Boulder the Unknown Handcrack near Tom's Thumb

Scottsdale, Arizona

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Joseph Gulizia

Bomber handcrack in the Tom's Thumb hiking area.

V-easy. 20 feet.

Start on the Tom's Thumb Trail about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. You will see the hand crack just to the right of the trail, a few dozen yards from the actual climbing area. It is hard to miss.

There are some easy horizontal moves, into some bomber hand holds as it turns vertical to the top.

Bring a pad if you want. It has a flat dirt landing. Falling from the top wouldn't be pleasant.

Enjoy the climb! Please use leave no trace principles when climbing here!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Rock Climbing

Chillin

Photography

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Climb Hanging Garden's on Gardner's Wall

This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. Following the path, it will drop you down into a field of boulders. Scramble...

Tom's Thumb

The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledge about the flora and fauna. Since this area is a bit removed from the city, you are likely to find ...

Climb Brusin' and Crusin' on Gardner's Wall

This is a 100 foot 5.8 trad climb. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. Following the path, it will drop you down into a field of boulders. Scramble up and over these bould...

Climb Sphincter Boy Near Tom's Thumb

5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. Once you get to the base of the ...

Climb Girlie Man Near Tom's Thumb

5.9+ 3 bolt slab. About 65ft. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. Once you get to the base of the climbing area, you will see...

Hike Marcus Landslide Trail

Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike. It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hike (if a bit more strenuous). Featuring unique rock formations, this trail winds for 4 miles and has...