Finger Rock #42
As you look toward the Santa Catalinas from metropolitan Tucson, one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Pusch Ridge skyline resembles a closed hand with the index finger extended to make a #1 sign. This is Finger Rock, a 100-foot-high formation that crowns the steep canyon that bears its name. Finger Rock Canyon offers one of the most direct routes into the Catalina Front Range with its spectacular views and precipitous formations. This hike starts in saguaros and climbs through the Upper Sonoran Zone into a habitat of yucca, live oak, juniper, and agave. The trail leads into the Bighorn Sheep Management Area of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, so leave your pets at home.
The trail starts easy and gets progressively rougher. Because of its graduated layout, hikers can tailor an outing along this trail to fit the amount of effort they want to expend: a short out-and-back hike, a 7-mile loop with Pontatoc #410 (junction at Linda Vista Saddle), or a full-day or overnight outing continuing past Mt. Kimball to Linda Vista Ridge and on to Ventana Canyon. Many who come here choose Finger Rock Spring as a good turn-around point. A little looking around reveals some good picnic spots and outstanding overlooks. Beyond the spring, the trail steepens and becomes harder to follow. What has been rocky, rough going becomes even more so with some steep and exposed bedrock sections. Not surprisingly, as the going gets rougher the overlooks get better. Dramatic vistas of Finger Rock, the sheer walls of the canyon, Tucson, and the mountains beyond add to the lung-busting grades to give hikers plenty of incentive to stop, take a break, and look around. Peregrine falcons and even golden eagles can be heard calling and seen soaring above the cliffs of this canyon. Finger Rock Trail ends at a junction where a set of switchbacks leads to Ventana #98, which descends toward Tucson, and where Esperero Trail #25 leads to other trails that continue up the slopes of Mt. Lemmon.
Download the Pima, Finger Rock, and Ventana Canyons Trail Guide in English.
Descarga la guía de recreación en español a los cañones Pima, Finger Rock y Ventana.
HELP PROTECT DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP!
- Leave pets at home
- Day group size limit = 15 people
- Night group size limit = 6 people
- Stay on official, designated trails
General Information
Year-round
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are prohibited. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
Dogs are prohibited in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area portion of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Getting There
Elevation
6,200 feet
Directions
Drive north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Ina Road. Turn right (east) on Ina and drive about a mile to Skyline Road which branches off to the south (right). Follow Skyline (have to make a left to stay on Skyline) to Alvernon Way and turn left (north) to the trailhead and parking lot at the end of the pavement.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Groups
These steep, rugged trails in the front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains offer quick access from town to trail and lead into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.