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Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass Trail - 35 members in 219 triplogs have rated this an average 3.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 11  Next
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Mar 02 2025
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 Triplogs 196

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 02 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking13.40 Miles 3,049 AEG
Hiking13.40 Miles   5 Hrs   53 Mns   2.47 mph
3,049 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Good sunny day for a hike. Did this trail last year and decided to do it again. There were a few people out but it wasn't really crowded. Once we got to the top we headed to the Lookout where we took a break for lunch. Felt good and strong despite having not hiked in a few weeks. Last year the Lookout was crowded, but this time we had the place to ourselves which was great. Enjoyed the panoramic views even though it was pretty hazy from strong winds the day before. Ate a peaceful lunch, then headed back towards the main trail. We passed several groups of people heading to the Lookout, so we timed it perfectly. Very glad we didn't get to the Lookout a little later because it would have been a crowd again.

East End trail wasn't bad. My first time on that trail I was slipping and sliding on loose rocks the whole way, but this time it was much better. That climb up to Bell Pass was challenging. Had to rest and recover at the top.

Once again a very enjoyable hike.
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Dec 14 2024
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 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2024
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking12.68 Miles 3,007 AEG
Hiking12.68 Miles   5 Hrs   8 Mns   2.52 mph
3,007 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Did this loop a few years back and decided to take the wife this go around. Surprisingly sparse crowds at the TH this time of year, when we arrived around 7:30 am. Once out of the initial TH area, we enjoyed quite a bit of solitude all the way up to Tom's Thumb, and then again, once we began heading down East End trail.

Instead of cutting back through Windgate Pass for the lasso loop, we continued on to Bell Pass instead.

Best part of the loop, IMO, is the last couple of miles climbing up to Tom's Thumb from the West side. The first and final couple of miles near the TH are kind of blase.

I really wish they would put in more trails to the peaks/summits in the McDowells, as well as a west side approach to Thompson peak so you could do it as a loop.

For some reason, when hiking out here, I feel like the place is managed by star-bellied sneetches.
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Nov 01 2024
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 Guides 10
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67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Tom's Thumb Loop, AZ 
Tom's Thumb Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 01 2024
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking12.69 Miles 3,109 AEG
Hiking12.69 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   3.11 mph
3,109 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
john and i got going from gateway around 0645
did the big loop counterclockwise
gateway, bell pass, east end, a side trip to the base of tom's thumb, down tom's thumb trail, windgate and gateway loop
good ascents up bell pass and east end
looked at the climbing route mike and i did eleven years ago
not many people until back on windgate
temps were just about perfect and we had quite a bit of shade early
this is always a good hike
thanks for coffee, driving and lunch, john :)
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Nov 01 2024
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 Guides 1
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 Photos 7,202
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68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Tom's Thumb Loop, AZ 
Tom's Thumb Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 01 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking12.69 Miles 3,109 AEG
Hiking12.69 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   3.11 mph
3,109 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Keeping up with the Joneses. Counterclockwise. Beautiful day for a hike. Didn't see many hikers until the last couple miles, then quite a few. Thanks Kelly! :)
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Oct 28 2024
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69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Gateway - Thumb End - Bell, AZ 
Gateway - Thumb End - Bell, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 28 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking13.10 Miles 2,922 AEG
Hiking13.10 Miles   6 Hrs   2 Mns   2.23 mph
2,922 ft AEG      10 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
With the temps finally getting decent, I did my first hike in the valley since April. It was in the low 60s when we started at 6:30 a.m. and warmed up to the low 80s by noon.

We were in search of fall colors. Scratch that, we were in the McDowells

We arrived to a mostly empty parking lot and hit the trail. We took the loop clockwise and made the climb to Tom's Thumb, staying in the shade about 95% of the time.

Linda mentioned she needed to meet some of her relatives up top, so I showed her the Ogre's Den.

On the way down, she pointed out a hawk perched on top of a cactus that neither of us could identify. I'm sure the photos will be blurry, but it looked like a cross between a hawk and a seagull or maybe an albino hawk. There was a lot of white on it.

The east side of the Bell Pass Trail went smoothly in the full sun with an occasional breeze.

We took a short break at the top, then mostly coasted downhill to finish.

As we were finishing, I was able to provide a lady starting her hike with some helpful information. She was looking for some loop information and what to do if she saw a snake.

It got a little warm but nothing too crazy. It was great hiking with Linda again.

We didn’t have coffee after the hike.

