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Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Arizona trail conditions
Tom's Thumb Trail South route map
ExpertOut and Back
Arizona

Tom's Thumb Trail South

Scottsdale, Arizona

11.3 mi

Distance

3,556 ft

Elev. Gain

5h 3m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Tom's Thumb Trail South is a challenging out-and-back trail located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Spanning approximately 11.3 miles with a significant elevation gain of 3,556 feet, it ascends from 1,716 feet above sea level to a maximum elevation of 3,787 feet. This trail traverses a desert environment, typical of the Sonoran Desert region, providing hikers with rugged terrain and expansive views. The trail is known for its steep sections and rocky surface, requiring a good level of fitness and experience. Due to its length and elevation gain, it is rated as an expert-level trail, demanding careful planning and preparation.

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gainrocky terrain

Elevation Profile

Min:523 ft
Max:1,154 ft
1,084 ft
1,084 ft
523 ft733 ft944 ft1,154 ft0.0 mi2.8 mi5.6 mi8.5 mi11.3 mi

Trail Details

Route Type
Out & Back
Surface
Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Highlights

desert landscape

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Arizona hunting page

Nearby Trails

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Gateway, Bell Pass, and Windgate Loop Trail

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Gateway Loop, Bell's Pass, Prospector Trail and Thompson Peak

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Gateway Trail to Windgate Pass

Gateway Trail to Windgate Pass

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Tom's Thumb to Bell Pass

Tom's Thumb to Bell Pass

11.1 mi
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Horseshoe and Desert Parks Loop

Horseshoe and Desert Parks Loop

1.7 mi
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Stay nearby

Campgrounds near this trail

More campgrounds

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