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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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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
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.
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