McDowell Mountains
Tom's Thumb
Walk amongst giant boulders as you make your way up to Tom's Thumb. This 140-foot granite beast has become a popular landmark in McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Along this hike you can enjoy views of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Bartlett Lake. You may even see rock climbers scaling some of the rock walls in the area. If time permits and you're feeling adventurous, we can explore Ogre's Den, a cave on the opposite side of Tom's Thumb.
Distance: 3.2 miles/5.1 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 800 ft/244 m
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Sunrise Peak
Sunrise trail takes you through a picturesque Sonoran desert landscape on the way to the summit of the 3,069-foot Sunrise Peak. Enjoy panoramic views of central Arizona that stretch for miles in all directions from this high vantage point on the east end of the McDowell Mountains.
Distance: 5 miles/8 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 1,350 ft/411.5 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Gateway
Expansive views and history are just a few highlights of the Gateway Loop Trail. You can also see many other landmarks in the area, such as Thompson Peak and Tom's Thumb. Ranching ruins from the late 1800s can be found in the area, as well as many desert plants.
Distance: 4.4 miles/7 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 680 ft/207 m
Difficulty: Easy
Lost Dog Wash
This trail is well suited to those hikers that are looking for way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert without the heavy breathing of hiking to the top of a peak. This trail can be linked with the Old Jeep or Ringtail Trails to create an enjoyable extended loop hike through a landscape dominated by Saguaro cactus, Palo Verde and Brittlebush.
Distance: 5.25 miles/8.5 km roundtrip
Elevation: 380 ft/116 m
Difficulty: Easy
Trip Cost/Person
| 1/2 Day (2 person minimum) | $90/person |
| Full Day (2 person minimum) | $160/person |
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