Comparing Piestewa Peak & Tom's Thumb

Question

I'll be driving into Phoenix at some point on a Saturday afternoon in a couple of weeks and will need to head to the airport around noon on Sunday. I'd love to get some hikes in, maybe a Saturday afternoon and a Sunday morning. These are the two that appeal to me most. (I've been to Phoenix before and have already hiked Camelback Mountain and Fat Man's Pass.) I'm assuming if I was able to handle Camelback that I can take on either of these - if I'm wrong let me know! I know the rules of staying well hydrated and wearing appropriate shoes, and will in all likelihood have poles as well.

At this time of year, I am curious to know if either of these are sensible for a Saturday afternoon hike, meaning (1) are weather conditions favorable? I know better than to think of these hikes midday in summer weather and (2) are parking conditions challenging? If these are strictly morning hikes, then I'll pick just one for Sunday and will think of something else to do on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for any help!

Answer

Both Piestewa Peak and Tom's Thumb are excellent hikes for someone who has previously tackled Camelback Mountain and Fat Man’s Pass. Given your experience, you should be capable of handling either, but there are some important distinctions to consider in terms of difficulty, time, and logistics.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail:

Distance: ~2.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet
Trail type: Steep and rocky, but well-maintained and straightforward
Best for: Shorter hikes, a quick afternoon or morning hike
Parking: Small lot at the trailhead; fills quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early (before noon) increases your chance of parking, or you may have to use overflow parking along the road.
Weather: Mid to late February in Phoenix is generally mild, with afternoon highs around 70–75°F and cooler mornings. A Saturday afternoon should be fine, but check for wind and sun exposure; shade is minimal.

Tom's Thumb Trail (in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve):

Distance: ~4.5 miles round trip to Tom's Thumb formation (can extend to longer loops)
Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet
Trail type: More varied terrain than Piestewa, including rocky scrambles, switchbacks, and scenic desert vistas
Best for: Morning hikes, longer adventure with panoramic views. Highly scenic for photography and enjoying desert landscapes.
Parking: Trailheads at the Gateway and Tom’s Thumb lots have more spaces, but weekends still fill. Early arrival is recommended.
Weather: Afternoon temperatures in February are comfortable, but sun exposure can still be significant; morning is preferred for cooler conditions and better lighting for views.

Recommendations for your itinerary:

Saturday afternoon: Piestewa Peak is ideal due to its shorter distance, easier logistics, and proximity to Phoenix. You can complete it in 1.5–2 hours and still have time for dinner or other activities.
Sunday morning: Tom's Thumb is better in the morning because it takes longer (~3–4 hours), and early start helps you avoid crowds and maximize cooler conditions before heading to the airport.
Hydration & footwear: Bring plenty of water, trekking poles (which you plan to use), and shoes with good traction. Sun protection is essential even in February.

Overall, given your schedule, this combination allows you to enjoy two distinct desert hikes without overextending yourself. Both provide great views, manageable challenge levels for experienced hikers, and are suitable for your weekend plan.

Comparing Piestewa Peak & Tom's Thumb

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