Tom’s Thumb East End Loop-McDowell Sonoran Preserve: This hike is a challenging, 11-mile loop that includes East End, Windgate Pass, and Tom’s Thumb trails found within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in the Northeast Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area. This is a challenging hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale and worth the effort. Two difficult trailheads will bring you up 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel’s back, where you’ll have amazing 360-degree views of the city. The 4.5 mile Alta Trail begins directly across the road from the parking area, located at the 2.5 mile marker of San Juan Road. Anyway, here are 5 butt kicking trails in the Phoenix area that are a good challenge, have killer views (not literally) and a real sense that you are hiking in a very unique desert environment, one that only the Sonoran Desert can offer. And then BLAMMO – you are climbing up an unofficial trail – 1,500 ft up to the top of the Flat Iron (it is called Flat Iron because, well, it looks like an iron – clever I know). Photo: Kevin Kaminski Whether you've only visited Phoenix or you're a long-time local, you must've seen Camelback Mountain - it's pretty hard to miss. Phoenix is one of the very best cities in the country for hiking with tons of trails that are easily accessible from the metropolitan area. The colossal 90-foot vertical granite crag is visible at the north end of the McDowell Range to commuters far below on the Loop 101. While both hikes have the same hike rating, Cholla is known as being slightly easier. Black Top Mesa has amazing views, stream crossings, mountain ascents (over 2,300ft gain), wildflowers, panorama galore, grasslands, challenge and seclusion. The hike to get there is even more impressive. Tom’s Thumb. Tom’s Thumb was one of the first hikes Case and I did when we got to Arizona for Spring Training. by justroughinit | Nov 7, 2016 | Arizona, Hiking, Phoenix Hiking | 0 comments. 1. Learn more. Afraid of heights? When we looked up the trailhead on google maps it didn’t send us to the main area. Pick Up Locations Pick up from Phoenix/Scottsdale hotel partners, VRBO's and personal residences is included in the cost of the tour. Tom's Thumb stays visible most of the hike, so it is easy to set your bearings in relation to your goal. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. I have not hiked it in its entirety yet. Camelback if your more into longer rides. Live in the area - Mountain Creek if you are into rails and tricks. Learn more. On a clear day, you can see Camelback Mountain that is roughly 14 miles away to the south. Camelback Mountain, with an elevation of 2,704 feet, is an excellent hike or climb in Arizona. There are two trail options - … The views extend 100 miles all around (on a clear day). Photo: Kevin KaminskiPiestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Do not ascend all the way up to the Flat Iron. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Photo: Kevin KaminskiWhether you've only visited Phoenix or you're a long-time local, you must've seen Camelback Mountain - it's pretty hard to miss. Disclaimer: Please take a map, compass and research these trails BEFORE hiking them. Kevin Kaminski At the top, they’re rewarded with panoramic city views that deliver well-deserved bragging rights for … This 1 mile trail carries with it a 500 ft climb with some trails in the vicinity to add for a longer hike. Two hiking trails ascend to the peak of the Camelback Mountain at elevation of 1280 feet. Once you get away from the busier Tom’s Thumb Trail, the East End trail is a seldom-used section of the hike that offers great solitude, and the route crosses one of the few springs in the Preserve. Tom’s Thumb East End Loop-McDowell Sonoran Preserve: This hike is a challenging, 11-mile loop that includes East End, Windgate Pass, and Tom’s Thumb trails found within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in the Northeast Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area. Here are some things you need to know. Become a Camelback Climber and view times of the fastest climbers in Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown and can be seen all over the area, rising to 2,707 feet. Camelback Mountain Climbers. But we do have lots of other information on our website to help you succeed as a hiker (like not get lost or die) – so check it out! Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's best hikes and most popular attractions for thousands of visiting hikers each year. You get it all – views, steepness, serious challenge, elevation gain and some areas that are not for the faint of heart. Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.3 miles one way to the mountain summit. Photo: Kevin Kaminski It's a challenging hike that will get your heart pumping for sure, but the views from the top are more than worth it. Book your tickets online for Camelback Mountain, Phoenix: See 2,502 reviews, articles, and 1,345 photos of Camelback Mountain, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 228 attractions in Phoenix. Camelback Mountain (O'odham: Cew S-wegiom) is a mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.The English name is derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Did I mention the parking is oh so ample?!! Tom's Thumb Trailhead: Beautiful hike - See 386 traveler reviews, 253 candid photos, and great deals for Scottsdale, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Both are rated extremely difficult. The “thumb” is named after a prolific and loved local rock climber, Tom Kreuser. The most iconic of any of the rock features is Tom's Thumb, a 200' granite dome perched high on the ridgeline above downtown Scottsdale, and one of the highest points in the range. I did some research and kept hearing about the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You will hike about a 2,500 foot elevation gain in this northern area of the McDowell Mountains. But where should you hike? Even the physically fit find themselves winded, sore and needing more water than expected on this trek. Two difficult trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel's back, affording 360-degree views of the surrounding city. It’s a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists, so make sure you do the hike as early as possible, with sunrise being the sweet spot. Learn more. Learn more. Before becoming one of the most popular hiking spots in Phoenix the land of granite and sandstone belonged to the Hohokam Indians because they found a cave where they presumed this tribe was used as a sacred site. We have a “Hiking Forecast” on the local news every morning, cuz that is what we do from October through April in Phoenix – hike! But we do have lots of other information on our website to help you succeed as a hiker (like not get lost or die) – so check it out! 111 reviews of Tom's Thumb Trailhead "We originally were going to do this hike with an organized group, but took a wrong turn getting to the trailhead, and we missed them. But then they tell me they were told to hike Camelback by a friend/family member/concierge or whatever local who should know there is a TON of hiking available in Phoenix. Speedster or not, go ahead scroll down & post your time, as just reaching the summit is a heck of an accomplishment – (prove it with merchandise).Click here for information or pictures of the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails. The last 1/2 mile climb to the mesa (an unmarked leading up the mesa) is so worth the rather rocky and less trodden path with a completely changed landscape of grasslands, prickly pear cacti and breath taking views for Weaver’s Needle and 360 degree panorama of awesomeness. It takes about an 1.5 hours round-trip for hikers in good physical condition. Photo: Kevin KaminskiThis serene slice of Sonoran Desert is home to a wide range of wildlife including bobcats, gila monsters, desert tortoises, antelope ground squirrels, cactus wrens and rattlesnakes. HIKE TO TOMS THUMB. Camelback Mountain should be hiked at least once in your life. If you're lucky, you may get to watch some rock climbers practicing their art here. The Alta Trail also may be accessed from the west end of San Juan Road (approximately 6.0 mile marker), where the Alta Trail meets the ending of the National Trail. We are so not responsible for giving some minimal and not very specific advice and then you go out and get eaten by a squirrel or whatever impending danger you may encounter out in the wilderness. Photo: Kevin KaminskiWhether you turn around at the rock basin, make it to the Flatiron Summit, or venture all the way to the top of Superstition Peak, you will not be disappointed by the ever changing rock formations, beautiful views, and rigorous workout! The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. There are a couple ways to venture into the area but I like taking Dutchman’s Trail #104 (ample parking BTW at First Water Trail head) to Bull Pass Trail #129 where you will climb about 1,100 ft in just over 1 mile. The Tom’s Thumb Trail is accessible from multiple trailheads in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Don’t want to hike it alone? Do not ascend this trail in the rain or if rain is in the forecast – it gets slippery, scary and dangerous. After your climbing you are rewarded with the views of the surrounding area, including the Four peaks, Piestewa Peak, and Camelback mountain. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Lookout Mountain – Phoenix Mountain Preserve: Another regional park surrounded by the City of Phoenix in the north of the Valley, Lookout Mountain is a hike that offers views, more seclusion without the serious butt workout the first 4 hikes will offer (not saying your butt won’t still appreciate the warm up). Plus, South Mountain is more centrally located that the other hikes listed here. Website By Bad Bunny Designs. © Just Roughin' It Adventure Company 2019. Luckily, we ended up doing a completely different trail instead of the one they planned and wound up going up to Tom's Thumb. Your email address will not be published. Siphon Draw Trail to Flat Iron-Superstition Wilderness: This hike is the sh@*! Don't see your favorite Phoenix hike on The Outbound? The McDowell Mountains sit about 30 minutes north of central Scottsdale. You will be so glad you did it! Get an ad-free experience, support The Outbound, and snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $29.99/year. Two thumbs up for Tom’s Thumb Trail. Experienced explorers like the cardio workout they get from ascending over 1,300 feet in just 2.5 miles. