Tom's Thumb Trailhead

About

Tom's Thumb Trailhead is in the northern part of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It's the starting point for the hike up to Tom's Thumb, the rock formation the trailhead is named for. Like the rest of the preserve, it's open daily from sunrise to sunset and costs nothing. There are restrooms, a shade ramada, interpretive signs and parking for cars and horse trailers, but no drinking water. Bring plenty of water and follow the preserve's own advice to turn around when half of it is gone. The climb gets steep in places, and the big boulders and wide desert views are the reward.