Pontatoc #410
There are good views along both Pontatoc trails and plenty of evidence of mining activity left over from the days when the Santa Catalinas were the focus of extensive mineral exploration. At one time the Garnet #411, formally Pontatoc Ridge #411, was even called the Old Spanish Mine Trail, but don’t look for lost mines here. The reason these mines were abandoned is because they didn’t “pan out.” Do be careful around these dangerous old digs which can present a number of hazards for unsuspecting travelers or those too willing to take a risk.
Access both trails from the Finger Rock Trailhead. Follow Pontatoc #410 for approximately 1 mile to reach a junction where Garnet #411 begins. From this junction, Garnet #411 heads south (right) briefly before turning back north and ascending the ridge to reach Pontatoc Saddle. At the saddle you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Tucson stretching toward the other mountain ranges across the basin.
Pontatoc #410 heads north (left) from this junction, climbing in and out of the canyon bottom as it becomes rockier and narrower. This trail presents good views of the Pontatoc Cliffs that form a deeply weathered and pockmarked face on the northeastern horizon. Not too far from the junction, Pontatoc #410 begins to climb out of the canyon, and at mile 1.7 the trail veers northwest and switchbacks across the grassy hillsides of the upper Pontatoc basin. The next 2 miles of this trail, newly built in 2024-25 to create a 7-mile loop with Finger Rock #42, weave through incredible scenery while ascending to Linda Vista Saddle.
These trails are in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Help protect desert bighorn sheep by following all management area rules and restrictions.
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: it is prohibited to travel more than 400 ft. from official USFS trails in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area during the bighorn sheep lambing season from January 1 through April 15.
General Information
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
4,920 feet
Directions
Drive north from Tucson to 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.