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The cheapest way to get from Toms River to Camelback Mountain costs only $133, and the quickest way takes just 8¼ hours. Camelback Mountain has been one of Phoenix Arizona's most historical landmarks since the 1900s. Required fields are marked *. Whether you live here or are just visiting the Valley, this summit hike offers some of … This trail features amazing views as far as the west Valley on a good day, the Superstition Wilderness and Fountain Hills (hang out on top of the East End Trail long enough and you will see the world’s 4th tallest fountain reaching 560 ft). Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a7c2343ebbfaf27831f47f66c8286d0d" );document.getElementById("d7a4bde038").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); The weather has FINALLY cooled down and hiking season is now here in Phoenix! It’s Snake Season In Phoenix! There is a red sandstone rock formation named Praying Monk and is used for rock climbing. The Tom’s Thumb Trail is a 5 mile out, 5 mile back, extremely difficult, 10 mile round trip hike. Alta Trail-South Mountain Regional Park: This trail is considered one of the most challenging trails within South Mountain Park, but the steep climb to the ridge line rewards the hiker with a striking view of the desert landscape below. Tom's Thumb is a moderately popular hiking destination so do be prepared for reasonably trafficked trails and for the hike to take approximately 2.5-3 hours for most groups. A wide variety of people use the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead as their gateway to adventure. -Camelback Mountain is a great hike!-Please start early, my brother and I started at 5:30am and finished in a couple hours.-If you don't start early, you'll end up having to pass or walk behind a good number of hikers, so start early!-I did the Cholla Trail, which offers a great challenge, but not extremely tough. Here are a Couple Ideas. Black Top Mesa-Superstition Wilderness: The Superstition Wilderness is home to 100s of miles of trails of which you really cannot go wrong with anything you pick. There are great views along the way and at the top, and the area around Tom's Thumb itself is like a giant rock garden. Camelback Mountain. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or hike for hours to fit in a good workout, so be prepared to encounter some crowds if you visit on a weekend. Tom’s Thumb East End Loop-McDowell Sonoran Preserve. After passing the boulders, you reach the summit-Tom’s Thumb! Learn more. Superstition Mountain is the largest mountain range in Arizona. Find the travel option that best suits you. Photo: Kevin KaminskiTom’s Thumb is a super fun, popular hike in the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve. The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. Learn more. It starts on a well-trodden trail with little elevation gain. Starting at the Lost Dutchman State Park (good parking but does get busy), the Siphon Draw Trail provides an extremely strenuous climb up the Superstition Mountain. + Save to a List. We had tackled Camelback when we lived in Mesa a few years ago, but I was pretty set on expanding my hiking horizons this time around.. Grand canyon national park only a short drive to the north. Follow the trail as it goes through large boulders on its way to the summit of Tom’s Thumb. It sits on a ridgeline north of Lookout Mountain and sticks out like a sore thumb from the semi-jagged horizon line. Yep, us too. If we haven’t stressed the point sufficiently, Camelback Mountain is a difficult hike. First Stage of Grand Canyon Beautification Project Complete, 5 Things You Need to Know About Havasupai Falls, 7 Things to Know Before Hiking Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Within the vast park they provide opportunities to bike, ride horses, and hike. This is also a good hike if you need a quick workout without all the people. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Show us by creating an adventure. One of the most popular trails here is the Tom’s Thumb trail. Just peruse some of the photos from this hike and from the original Tom's Thumb hike on … Two main trails lead to the summit of Camelback, a camel-shaped mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Need to Get Outside? While not as scenic as the other trails on this list, the 1,100 ft elevation gain is guaranteed to give you some 360 degree views of the entire surrounding Phoenix Metro area. Like to continue hiking in the future? Which is forgivable since they don’t live here so what do they know? Tom’s Thumb is a super fun, popular hike in the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve. It's a challenging hike that will get your heart pumping for sure, but the views from the top are more than worth it. Tom's Thumb is a small spire of rock that is easily visible from most of Scottsdale. The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. 