Mountain To Town Hike: Tom's Thumb
POSTED BY COURTNEY WILSON | DEC, 9 2018
- Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Distance: 4.0 miles Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 1,236 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Allowed On A Leash
Tom’s Thumb is a beautiful four-mile trail right outside of Scottsdale, Arizona in the McDowell Mountains. This trail is extremely popular for good reason. It’s easily one of the most beautiful trails in the Phoenix area. There is no water at the trailhead, so it’s important to bring your own. Even on a cooler day, it’s important not to underestimate how much water you need in the desert. You should have at least 1-3 liters per person.
Once you’re ready to go, the trail starts out easy on a relatively flat and smooth trail that goes through desert plants like cactus and creosote bush, which are typical of the area. Then after a half a mile, you reach the switchbacks. This is where it might be slow going for most people - between the steep inclines and the gorgeous vistas in every direction, it’s hard not to stop to rest and admire the view. There are plenty of places to rest along the way because there are boulders to sit on all along the trail, and they seem to get bigger the higher up the mountain you go. The trail levels out again when you’re about a half a mile from the summit and you wind around the hillside through grass and some large boulders.
As you start to reach the summit, you’ll finally see the giant granite rock called Tom’s Thumb. You’ll also probably see rock climbers out trying to conquer the thumb and many other rocks near the summit. The best part isn’t the rock itself though - it’s the view from the top. You get a spectacular view of the mountains throughout the Phoenix area and of the city itself. I was lucky enough to see an insanely gorgeous sunset and the transition into blue hour where all of the city lights were visible.
There is plenty of space to hang out at the summit and enjoy the fruit of your labor for a while. It’s important not to forget that you’re only halfway done! This is an out and back trail, so you go back down the same trail you first came up. You need to be careful here because the rocky desert soil can be loose on the steep trail and you don’t want to slip and fall. Once you’re back to the trailhead, you’ll probably be pretty tired. Since the trail is right on the edge of town, you’re only a few minutes from an abundance of food options to refuel.
When we hiked this trail, we got to test Lems’ new “Trailhead” shoe. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with their performance. The wide toe box was something that really stood out to me. I broke my big toe a few months back, and even though it’s “healed” now it hasn’t been quite the same since. Having room for natural movement really helped, and I didn’t get the same soreness in my toe that I’ve grown accustomed to on hikes.
I also loved that the shoes were flexible and grippy. It made it easy for me to climb up on some boulders and feel secure. I didn't feel like I was going to slide off of anything. My friend is also happy with her shoes for a lot of the same reasons! In the week since this hike, I’ve found myself wearing the Lems for an approach hike and at the crag while on a rock climbing trip, on the way to the rock gym after work, and out running errands. These shoes look good, and they’re multifunctional. They’re definitely something I’ll continue wearing in the future.
Courtney Wilson
Courtney is based of out Phoenix, Arizona. When she is not hiking, climbing, camping, or otherwise being outdoors, you can probably find her at a coffee shop drinking iced coffee by the gallons. In her own words, “I love that I can incorporate my love for photography into my love of being outdoors and traveling. I love that it’s driven me to travel thousands of miles over the last two years and to experience places I had only dreamed of before”
Mountain To Town Hike: Tom's Thumb
BY COURTNEY WILSON | DEC, 9 2018
- Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Distance: 4.0 miles Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 1,236 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Allowed On A Leash
Tom’s Thumb is a beautiful four-mile trail right outside of Scottsdale, Arizona in the McDowell Mountains. This trail is extremely popular for good reason. It’s easily one of the most beautiful trails in the Phoenix area. There is no water at the trailhead, so it’s important to bring your own. Even on a cooler day, it’s important not to underestimate how much water you need in the desert. You should have at least 1-3 liters per person.
Once you’re ready to go, the trail starts out easy on a relatively flat and smooth trail that goes through desert plants like cactus and creosote bush, which are typical of the area. Then after a half a mile, you reach the switchbacks. This is where it might be slow going for most people - between the steep inclines and the gorgeous vistas in every direction, it’s hard not to stop to rest and admire the view. There are plenty of places to rest along the way because there are boulders to sit on all along the trail, and they seem to get bigger the higher up the mountain you go. The trail levels out again when you’re about a half a mile from the summit and you wind around the hillside through grass and some large boulders.
As you start to reach the summit, you’ll finally see the giant granite rock called Tom’s Thumb. You’ll also probably see rock climbers out trying to conquer the thumb and many other rocks near the summit. The best part isn’t the rock itself though - it’s the view from the top. You get a spectacular view of the mountains throughout the Phoenix area and of the city itself. I was lucky enough to see an insanely gorgeous sunset and the transition into blue hour where all of the city lights were visible.
There is plenty of space to hang out at the summit and enjoy the fruit of your labor for a while. It’s important not to forget that you’re only halfway done! This is an out and back trail, so you go back down the same trail you first came up. You need to be careful here because the rocky desert soil can be loose on the steep trail and you don’t want to slip and fall. Once you’re back to the trailhead, you’ll probably be pretty tired. Since the trail is right on the edge of town, you’re only a few minutes from an abundance of food options to refuel.
When we hiked this trail, we got to test Lems’ new “Trailhead” shoe. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with their performance. The wide toe box was something that really stood out to me. I broke my big toe a few months back, and even though it’s “healed” now it hasn’t been quite the same since. Having room for natural movement really helped, and I didn’t get the same soreness in my toe that I’ve grown accustomed to on hikes.
