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FINGER ROCK CANYON TRAIL #42
Pusch Ridge Wilderness, Tucson
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| Finger Rock Canyon Trail |
Commanding the skyline above
Finger Rock Canyon is an eponymous stone pinnacle that resembles a
clenched fist with its index finger pointing toward the heavens. This
is your first clue to the nature of the trail that makes an aggressive, unrelenting ascent of its rugged domain. Finger Rock
Trail #42 begins with a moderate walk among massive rock slabs, sheer
cliff faces, saguaros and seasonal creeks replete with mini
waterfalls and lush greenery. But don't get too comfortable because
the party's over at the 1-mile point, where just beyond Finger Rock
Spring, the trail begins its assault on your physical and mental
fortitude. The route wastes no time gaining elevation. Like a giant
staircase, the trail moves uphill via tight switchbacks and high-step
maneuvers with few breaks in between. Much of the path clings to the
edge of the canyon walls offering both terrific views and plenty of
queasy exposure. In some spots, you're hiking just inches from sheer drop offs. The canyon's sharp-edged geology, hardy Upper Sonoran
Zone vegetation and unspoiled ambiance are a tribute to its protected
status within Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Conquering this delightfully
agonizing trail is a feather-in-the-cap for experts, but trekkers of
all skill levels can also enjoy the hike by adapting the length to
suit. The super-high-octane version of this trek includes a side
trip up to 7,258-foot Mount Kimball. To reach the summit, veer left
at the junction with Pima Canyon Trail #62 at 3.9 miles and hike a
half-mile on #62 to the summit spur. Other landmark-specific
turnaround points are listed below.
Turnaround options:
Finger Rock Spring: 1 mile,
3,520' (400' elevation gain)
Wind Cave: 2 miles, 4,500'
(1,380' elevation gain)
Linda Vista Saddle: 3.5
miles, 5,700' (2,580' elevation gain)
Mt. Kimball: 4.2 miles,
7,258' (4,138' elevation gain)
LENGTH: 6.3 miles one-way (Trail #42
only)
RATING: difficult
ELEVATION: 3,120' - 6,880'(trail #42 proper)
RULES: dogs are not allowed
GETTING THERE:
From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the
Ina Road exit 248. Follow Ina Road to where it curves into Skyline
Drive, continue to the 9.6-mile point, turn left on Alvernon Road and
go 0.9 mile to the trailhead parking lot on the left. The trail
begins a few yards up the road on Alvernon.
INFO & MAP: Santa
Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest
Desert Big Horn Sheep:
