Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona worth booking?
Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona is a 3-hour experience in Scottsdale, United States, from $157 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (49)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $157 per person
Visit an iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. See Geological features and well as flora and fauna that are unique to the Sonoran Desert. Amazing views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding areas.
What you get
About this experience
Visit an iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. See Geological features and well as flora and fauna that are unique to the Sonoran Desert. Amazing views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding areas.
What's included
Included
- Backpacks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Visit the most iconic landmark in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve! Spend your morning or afternoon on an expert-led hike to the famous Tom's Thumb formation in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. A local guide from Mad Desert Trekking will greet you at the trailhead and hike with you through the incredible terrain of the Sonoran Desert. During the course of your hike, you will be presented with unique geological features, as well as native flora and fauna that are unique to the Sonoran desert. Experience this incredible feature up close and personal. Ascend the switchbacks and take in the incredible views of the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve while we make our way up to the famous granite monolith called Tom's Thumb. Once up top you will be able to expore the unique terrain around "the Thumb" and be presented with beautiful views of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.
180 minutes here · Admission included
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Experience the energy of the desert in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona, the largest city-owned preserve in the world.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona east of state capital Phoenix. It's known for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Farther north, trails wind through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desertscape of hills, rock formations and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio. Downtown's Old Town Scottsdale has 1920s buildings and 19th-century olive trees.
180 minutes here
Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital of the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona. Known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures, it anchors a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. It's known for high-end spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses and vibrant nightclubs. Other highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden, displaying cacti and numerous native plants
Pass by without stopping
The Gateway Trailhead
Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.4 mile loop trail located in Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and cacti and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.
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Marcus Landslide Trail
The Marcus Landslide Trail runs along the east edge of McDowell Sonoran Preserve to a massive landslide that scientists believe occurred 500,000 years ago. An estimated 194 M cubic feet of rock and vegetation slid off the side of East End Peak, the second largest known occurrence in Arizona.
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Sonoran Desert National Monument
The Sonoran Desert National Monument contains magnificent examples of untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. The national monument is the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, and the monument captures a significant portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community within the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Scottsdale
A Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet guests near the building at Tom's Thumb Trailhead, 12943 E Paraiso Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
A Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet guests near the building at Tom's Thumb Trailhead, 12943 E Paraiso Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mad Desert Trekking
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 48 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
10 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
48 verified traveler reviews for Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time, a must for!
Great time. Great hike for both the inexperienced and experienced, so take this hike. Curtis Whipple, hiking guide was fantastic. I would do this again.
via Viator
Highly Recommend!
I had the privilege of doing two hikes with these guys during a trip to the area for my son's wedding.I did a morning hike to Tom's Thumb which was about 3 1/2 hours round trip and then in the evening I did Quartz Trail for some amazing sunset views and that one was about 2 hours round trip. Both hikes were not easy, and as an avid hiker I would say they were both moderate, but I would rate the sunset hike harder due to the steeper climb and the fact you come down in the dark and I don't see so well at night 🤣. Both hiking guides, Jay and Henry, were amazing and knowledgeable guides whose sharing of local history and the area were great and made the hikes that extra bit enjoyable. Matt's (owner) communication was quick and his patience with me was endless while I finalized my plans. As an individual I would book again, and as a Travel Advisor I have zero hesitation sending my clients to Mad Desert Trekking knowing they will be in good hands
Response from the operator: Rosie, two hikes, two guides and two totally different vibes! 🎒🌅 You absolutely crushed it, and we love that you tackled both Tom's Thumb with your guide Henry and the steep climb to Sunset Peak with your guide Jay. Thanks for the high praise and for trusting us with your son’s wedding-week adventures. It was fun recommending the perfect routes in the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix and Scottsdale. See you on the trail for round three! 🤙✨ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
Family Hike
Curtis was amazing! Friendly, personable and knowledgeable. Entertaining conversation. He took great care of us with water, snacks and photographs. Would highly recommend to friends.
Response from the operator: Eric, that’s what we call a five-star trail day! 🙌 We’re glad your guide Curtis took such great care of you, from the deep-dive conversations to making sure the water and snacks were always handy. Thanks for the shout-out, and we can't wait to guide your friends soon! 🥾✨ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
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.
Response from the operator: Catherine, your review is pure gold! 🌟 We are so stoked to hear you had an amazing time on the Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure in the McDowell Mountains. And, we’re thrilled that your guide Cha Cha made it the quintessential Sonoran Desert experience with her knowledge, encouragement and plenty of trail snacks! Thanks for recommending us to the world. We can't wait to trek with you again🌵🏜️ — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🌄🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
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!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $157 to $238
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Scottsdale.
How much does Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona cost?
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Prices start at $157 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Scottsdale usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Scottsdale is not rushed.
Is Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 49 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Scottsdale, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona?
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Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Scottsdale can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Scottsdale and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Iconic Tom's Thumb Guided Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Scottsdale within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?
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Scottsdale pairs polished Old Town food, art and nightlife tours with hard desert adventure: Jeep runs through the Tonto, hot air balloons at dawn, horseback rides and e-bike routes along the greenbelt. Operator permits decide which trails a tour can actually reach, so we look closely at route detail. On Outty we rank every Scottsdale experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale, Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset, 8:00AM Desert Off-Road UTV Tour, 2 hours, 2 people per vehicle. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
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November to April, with dawn departures through the summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Scottsdale?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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