Why did it take me so long to check this hike off my to-do list? This trail is amazing! I've been wanting to hike to a McDowell Mountain peak since I moved to Arizona and when I finally did it this past weekend I was not disappointed. Instead, I was blown away. At times I felt like I was on a trail that was as good, if not better, than some of hikes I've done in National Parks. After completing this trail, I doubt I'll do Camelback or Squaw ever again. Why would I? This trail is cooler and less crowded.
The trail starts after a drive through a beautiful neighborhood of big homes and then a dirt road. (See directions below.) The hike itself is about 2.1 miles to Tom's Thumb. It is a strenuous, nearly 900 foot climb, up switchback after switchback. You're surrounded by massive scenic boulders throughout the hike to the top. When you get to the Tom's Thumb rock formation itself you will be greeted with an amazing view of the west side of the mountains and the city of Scottsdale down below. Lots of exploring can be done up top so give yourself some extra time.
Here are directions to the trailhead that I found from another website. They directed me to the trailhead with no problems:
From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-101 North to the Pima Road exit. Drive north on Pima road and turn right onto Happy Valley road. From Happy Valley road, turn right onto Alameda Road (also signed as 115th street). Drive 0.5 miles and turn right onto 119th Way. Drive 0.4 miles and turn left onto Casitas Del Rio. Take this road 0.4 miles and take a left turn on Paraiso Drive. After about 0.1 miles on this road, it will turn to dirt. The typical trailhead and parking to Tom's Thumb is closed. Follow the signs that point you in the direction for the temporary trailhead parking. From the above directions, continue 0.3 additional miles to an unnamed dirt road and turn right. Drive 0.4 miles to the primitive parking area.