| when | Trip Report : February 13, 2016 |
| Trip Report : January 16, 2010 | |
| where? | McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale |
| the hike |
This is a special spot that looks a bit different from the rest of the
McDowell Mountains!
Tom’s Thumb is a prominent granite bump in the McDowell Mountain Preserve,
easily visible from the Scottsdale area.
This is a steady and pretty steep climb with interesting rock formations and
views along the way and at the top.
We will reward ourselves by spending some time exploring the rock garden-like
area around Tom’s Thumb, including a pseudo-cave (consisting of a narrow
passage leading to a partial enclosure in the midst of giant boulders).
We can also go to The Lookout near Tom’s Thumb, which has great views of
almost 360 degrees. Great photo opportunities!
You will need: • gloves (sharp boulders) • hiking stick (several steep sections; 2 sticks preferred) • hiking boots with good traction (due to the trail’s pea-sized gravel) • sunscreen • snacks • water • rain gear • camera |
| distance | 4½ miles |
| time | 3-4 hours |
| EC | +-1000' elevation change |
| elevations | 2800' (Trailhead) to 3800' (Tom’s Thumb area) |
| on trail | 100% — Tom’s Thumb Trail, Lookout Trail |
| rating | "C" [short but fairly steep] Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather | Scottsdale |
| leader | (480) 206-9042 Call or email the leader to confirm. |
| meet |
7:30 AM at the AJ’s Finer Foods parking lot, 18271 N. Pima Rd., just north
of Loop 101 in Scottsdale (DC Ranch Crossing shopping center). We will make
carpooling arrangements here, as there is limited parking at the trailhead.
Directions to AJ’s: Take the Loop 101 to Exit #36 Pima/Princess Rd., 0.6 mi. north to AJ’s: parking lot on the east (right) side of the street. (NOTE: There are two exits on Loop 101 that say Pima Rd. Do NOT take exit #42, which is Pima / 90th Street). |
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| updated February 17, 2016 | © Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |