Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH, Arizona • Hiking

Rated

Wish List

Rated

3.8
3.8 of 5 by 4

Statistics
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Difficulty		3 of 5
Route Finding		2 of 5
Distance Shuttle		8.5 miles
Trailhead Elevation		2,802 feet
Elevation Gain		1,700 feet
Accumulated Gain		2,400 feet
Avg Time Hiking		5 hours
Kokopelli Seeds		16.5
Interest Peak
Backpack No

Photos

2018-11-28

Hog Heaven Loop - McDowell Mountains

Yoder

105

2017-04-01

Katzen4

2015-04-07

Marcus Landslide Trail - MSP

New2hyk

2015-02-16

Marcus Landslide Trail - MSP

New2hyk

2014-04-26

McDowell Meander

The_Eagle

2014-03-14

Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP

AZWanderingBear

2014-02-22

soren2004

Author soren2004

	Guides 1
	Routes 1
	Photos 75
	Trips 46 map ( 260 miles )
	Age 39
	Location Queen Creek, AZ

	Historical Weather
	Trailhead Forecast
	Radar

Preferred Nov, Mar, Apr, Feb → 6 AM

Seasons Late Autumn

Sun 7:22am - 5:19pm

open	import	set	begin

	19219	follow	activity

Official Route

3 Alternative

Water

Nearby

Area Water

		Tom's Thumb TH to Sunrise TH 0.0 mi away 16.8 mi 3,906 ft
		Lost Wall Loop - McDowell Mountains 0.0 mi away 4.0 mi 1,360 ft
		The Lookout from Tom's Thumb North 0.0 mi away 5.1 mi 1,672 ft
		Hog Heaven Loop - McDowell Mountains 0.0 mi away 4.4 mi 1,508 ft
		Marcus Landslide Trail - MSP 0.0 mi away 3.9 mi 550 ft
		Mesquite Canyon Trail - MSP 0.1 mi away 0.2 mi 21 ft
		Caballo Trail - MSP 0.2 mi away 0.4 mi 52 ft
		Feldspar Trail - MSP 0.4 mi away 0.7 mi 5 ft
		Rock Knob Trail - MSP / MMRP 0.4 mi away 1.1 mi 5 ft
		East End Peak - MSP 1.0 mi away 0.3 mi 459 ft

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Fauna

Flora

Geology

Meteorology

Named place

Culture

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.

2014-02-24 soren2004

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.

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Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH, AZ