Tom's Thumb gets its name from a local rock climber from the 60s, Tom Kreuser. The word "Thumb" comes from the fact this heavily visited destination literally looks like a giant thumb rising out of the ground. The trail accessing Tom's Thumb is a regular hike, but there are rock climbing routes all over the area.

Tyler Sanders

July 12, 2023

Running

In the 1960s, the trail earned its name, Tom's Thumb, inspired by the thumb-like shape and in honor of Tom Kreuser, the local climber who first conquered its ascent. With a notable elevation gain of 1,300 feet, it is crucial to maintain a steady pace while ascending to this spot.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Tom's Thumb

4.8

(8)

343

hikers

#1.

Tom's Thumb Trail

6.51km

02:17

360m

Hike the 4.0-mile Tom's Thumb Trail in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve for panoramic desert views and a challenging climb.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

3.0

(1)

hikers

#2.

East End, Windgate, and Tom's Thumb Loop

17.2km

05:54

910m

Hike the challenging 10.7-mile East End, Windgate, and Tom's Thumb Loop in McDowell Sonoran Preserve for panoramic views and iconic rock for

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

hikers

#3.

Tom's Thumb and East End Loop

21.5km

07:28

1,170m

Hike the difficult 13.4-mile Tom's Thumb and East End Loop for rugged terrain, panoramic views, and the iconic Tom's Thumb spire.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,140 m

Weather

Today

Monday 13 April

23°C

12°C

18 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Part of Pemberton Trail

Jackass Junction

Windgate Pass

Piestewa Peak

Pinnacle Peak Trail

Balanced Rock

Inspiration Point

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

Rock Knob

View of McDowell Mountains from Country Service Road

Asher Hills

Parking and Facilities at McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Tom's Thumb

#1.

Tom's Thumb Trail

#2.

East End, Windgate, and Tom's Thumb Loop

#3.

Tom's Thumb and East End Loop

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️