Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
Options
Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona
What‘s Included
Sunscreen
Bottled water
Snacks
Backpacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time, a must for!
Kevin M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time. Great hike for both the inexperienced and experienced, so take this hike. Curtis Whipple, hiking guide was fantastic. I would do this again.
Highly Recommend!
W4339ZErosed,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the privilege of doing two hikes with these guys during a trip to the area for my son's wedding.I did a morning hike to Tom's Thumb which was about 3 1/2 hours round trip and then in the evening I did Quartz Trail for some amazing sunset views and that one was about 2 hours round trip. Both hikes were not easy, and as an avid hiker I would say they were both moderate, but I would rate the sunset hike harder due to the steeper climb and the fact you come down in the dark and I don't see so well at night 🤣. Both hiking guides, Jay and Henry, were amazing and knowledgeable guides whose sharing of local history and the area were great and made the hikes that extra bit enjoyable. Matt's (owner) communication was quick and his patience with me was endless while I finalized my plans. As an individual I would book again, and as a Travel Advisor I have zero hesitation sending my clients to Mad Desert Trekking knowing they will be in good hands
Family Hike
S5056CRericl,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Curtis was amazing! Friendly, personable and knowledgeable. Entertaining conversation. He took great care of us with water, snacks and photographs. Would highly recommend to friends.
Scottsdale hike
catherinegZ7390ZX,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this adventure using Viator with Mad Desert Trekking. We had an amazing experience. Cha Cha reached out to us the day prior to confirm our reservation and make sure we had the correct meeting location. Once we arrived, we were given water and snacks for hike. Cha Cha was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and encouraging throughout the hike. We were so thankful she led us and allowed us to hike at our own pace. I highly recommend this hike and definitely ask for Cha Cha. You won’t be disappointed.
Five Stars PLUS!
Lans R,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If I could give six stars, I would! Doug led us on a spectacular hike. He was so very patient with us as we labored a bit and stopped frequently to take photos. We're both midwesterners in our 60s, so the trek was a little grueling but so worth it. Although being in "relatively good shape" is important, Doug allowed us to take our time. (It took us five hours vs. the advertised three.) It has been three days and our legs are still a little sore. Don't let that deter you, though. It is WELL WORTH the short-term pain. Doug was knowledgeable, courteous, cautious, funny, and easy-going. This is a must-do experience!
Tom’s Thumb
Donna G,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great hike! I went solo with Jennifer the guide . She was so fun , and informative regarding all the various cactus, plants, and wildlife. The weather wasn’t the best ( rainy and 48 degrees) . Very unusual for this area, but Jennifer made it so enjoyable! I highly recommend this hike. 🥾🥾
Challenging climb but great fun!!
Rusty N,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very scenic and a challenging climb. You should be in reasonable shape to make this trek. However it was great fun
Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale.
Karin S,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing hike up to Tom’s Thumb! While the trail is well marked, the experience was enhanced by having a guide as a solo hiker. Curtis was there to meet me at the trailhead and had water and snacks for the adventure. Lots of local knowledge and great pics. Would definitely book with Mad Desert Tracking again.
Hike
Scenic67841702407,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike was amazing guide for our hike today.. he took beautiful pictures and send them to us.he also dropped us to hotel on way back
Incredible Experience
MWyckoff40,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Henry was outstanding and our experience was incredible. From the sunrise atmosphere to Henry's patient and encouraging attitude, my husband and I completed out first ever hike- Tom's Thumb! Henry was also super knowledgeable pointing out all of the landscape as far as the eye could see. We also loved receiving pictures aftwrwards. We would 1000% recommend Mad Desert Trekking.
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Operated by Mad Desert Trekking