Let the valley hiking season begin!

dry Mountain Spring Dry Dry
Dry where it crosses the trail. I wonder if the pipe broke further up, or if it just dried up. It used to be quite reliable.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  2 archives
Mar 13 2024
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 Guides 1
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 Photos 7,202
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68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 13 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.50 Miles 2,550 AEG
Hiking10.50 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   3.07 mph
2,550 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Decided to get away from Somo for a change. Started from the Gateway trailhead just before sunrise. Hiked up to the crest a bit west of Tom's Thumb. Stopped to check out the glyphs by Mountain Spring on the way back.
Wildflowers are decent. Best showing on Windgate Pass trail between Gateway Loop and Tom's Thumb trail.
Only saw three people on the way up, but about 253 on the way back. Most near the trailhead. Lots of spring break families out enjoying the fabulous weather. :)
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Chicory
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 03 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 209
 Photos 1,231
 Triplogs 196

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 03 2024
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking14.05 Miles 3,288 AEG
Hiking14.05 Miles   6 Hrs   51 Mns   2.28 mph
3,288 ft AEG      42 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Hiked this area two years ago and really enjoyed it. Last time I followed the HAZ official route. This time on the return leg decided to take Bell's Pass Trail to make it more of a loop instead of a lollipop. My brain likes loop hikes and doesn't like retracing my path. This was a pleasing route. The hike up the saddle of Bell's Pass was a bit of a climb, but it avoided retracing steps for the last couple of miles on a trail that is always crowded.

Last time I hiked here I somehow managed to miss the spur trail to the Lookout. I guess I was so excited to be near Tom's Thumb and didn't even notice the turnoff. I only realized it after the hike and regretted not going. This time I made sure to visit the Lookout and it was totally worth it! Amazing views! Great spot to watch the Fountain Hills fountain. Great spot for lunch. There are even some nice and comfortable (for rocks) rocks to sit on while eating. Totally worth the little extra time and effort.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Barrel Cactus
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Selfie
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Tom's Thumb
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Jan 20 2024
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 Routes 10
 Photos 466
 Triplogs 680

male
 Joined Mar 10 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 20 2024
ThoreauTriplogs 680
Hiking9.08 Miles 2,017 AEG
Hiking9.08 Miles   4 Hrs   19 Mns   2.10 mph
2,017 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Soooo, I've been pretty much living the mountain biking life for the last few years, but we've got some folks from a vendor coming to town next week, including some extra leisure time over that weekend and they decided to go spend it up at the grand canyon. So I had to find out if I was still capable of self-transport without wheels and suspension.

My feet don't like me right now, at all, and the even bigger camera/lens hanging off the left shoulder strap left even more soreness than the older smaller rig, but hey, still alive =)

Dragged a friend along who unfortunately pointed out the time and mentioned sunset as we were about to begin the first of the two switchbacks, so sadly we turned around a bit early.

To think, I had grand plans to do this today, then go hit Carney peak tomorrow, then probably camelback as much as i can leading up to the next weekend. I barely navigated my stairs after getting home. Still, can't wait to be back up at the big canyon...
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Sep 22 2023
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male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 22 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking13.91 Miles 3,224 AEG
Hiking13.91 Miles   4 Hrs   38 Mns   3.14 mph
3,224 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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  2 archives
Jan 29 2023
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
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67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2023
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking12.46 Miles 3,125 AEG
Hiking12.46 Miles   4 Hrs   13 Mns   3.05 mph
3,125 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
john and i decided to do the big loop in the mcdowells this morning
got going a little after 0700
chilly start but warmed up on the bell pass uphill
since the lookout isn't goat hill, we skipped it today
took a snack break on tom's thumb trail in the sun
didn't seem crowded, but there were a lot of people
we counted :lol:
very enjoyable hike with good miles and elevation gain
done in time for the playoff games
thanks for hiking john :)
*using john's stats, because mileage was longer
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hazhole
  1 archive
Jan 29 2023
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 Guides 1
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68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2023
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking12.46 Miles 3,125 AEG
Hiking12.46 Miles   4 Hrs   13 Mns   3.05 mph
3,125 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 no routes
Kelly suggested a hike in the McDowells. Nearly 20 cars were lined up waiting for the 7:02 gate opening at the Gateway trailhead. Not quite as cold as Saturday morning.
Once we got going on our way to Bell Pass we didn't see many people until we reached the top of East End trail at the Tom's Thumb jct. Descending Tom's Thumb to Windgate we saw 19 hikers, which was nine more than the over/under of 10. From Windgate back to the Gateway trailhead the over/under was 120. Started out slow, only passing by about 70 until the last quarter mile where we encountered 101 (including three babies). It never seemed crowded on the trail nor did it feel like there were more out than a typical winter weekend. Without actually counting we didn't realize how many people we pass by.
Fun hike. Thanks Kelly. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Dec 06 2022
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 Guides 41
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69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Windgate-Thumb-East End-Bell Loop, AZ 
Windgate-Thumb-East End-Bell Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 06 2022
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking12.89 Miles 2,983 AEG
Hiking12.89 Miles   4 Hrs   44 Mns   2.81 mph
2,983 ft AEG      9 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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Beautiful weather for a hike. I started at the crack of 11 at a surprisingly busy Gateway TH.

