Pontatoc Trail #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 that they didn’t “pan out.” Do be careful around these dangerous old digs, which can present several 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.