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 and get dessert in Arizona.
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 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.
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. Along the trail, the many scenic mountain overlooks are great places to take a break and admire the view.
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
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.
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? What was your favorite treat at Dessert in Desert? Follow the Dessert in Desert Facebook page for specials and visit their website for updated menu items. For more information and trail updates, visit the City of Scottsdale website.
Nirmal M/Trip Advisor
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.
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. Along the trail, the many scenic mountain overlooks are great places to take a break and admire the view.
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.
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.
Elena Svoboda/Google
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 18511 N Scottsdale Rd ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USAAddress: Tom’s Thumb Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
