Tucson Arizona Hiking
Coronado Hiking Trails
Finger Rock Trail #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 marks 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. 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. Or, they can “go for it” and continue past Mt. Kimball to Linda Vista Ridge and the head of 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. 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.

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 Pusch Ridge Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area, so leave your dog at home. Finger Rock Trail ends at a junction where a set of switchbacks leads into Ventana Canyon toward Tucson and where Esperero Trail #25 leads to other trails that continue up the slopes of Mt. Lemmon.

Attractions:
  Sheer canyons
  Easy accessibility
  Spectacular views
  Rocky ridges
  Access to Pusch Ridge

Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 6.3 miles
Elevation: 3,100'-6,200'
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Tucson North

Click for Map

Access: 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.

Notes:
Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

6.2 miles of this trail are in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.

Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. See the Wilderness section of this guide for more wilderness rules and ethics.

There are no reliable water sources along this trail.

When hiking in remote areas go with a companion whenever possible. Always tell someone where you’ve gone and when you expect to return.

Before using this trail, call the *Santa Catalina Ranger District for current trail conditions which can vary with season, weather and maintenance status:
*Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
(520) 749-8700 TTY
(520) 749-7723 FAX