It’s no secret that outdoor enthusiasts flock to Arizona for its abundance of canyons, picturesque mountain views, and red-rock formations. After a long, well-spent day exploring the great outdoors, what better way to refuel than with delicious ice cream? Although this Scottsdale adventure includes a strenuous hike, your biggest challenge just might be choosing which unique treat to get. Here’s a hike along Tom’s Thumb Trail in Arizona followed by a well-deserved treat at a dessert shop.

Nestled in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Tom’s Thumb is a challenging hike offering expansive panoramic mountain views in every direction. Tom's Thumb is a popular trail for both hikers and rock climbers.
Nirmal M/Trip Advisor
So, what about the Tom's Thumb Trail difficulty? While this hike is only approximately four miles out and back, the over 1,200-foot elevation gain makes for a strenuous route. Parking for Tom's Thumb Trail is located at the main trailhead. It's among the most challenging hikes I have done here in Arizona.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
The hike’s namesake originated after Tom Kreuser, who was the first Arizona Mountaineering Club member to climb the thumb-looking rock formation.
Kassandra p/Trip Advisor
The first portion of the trail is relatively level, but the elevation will quickly increase as the trail guides you through the varieties of desert flora. And believe me, the quick elevation gain is no joke! Along the trail, the many scenic mountain overlooks are great places to take a break and admire the view and make the strenuous climb worth it.
Surrounded by desert views and loose gravel terrain, there’s a good chance you will encounter some wildlife along your journey.
Nirmal M/Trip Advisor
Also, the rock formations at the top are out of this world! I couldn't stop taking pictures.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState

Related Stories

The Creepiest Hike In Arizona Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Mine

The Creepiest Hike In Arizona Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Mine

 Indian Maiden Falls is a 7-Mile Trail In Arizona That Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfall

Indian Maiden Falls is a 7-Mile Trail In Arizona That Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfall

 The Sycamore Rim Trail In Arizona Transforms Into An Ice Palace In The Winter

The Sycamore Rim Trail In Arizona Transforms Into An Ice Palace In The Winter
The summit is marked with a large jutting rock formation in the shape of the infamous “thumb.” This well-known unique granite formation can be seen from miles away.
Nirmal M/Trip Advisor
After enjoying the breathtaking summit views, it's time to retrace your steps back down Tom's Thumb Trail and reward yourself with some mouth-watering ice cream. After all, you deserved it!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState


Take a look at this video of this desert trail in Arizona by @adventuringoutdoorswitheric:
Head to Dessert in Desert for a unique and delicious ice cream experience.
Dessert in desert/Facebook
Not only is there a wide variety of soft-serve flavors, but with homemade cone options and other treats, the possibilities may seem endless.
One of the most popular items is the Taiyaki; a Japanese-inspired ice cream, with a distinctive fish-shaped waffle cone and a filling inside.
Dessert in desert/Facebook
Dessert in Desert also offers other homemade waffle cone options, even your choice of a bright purple or green cone! If you’re seeking a more exotic option, we recommend choosing the Fruit Loops or Oreo With Milk decorative cone option.
Elena Svoboda/Google
Additional menu items include a variety of tasty parfait and milkshake flavors. There are also Snow Flaked Ice options, a condensed milk base shaved ice with your choice of flavor and toppings.
Dessert in desert/Facebook

How would you like to go on a hike and get dessert in Arizona? Although Scottsdale has a reputation for luxurious resorts and the finest golf courses, it’s also a great place to enjoy the natural Arizona beauty. Have you ever hiked Tom’s Thumb Trail in Arizona? What was your favorite treat at Dessert in Desert? Follow the Dessert in Desert Facebook page for specials and visit the Dessert in Desert website for updated menu items. For more information and trail updates, visit the City of Scottsdale website.

Before you hike along Tom’s Thumb Trail in Arizona, or any other trail for that matter, make sure you have the AllTrails+ app downloaded on your phone.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hiking And Ice Cream In Arizona

Melissa M. | December 14, 2023

What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona?

The Grand Canyon State is a hiker’s paradise. Everywhere you go, it seems as though there is an endless number of trails. Here are some of the top hiking trails in Arizona:

  • Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona
  • Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix
  • Horseshoe Bend Trail in Page
  • Watson Lake and Flume Trail in Prescott

Check out more of the best hiking trails in Arizona.

What are some of the best places for ice cream in Arizona?

After a long hike, why not treat yourself to a sweet treat? Here are some of the best ice cream places in Arizona:

  • Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale is a long-standing ice cream parlor that will take you back in time.
  • Churn in Phoenix has some of the best ice cream in the state and it’s one of my favorite places for a sweet treat.
  • Rock RD Ice Cream Co. in Sedona is located on 89A and offers some of the best ice cream in town.

You can also try these ice cream parlors with some of the best soft serve in Arizona.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
18511 N Scottsdale Rd ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Tom's Thumb Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA