Tom's Thumb

It’s hard to put your finger on just one of its many attractions. But if you’re looking for a quick get-away from Phoenix, the easy choice is Tom’s Thumb trail, on the north side of the McDowell Mountains.  It offers a must-see look at the wonders of the Arizona desert. 
The 2.5-mile uphill trail has a unique butte that points like a finger toward the sky. It got its name nearly 45 years ago from the Arizona Mountaineering Club. They dubbed it after Tom Kreuser who was the first club member to climb it. 
It's a great  cardio workout,  ascending over 1,300 feet in just 2.5 miles. At the top, is a panoramic desert view of 50-miles in every direction.