My loop was CW starting on the Windgate Trail. I passed a smattering of people until I got to the turn for Toms Thumb. I like the climb up this trail, it's especially nice with the cloud cover. I got passed by a couple of runners.

Once up top, I noticed there was a climber on top of Toms Thumb. I made my way over to and down the East End Trail/Bell Pass Trail, where I had the backside of the McD's to myself.

Really saw nobody until I merged with the popular Gateway Loop, where the Snowbirds and Scottdale's finest were on parade.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Nov 26 2022
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 Guides 1
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 Photos 876
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51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 26 2022
JackluminousTriplogs 267
Hiking13.10 Miles 3,107 AEG
Hiking13.10 Miles   5 Hrs   11 Mns   2.62 mph
3,107 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
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Met my buddy John while we were both in Scottsdale visiting family for Thanksgiving. Both of us were recovering from excessive dessert intake and needed to burn some serious calories.

After arriving at the Gateway trailhead at 7, we headed off for Tom's Thumb, which I had never actually been to (last time I was in the vicinity I took the spur to the Lookout instead). Being in Scottsdale, the trails are wide, clear, and manicured so we were off at a fairly good clip.

We did the lollipop in clockwise fashion, which meant our climb was shady. Really enjoyed the steep climb from the drainage below Tom's Thumb, my favorite part of the route.

The Thumb wasn't terribly crowded since we got going early enough. We rounded the pinnacle in counterclockwise fashion, trying to reach the "Indian Cave" noted by past visitors. The cave is cleared out, with a sign telling visitors to keep out for habitat restoration.

After leaving the Thumb we took a wrong turn, thinking a side trail was East End, but we figured it out. I'd heard East End was rough, and was looking forward to seeing a rough trail in the McDowells, but alas it was as manicured and developed as the rest. Definitely glad it was on the downhill side for us, since it was sunny.

I'd wanted to take a longer loop but John needed to be back to the car at noon, and we hit Windmill at 10:40. :scared: So we booked it through Windgate Pass and back to the parking lot. Made it at 12:18. Close enough!

Cut Route Scout and it reported we had gone precisely 13.1 miles, a half marathon! :y: Except we didn't run it, so not sure if "speed hiking" qualifies. :-k
  2 archives
Mar 20 2022
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 Routes 17
 Photos 2,773
 Triplogs 249

53 female
 Joined May 15 2009
 Phoenix and Tucs
Micky D Loop, AZ 
Micky D Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 20 2022
cindylTriplogs 249
Hiking13.61 Miles 3,148 AEG
Hiking13.61 Miles   7 Hrs   18 Mns   2.01 mph
3,148 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
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i was thinking that i would rate each trail by the number of people i saw on the trail until i got to the last trail (desert park trail), where i didn't see anyone but it was surrounded by views of people's backyards. i had the most fun coming down out of windgate pass and back up the east end trail. i took my break up at the lookout with just one other person, and i also really enjoyed coming down the tom thumb trail in the rain. oh yes, the rain was so sweet.

side note: i had trouble with route scout losing me again for nearly all of the east end trail, and then although i was following the micky d loop route up until that time and also had the tom's thumb loop off windgate pass saved in my files, it continued me on the latter route. i'll look for an idiot's user forum on this to figure that out.

also, since tibber does this, i figured i'd include my stats from my fitness watch: total time: 6:49:25, distance: 13.98 miles, active calories: 1,703, total calories: 2,327, elevation gain 3,096 ft., average heart rate: 128 bpm, average pace: 29'16". weather 60 degrees, humidity 30%.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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There are just two switchbacks left. And another half-mile to the destination...
 
Jan 25 2022
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49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2022
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking14.90 Miles 3,507 AEG
Hiking14.90 Miles   5 Hrs   48 Mns   2.64 mph
3,507 ft AEG      10 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Did a variant of the Tom’s Thumb Loop following a route laid out by our beloved @The_Eagle.

Beautiful day out there and a lot of very nice trails. The climb up to the Lookout on Tom’s Thumb trail, then looping around on East End trail and climbing Bell Pass were the highlights for me. Neat views out to Four Peaks on the backside of the hike.