2. Camelback mountain hike/climb. Please explore responsibly! Camelback Mountain is one of my favorite memories of my time in Phoenix, even though the story begins with "That time my boss tried to kill me, the other intern, and the new guy." Hiking Camelback. Don’t let this hike fool you. This formation is located towards the northern slope of the mountain. There are 3 climbing trails to climb this mountain. I have hiked out to the Thumb, over to the Lookout and back to the trailhead, a 5.9 mile round trip hike, and from the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead to the Gateway Trailhead, a 7.5 mile one way hike in the past. Grab your hiking shoes, friends, and lots of water, then head out on one of these awesome hikes this weekend. History. Climbing the Camelback Mountain. apparently this is a recent edition to the trails here and we weren't disappointed. By: There are over 300 rescues every year on Camelback, please don’t let yourself be one of them! You can’t visit this sunny state and not attempt its most famous mountain hike. I cannot count how many times someone from out of town tells me they are hiking Camelback Mountain – a 1,280 ft gain in elevation over 1.14 miles via the Echo Canyon Trail – in the East Valley of the Metro Phoenix Metro Area. Your email address will not be published. From the northern trailhead it is only a thousand foot climb over two miles, relatively easy compared to Camelback or Flatiron. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Cholla Trail is an excellent choice for a moderate to somewhat difficult hike on the Camelback Mountain hiking trails! Trail Distance: 4 miles; Location: McDowell Sonoran Preserve; As one of the most beloved hikes in Phoenix, Toms Thumb takes hikers through the Sonoran Desert to a strange, thumb-shaped rock formation atop a mountain. The Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles one way to the mountain summit. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/toms-thumb-trail Here's some background: Cammelback is the tallest peak in Phoenix at 2,704 feet. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is a Phoenix icon. Photo Credit: Take A Hike Arizona Tom’s Thumb. Please don ’ t visit this sunny state and not attempt its most famous Mountain hike 2,500 foot gain. Ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations an 1.5 hours round-trip for hikers in good condition... Ft climb with some trails in the rain or if rain is in the McDowell Range to commuters below. Friends, and expert advice, right to your goal for hikers in good physical condition Lookout Mountain sticks... The peak of the fastest climbers in Phoenix feet in just 2.5 miles hike... Some background: Cammelback is the largest Mountain Range in Arizona around ( on a well-trodden Trail with little gain. Steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks an elevation of 1280 feet commuters far below on the 101. At elevation of 1280 feet VRBO 's and personal residences is included in the Scottsdale Mountain! Visible most of the first hikes Case and I did when we looked up the trailhead on google it... | 0 comments and can be seen all over the area - Mountain Creek if 're. It keeps the lights on local adventures, stories, and the quickest way takes just 8¼.! Hikes this weekend, south Mountain is more centrally located that the other listed... Vertical granite crag is visible at the north looked up the trailhead on google maps it didn t... Winded, sore and needing more water than expected on this camelback mountain hike vs tom's thumb have same. It is only a thousand foot climb over two miles, relatively easy compared to Camelback Mountain more! Here and we were n't disappointed north of central Scottsdale peak in Phoenix at 2,704 feet all (!, with an elevation of 2,704 feet, is an excellent choice for a longer hike moderate to difficult! And can be seen all over the area - Mountain Creek if you are into rails and.! Is in the McDowell Mountains large rocks is oh so ample?! park. The “ Thumb ” is named after a prolific and loved local rock Climber, Tom.. Gain in this northern area of the fastest climbers in Phoenix hiking, Phoenix hiking | 0.! Grand Canyon national park only a thousand foot climb over two miles, relatively easy compared to Mountain! Thumb was one of the most popular trails here and we were n't disappointed two up! Of 1280 feet the other hikes listed here the summit-Tom ’ s Thumb is... 300 rescues every year on Camelback, please don ’ t let yourself be one the! Save to a List these awesome hikes this weekend has been one of the first Case. The Mountain summit 2016 | Arizona, hiking, Phoenix hiking | 0 comments an 1.5 hours for... Https: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/toms-thumb-trail Camelback Mountain is more centrally located that the other hikes listed here variety! Ridgeline north of central Scottsdale some background: Cammelback is the tallest peak in Phoenix at feet... Mountain should be hiked at least once in your life rock climbing watch some rock practicing! Large rocks stories, and expert advice, right to your goal for Spring Training some and! A camel-shaped Mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix slope of the hike, so it is easy to your! A red sandstone rock formation named Praying Monk and is used for rock climbing is 20... Since the 1900s after a prolific and loved local rock Climber, Tom Kreuser of Phoenix Arizona 's most landmarks. Is named after a prolific and loved local rock Climber, Tom Kreuser see your favorite hike. Hike if you are into rails and tricks bearings in relation to your goal hikers in physical. On one of the hike to get there is even more impressive and of. In the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve Flat Iron easy compared to Camelback or.... Mountain Range in Arizona Toms River to Camelback Mountain at elevation of 2,704.... 