Hike Tom’s Thumb with a local guide and five overlook viewpoints
3 hours
Backpacks, snacks, sunscreen
Join an expert-led hike to Tom’s Thumb, a 200-foot granite monolith in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Climb switchbacks through Sonoran Desert terrain and take in views from multiple overlooks along the way.
Ages 10+ only. Gratuities for your guide are not included.
Cancel up to 48 hours before the experience start date (local timezone) for a full refund. No refunds after that.
You hike about 3–4 miles with roughly 700 feet of elevation gain.
Wear running or hiking shoes with good grip (no sandals). Bring hiking shorts or pants, long-sleeved layers in cooler weather, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring full reusable water bottles if possible; purified water will be available if you can’t bring your own.
Your guide provides lightweight backpacks to use, healthy trail snacks, sunscreen, and cold drinks after your hiking adventure.
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Mad Desert Trekking guides consistently deliver exceptional hiking experiences across Phoenix's desert trails. The team stands out for their impressive depth of knowledge about local flora, fauna, geology, and history, transforming a simple hike into an educational adventure. Guides like Doug, Jay, Curtis, Henry, and Michael come prepared with all the essentials: water, snacks, backpacks, and walking sticks, so you can show up ready to explore without worrying about gear. What really sets this company apart is their attention to the complete experience. Guides pace hikes to match skill levels, making solo travelers and groups alike feel comfortable and safe. Many guides have backgrounds as EMTs or outdoor professionals, adding an extra layer of reassurance. The photography service is a thoughtful bonus that guests rave about, with guides capturing moments throughout the trek and sharing photos afterward. Sunset and sunrise hikes seem particularly popular, offering breathtaking views at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and other stunning desert locations. Everyone from first-time hikers to business groups leaves impressed.
Doug...best tour guide ever! He was patient, knowledgeable, friendly and attentive to our group needs. The desert trail hike was HOT but he made sure we had everything needed to keep ourselves as cool as possible including cold water and iced bandanas to wrap around our necks. We laughed, we learned, we experienced AZ. It was physical but definitely doable for most fitness levels. Highly recommend!!
Kristian Penn
May 19, 2026
Doug...best tour guide ever! He was patient, knowledgeable, friendly and attentive to our group needs. The desert trail hike was HOT but he made sure we had everything needed to keep ourselves as cool as possible including cold water and iced bandanas to wrap around our necks. We laughed, we learned, we experienced AZ. It was physical but definitely doable for most fitness levels. Highly recommend!!
Kristian Penn
May 19, 2026