It was nice to finally get out there in the McDowells and really poke around a bit
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hi
  1 archive
Jan 09 2022
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 Guides 1
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male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 09 2022
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking12.84 Miles 3,263 AEG
Hiking12.84 Miles   7 Hrs   17 Mns   2.01 mph
3,263 ft AEG      53 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Tom's Thumb has been on the list for a long time and I finally got around to it. This was my first hike from this trail head. Nice big parking lot, restrooms, and guides offering direction. The lot was pretty full, but I still managed to find a good spot.

The trail at the start was ok, but it was rocky and you have to watch where you put your feet. Not much looking around while walking or you're liable to trip and fall. A fair number of people hiking in both directions. The miles in I reached the junction with the Toms Thumb trail and turned left while everyone else heading in the same direction went the other way. Yay!

It was a cool morning, and along Tom's Thumb Trail the wind was blowing making it quite chilly. But the trail started getting steep and soon I was sweating and not feeling cold at all. The trail headed up a wash and then after a while turned right and went up towards a side ridge towards the Thumb. Lots of switch backs, then some nice views, and then finally I was up even with the Thumb. As I got closer I could see that there were more and more people. They were all coming up from the trail head on the other side which is a shorter and apparently a very popular hike.

I brought lunch to eat at the Thumb, but it was way too windy and too crowded anyway. So I headed down along the trail to a sheltered spot with a nice rock to sit on, and I rested and ate.

After lunch it was the East End Trail. Steep with lots of loose gravel made it a bit treacherous. But the views were nice. Saw the big fountain in Fountain Hills, the Supes, Sunrise Peak, and Four Peaks. Eventually the trail levelled and was much more enjoyable. Eventually I saw a sign for scenic viewpoint and checked that out. There was a nice stone bench with a view of Tom's Thumb. Then another the miles got me back to the start.

All in all very enjoyable hike. Especially the loop part because there were few other people. This is on my list of hikes to do again.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Selfie
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Fountain Lake  Tom's Thumb
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Jan 05 2022
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 Guides 8
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59 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 05 2022
YoderTriplogs 273
Hiking10.10 Miles 3,125 AEG
Hiking10.10 Miles   4 Hrs   32 Mns   2.42 mph
3,125 ft AEG      22 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
We decided to hike in the Toms Thumb area, so created a 10 mile loop linking:
1. Toms Thumb Trail
2. Windgate Pass
3. East End Trail

We did a variation on this trail about 4 years ago, and decided to do it in reverse order this time (East End Trail being the last section before rejoining Toms Thumb). This seemed easier, Toms Thumb Trail goes on forever uphill :)

It was pretty enjoyable.
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J. Yoder
 
Nov 23 2021
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 Routes 596
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58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 23 2021
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking13.44 Miles 3,410 AEG
Hiking13.44 Miles   4 Hrs      3.39 mph
3,410 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
This loop has always been a favorite of mine. It is close, the trails are solid and the views are great. Not to mention it makes for a nice morning hike with some decent miles and elevation gain. Overall pretty uneventful but very enjoyable.
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Oct 30 2021
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 Guides 3
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54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 30 2021
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking14.31 Miles 3,583 AEG
Hiking14.31 Miles   5 Hrs   42 Mns   2.69 mph
3,583 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
First time hiking from the Gateway Trailhead. Unfortunately, I didn't carpool or drive my electric vehicle or bring my groomed poodle, so I wasn't able to park in the fancy "reserved" spots. :lol:

I did arrive early though, and managed to avoid the crowds. Only saw a handful of hikers until I got close to Tom's Thumb.

Took the side trip up to The Lookout. Nice views. Back on the trail for a bit and then some extracurricular exploring.

On the backside of the loop, traffic was once again minimal. On the way back, I decided to bypass Windgate Pass and extend the loop over to the Bell Pass Trail.

Enjoyed the summit and ridgeline views.
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Apr 25 2021
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 Guides 10
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67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 25 2021
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking13.48 Miles 3,400 AEG
Hiking13.48 Miles   4 Hrs   23 Mns   3.13 mph
3,400 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
need to be doing double digit hikes on my days off, rather than biking the grand canal like i wanted to :lol:
got a late start at 1130
wouldn't it be better to be finished by then?
anyway
gateway loop, bell pass, east end, the lookout, tom's thumb, windgate pass, gateway loop
added saguaro and nature trails for extra mileage and linkage
good loop; it's been awhile since i've done this combo
more people out than i would expect given the temps, especially on the outer trails
east end was easier than i remember, possibly because i was going slower
the lookout is a nice viewpoint and worth a detour
always enjoy the terrain up near tom's thumb
considered east end, but needed more water and some snacks to add that on
no critters other than a few lizards, no flowers other than a few ratty globemallow

dry Mountain Spring Dry Dry
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
average hiking speed 2.4 mph
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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.

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