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Trans-McDowell Hike by soren2004 This is a shuttle hike from the Tom's Thumb Trailhead to the Thumb and then down into the Gateway Trailhead. It's easier to hike down from Tom's Thumb than up from Gateway, but either direction works. The first section up to "Tom's Thumb" is the most challenging part of the hike. Continue on the "Tom's Thumb Trailhead" until the first sign directs you off to the right (north) to the Thumb. After visiting the Thumb, backtrack to where the East End Trail intersects the Tom's Thumb Trail and heads south. The trail is (as of 2014) very well marked. From there it is downhill until the trail crosses the Gateway Loop Trail. At this point turn to the west (right) and climb up to "Inspiration Point". This is the second major climb of the hike, but not nearly as tough as the Tom's Thumb initial ascent. Once past "Inspiration Point", it's mostly downhill to the Gateway Trailhead. Water is not currently available at the Tom's Thumb Trailhead, but restrooms are open. Water and restrooms are currently open and available at Gateway. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH
Fan and I did a loop with the Gateway TH and the Tom's Thumb TH.
We started at the Gateway TH and took:
- Saguaro trail
- Gateway Loop trail
- Bell pass trail
- Prospector trail
- Dixia Mine trail
- Pemberton trail
Fan And took a break and split up for a bit. Fan would do a shorter loop by continuing down the Pemberton to the Rock Knob intersection.
I did a longer loop by taking:
- Pemberton trail
- Granite trail
- Delsie trail
- County Park Connector
- Saguaro Nest trail
- Gooseneck trail
- Rock Knob trail (meet up with Fan)
- Marcus Trail
- Tom's Thumb Trail
- Windgate Pass Trail
- Gateway Loop trail
- Saguaro trail
Things of interest
- We saw a guy on a unicycle about 2 miles in. He only rode the unicycle on the smooth sections.
- I saw a deer in one of canyons on the south side of the McDowell’s.
It rained on us twice during the day.
I like the new Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails. I'll be back to check out more of them.
We started at the Gateway TH and took:
- Saguaro trail
- Gateway Loop trail
- Bell pass trail
- Prospector trail
- Dixia Mine trail
- Pemberton trail
Fan And took a break and split up for a bit. Fan would do a shorter loop by continuing down the Pemberton to the Rock Knob intersection.
I did a longer loop by taking:
- Pemberton trail
- Granite trail
- Delsie trail
- County Park Connector
- Saguaro Nest trail
- Gooseneck trail
- Rock Knob trail (meet up with Fan)
- Marcus Trail
- Tom's Thumb Trail
- Windgate Pass Trail
- Gateway Loop trail
- Saguaro trail
Things of interest
- We saw a guy on a unicycle about 2 miles in. He only rode the unicycle on the smooth sections.
- I saw a deer in one of canyons on the south side of the McDowell’s.
It rained on us twice during the day.
I like the new Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails. I'll be back to check out more of them.
2015-01-10 topohiker
Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH
McDowell Meander
The Weather that never happened cancelled the original plans, so it was time to play close by with multiple bailouts if it ever happened.
Got rained on lightly 3 times, only once hard enough to put on the rain coat. The wind was relentless. At the end of the Lookout trail and the top of Thompson Peak you could barely stand. Finally got to hit a ridgeline off the prospector Trail that has always interested me. Took a break in the fold up lawnchair that is stashed up there.
3 Videos if you are bored....
The Lookout and Tom's Thumb area
http://youtu.be/mO70fFXFH7E
The Ogre's Den
http://youtu.be/b64Mcdu6LCM
Thompson Peak
http://youtu.be/hBUJZPP3m-E
Got rained on lightly 3 times, only once hard enough to put on the rain coat. The wind was relentless. At the end of the Lookout trail and the top of Thompson Peak you could barely stand. Finally got to hit a ridgeline off the prospector Trail that has always interested me. Took a break in the fold up lawnchair that is stashed up there.
3 Videos if you are bored....
The Lookout and Tom's Thumb area
http://youtu.be/mO70fFXFH7E
The Ogre's Den
http://youtu.be/b64Mcdu6LCM
Thompson Peak
http://youtu.be/hBUJZPP3m-E
2014-04-26 The_Eagle
Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH
First trans-mcdowell hike with Peter, Troy, and Don. Tom's Thumb TH was nearly empty at 7:30am and the trail was very quiet. Took about an hour to reach the thumb. The gateway side of the trail was very busy when we walked out at 12:30pm.
Perfect hiking weather early in the morning. Wouldn't want to do this later in the afternoon.
Perfect hiking weather early in the morning. Wouldn't want to do this later in the afternoon.
2014-02-22 soren2004
