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Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve Tour: Iconic Landmark & Views
5.0
47 Ratings
Scottsdale
Explore a renowned mark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. Witness the distinctive geological features, and observe the distinct plant life and wildlife specific to the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy remarkable views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding regions.
Explore a renowned mark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. Witness the distinctive geological features, and observe the distinct plant life and wildlife specific to the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy remarkable views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding regions.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
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Tom’s Thumb Trailhead - Discover the iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve!
Enjoy a morning or afternoon on a guided hike to the renowned Tom’s Thumb formation in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. A knowledgeable guide from Mad Desert Trekking will meet you at the trailhead and accompany you through the stunning terrain of the Sonoran…
- Tom’s Thumb Trailhead - Discover the iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve!
Enjoy a morning or afternoon on a guided hike to the renowned Tom’s Thumb formation in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. A knowledgeable guide from Mad Desert Trekking will meet you at the trailhead and accompany you through the stunning terrain of the Sonoran Desert.
Throughout your hike, you’ll encounter unique geological features, as well as the native flora and fauna distinctive to the Sonoran Desert. Get up close and personal with this remarkable feature. Climb the switchbacks and soak in the breathtaking views of the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve as you ascend to the famous granite monolith known as Tom’s Thumb. Once at the top, explore the unique terrain around “the Thumb” and enjoy the beautiful views of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Feel the vibrant 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, located east of the state capital, Phoenix. It’s renowned for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Further north, trails meander through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desert landscape of hills, rock formations, and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, the former home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Downtown’s Old Town Scottsdale features 1920s buildings and 19th-century olive trees.
- Phoenix - Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, a southwestern U.S. state. Known for its year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, it anchors a sprawling, multi-city metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. It’s famous for luxurious spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, and vibrant nightclubs. Other highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden, showcasing cacti and numerous native plants.
- The Gateway Trailhead - The Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.4-mile loop trail located in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring beautiful wildflowers 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 eastern edge of McDowell Sonoran Preserve to a massive landslide that scientists believe occurred 500,000 years ago. An estimated 194 million cubic feet of rock and vegetation slid off the side of East End Peak, marking the second largest known occurrence in Arizona.
- Sonoran Desert National Monument - The Sonoran Desert National Monument showcases magnificent examples of untouched Sonoran Desert landscape. The national monument is the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, capturing a significant portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community within the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest.
What's Included
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Backpacks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Backpacks
Location
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
East Paraiso Drive
A Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet guests near the building at Tom's Thumb Trailhead, 12943 E Paraiso Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(47 Ratings)
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Catherinegz7390zx
Feb 6, 2026
Scottsdale hike - We 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lans_r
Dec 12, 2025
Five Stars PLUS! - If 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!
Review provided by Viator
Donna_g
Nov 20, 2025
Tom’s Thumb - Great 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. 🥾🥾
Review provided by Viator
Rusty_n
Nov 11, 2025
Challenging climb but great fun!! - Very scenic and a challenging climb. You should be in reasonable shape to make this trek. However it was great fun
Review provided by Viator
Karin_s
Nov 10, 2025
Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale. - Amazing 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.
Review provided by Viator
Scenic67841702407
Oct 25, 2025
Hike - Mike 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mwyckoff40
Sep 22, 2025
Incredible Experience - Henry 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maricelis_o
Apr 28, 2025
The hike was a great... - The hike was a great experience and my guide Jay was amazing, he made my trip worth it! I would recommend anytime.
Review provided by Viator
Heathersp8845dx
Mar 5, 2025
Amazing adventures - 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_g
Feb 28, 2025
Best hike ever - 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!
Review provided by Viator