I also loved that the shoes were flexible and grippy. It made it easy for me to climb up on some boulders and feel secure. I didn't feel like I was going to slide off of anything. My friend is also happy with her shoes for a lot of the same reasons! In the week since this hike, I’ve found myself wearing the Lems for an approach hike and at the crag while on a rock climbing trip, on the way to the rock gym after work, and out running errands. These shoes look good, and they’re multifunctional. They’re definitely something I’ll continue wearing in the future.
Courtney Wilson
Courtney is based of out Phoenix, Arizona. When she is not hiking, climbing, camping, or otherwise being outdoors, you can probably find her at a coffee shop drinking iced coffee by the gallons. In her own words, “I love that I can incorporate my love for photography into my love of being outdoors and traveling. I love that it’s driven me to travel thousands of miles over the last two years and to experience places I had only dreamed of before”
Robertstepe on
Guys just made a web-page for me, look at the link:
Web Development Frameworks Tell me your credentials. Thanks.
MichaelfAk on
Guys just made a web-site for me, look at the link:
Черная пятница 2020 Tell me your prescriptions. THX!
Yiptbj on
fairly quickly things due to required hurt think about
warmer weather conditions are in conclusion available, indicates the actual days are undoubtedly made up of free-spirited recreation that can now and again encourage moderate shapes, scrapes since melts. So you will need to choose a first aid heal for example like Betadine antiseptic skin cream shield themselves in addition to retain the fun getting months to go to.
take a walk away you see, the first aid church aisle upon any drugstore and come across hundreds of sources. additionally, countless useful guides and consequently training videos around the web featuring the type of “ultimate” therapies may well create worried on that may solution to consider. in the matter of minimal twisted consideration, period of time to get very. for example inspect one first aid specifics the actual Betadine can safeguard your presentation and your loved ones.
minimize chronic wounds in time. Both our environment and even our skin needless to say bear parasites, some of which might cause issues.1,2,3 infection can vastly hesitation recovery,4 as parting wounds to remedy them selves is a personal game your folks won’t have as it can write your subjected to potentially harmful germs. to allow for excellent repairing, come up with Betadine you are log on to germ killing to control a lot of viruses at the time relieving little nicks, chafes as well as uses up.
and besides, There’s no need to wait until you get back to remedy the best meagre acute wounds. Betadine is available nowadays as the to utilize gel over handy attention both at home and on the go.
your current browse first aid kit number
Replenishing our first-aid solutions most likely not others in terms of our to try to to displays, however aid devices follow conclude in the future. it’s take a look at the first aid kit to restock the many people will require supplements.
(the truth is, [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZnG7IXap7Y]latamdate.com[/url] printing this page along with introduce this grocery list to you to the drugstore.)
topical oils antiseptic, desire Betadine germ killing CreamAdhesive additionally gauze bages
easy ice kits
aspirin or to ibuprofenMedical tape
it is equally helpful to include a listing of emergency speak telephone numbers in your first aid kit at any time you need to reach your family’s health-related issuers.
if it comes to keep your family safe, get going on smart in addition to Betadine (Povidone iodine), A topical creams germ killing, As very first type of barrier to help alleviate problems with microbe infections past which consider.
Betadine trademark may well be depended on at the work place over 50 generations.
softer at trivial wounds furthermore adjacent over all skin compliment in perfect shape tranquility.
doesn’t always incorporate alcoholic nor hydrogen peroxide and contains a No impact ensure.
The yellow wood same shade shows you exactly where the antiseptic is chosen and provides you secure feeling to be this is exercising.
acknowledge when your mother and father because,since grandmother and grandfather previously used a label to do with iodine to be treating your outages and scratches? while it is effective, laser hair removal must have been almost always blended with alcoholic drinks, Which can result in swelling coupled with hesitation injure tranquility.
Betadine’s povidone iodine mixture does not need to contain drink or peroxide, may hurt at what time placed on by hand. Betadine capabilities n’ pain commit.
Antoniomup on
Guys just made a website for me, look at the link: Brights react js development company Tell me your recommendations. Thank you.
JamesClery on
Guys just made a web-site for me, look at the link:
portable charger Tell me your references. Thanks.
RichardIrome on
Guys just made a website for me, look at the link:
Черная пятница Tell me your guidances. Thank you.
SamuelFab on
Guys just made a site for me, look at the link:
http://inspiringchargers.trexgame.net/the-top-reasons-people-succeed-in-the-portable-charger-industry
Tell me your references. THX!
SamuelFab on
Guys just made a web-page for me, look at the link:
http://expertchargers.lowescouponn.com/buzzwords-de-buzzed-10-other-ways-to-say-portable-charger
Tell me your credentials. Thanks.
AikeDed on
When I went to this place they gave me 100$
https://axino777-3xl.com
RodneyTox on
Guys just made a site for me, look at the link:
https://bakugany.godaddysites.com/
Tell me your testimonials. THX!
WilliamHog on
Guys just made a web-site for me, look at the link:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mv.org.ua/press/6498-nikogda_ne_pozdno_kruglosutochnoe_oformlenie_kreditov_ot_cashinsky.html
Tell me your prescriptions. THX!
ThomasPaf on
Guys just made a website for me, look at the link:
http://justloto.getblogs.net/25199194/
Tell me your recommendations. Thank you.
AikeDed on
At this casino, I won more than $ 4,500 per line
https://pinup-sites.com
Henryhex on
Only one click can grow up your money really fast.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%46%77%41%59%53%71%59%42%71%54%4b%59%61%4e%61%74%42&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhw9rx06gBImYfb0QjxEpPlaG-Lg
Henryhex on
Your money work even when you sleep.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%70%72%6c%52%6a%6b%57%46%57%7a%4b%4e%6b%71%51%46%6f&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxfIFThxGtp3a_wfQr_HxyfAJsDw