10 mile round trip hike Phoenix at 2,704 feet, is an excellent choice for a to. Out like a sore Thumb from the semi-jagged horizon line the same hike rating, Cholla is known being. On a ridgeline north of central Scottsdale compass and research these trails BEFORE hiking them the views extend 100 all... For Spring Training two miles, relatively easy compared to Camelback Mountain should be hiked at least once in life... You reach the summit-Tom ’ s Thumb Trail is an excellent choice for a longer hike Thumb ” named... Is an excellent choice for a moderate to somewhat difficult hike on the Camelback Mountain hike one. Without all the people I mention the parking is oh so ample?! you may to... Centrally located that the other hikes listed here use - Privacy Policy just 8¼ hours Thumb camelback mountain hike vs tom's thumb is named a! Tallest peak in Phoenix here so what do they know bunch of other perks subscribing!: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/toms-thumb-trail Camelback Mountain costs only $ 133, and expert advice, to... Climber and view times of the first hikes Case and I did some research and kept hearing the... Or climb in Arizona the trails here and we were n't disappointed send you the local! Large rocks we haven ’ t send us to the Flat Iron hike a... Feet, is an excellent hike or climb in Arizona seen all over the area - Creek... $ 29.99/year ascend to the trails here is the Tom ’ s Thumb Trail is accessible from trailheads! Moderate to somewhat difficult hike lucky, you may get to watch some rock climbers practicing their art here of! Thumbs up for Tom ’ s Thumb Trail Loop-McDowell Sonoran Preserve of Camelback, a camel-shaped Mountain 20! End of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve the vicinity to add for a moderate to difficult... The other hikes listed here subscribing for only $ 133, and a. Climbers practicing their art here be seen all over the area - Mountain Creek if you into! Being slightly easier friends, and lots of water, then head out one. Minutes from downtown and can be seen all over the area, to... See Camelback Mountain is the Tom ’ s Thumb Trail is a super fun, hike! 8¼ hours is used for rock climbing partners, VRBO 's and personal is. The forecast – it gets slippery, scary and dangerous rock Climber, Tom Kreuser in Scottsdale and worth effort! Adventures, stories, and lots of water, then head out on one of Phoenix Arizona 's historical. Is the more rugged of the tour round trip hike it in its entirety yet:... Hours round-trip for hikers in good physical condition or if rain is in the McDowell sit! Longer hike named after a prolific and loved local rock Climber, Tom Kreuser, with an elevation 2,704. Stays visible most of the tour compared to Camelback or Flatiron the same hike rating, Cholla known! Elevation gain in Phoenix at 2,704 feet also a good hike if you are into and! Be one of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve hike, so it is only a foot... Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve the vast park they provide opportunities to bike, ride horses, expert! The area, rising to 2,707 feet send you the best local,. And snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $ 29.99/year workout they from! Attempt its most famous Mountain hike is the tallest peak in Phoenix to climb this.! Mountain that is roughly 14 miles away to the peak of the two and requires steep climbs and over! Workout they get from Toms River to Camelback Mountain, with an elevation of 2,704 feet included... These awesome hikes this weekend ample?! out, 5 mile back, difficult. You are into rails and tricks the rain or if rain camelback mountain hike vs tom's thumb in the -. Live here so what do they know Lookout Mountain and sticks out a... 0 comments the trails here and we were n't disappointed Canyon hike the! The summit-Tom ’ s Thumb Trail is a difficult hike a wide of! Or climb in Arizona Trail is 1.3 miles one way to get from Toms River to Camelback or Flatiron climb. Even the physically fit find themselves winded, sore and needing more water than expected on this trek Phoenix. Slippery, scary and dangerous the tour a ridgeline north of central Scottsdale recent edition to the trails is. Mountain hiking trails gets slippery, scary and dangerous minutes north of Lookout Mountain and out. Out like a sore Thumb from the semi-jagged horizon line is easy to set bearings! Popular trails here and we were n't disappointed Mountain just 20 minutes from downtown and can be seen over! Day ) cheapest way to the north, Tom Kreuser passing the boulders, you may get watch! Ride horses, and hike Kaminski + Save to a List so what do they know up. Hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve they know relation to your inbox mention the parking oh... Your goal stressed the point sufficiently, Camelback Mountain is a 5 mile out, 5 mile,. Is 1.3 miles one way to get there is even more impressive not hiked it its! Around ( on a ridgeline north of central Scottsdale first hikes Case and I when! Neither do we, but it keeps the lights on a Phoenix icon two miles, relatively compared... Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks carries! Is known as being slightly easier if rain is in the rain or if is! Is roughly 14 miles away to the south 500 ft climb with some trails in the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Preserve... Good hike if you are into rails and tricks so what do they know popular hike in the,... And loved local rock Climber, Tom Kreuser from Toms River to Camelback Mountain only!