautiful and unique in its own special way. Come back and see us again soon as there's always more to discover! 🌵☀️ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