Wander Woman

Rising prominently above Finger Rock Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains is a striking stone pinnacle shaped like a clenched fist with its index finger pointing skyward. This iconic formation offers your first hint of the trail’s character—an intense, relentless climb through rugged terrain.

The iconic Finger Rock towers 4,000 vertical feet above downtown Tucson. Perched like a delicate pencil and framed by surrounding cliffs, it stands as one of the most striking and instantly recognizable landmarks in southern Arizona.

The Finger Rock Trail begins at the north end of Alvernon Way in the Catalina Foothills. You can park right at the trailhead and start your hike, just like I did. Making your way to the saddle near Finger Rock—or all the way to the base of the formation—is a steep and demanding trek. Experienced hikers can typically reach the base in about 3 to 3.5 hours. The latter half of the hike follows informal paths, with loose rocks, abundant cacti, and some route-finding required as you approach Finger Rock.

The first mile features moderate climbing over rocky terrain until you reach the creek bed at the base of Finger Rock Canyon. This drainage often carries water during the winter, but crossing it is usually straightforward. Don’t get too comfortable, though—beyond Finger Rock Spring at the one-mile mark, the trail launches into a serious test of your physical and mental endurance. Over the next 1.5 miles, you’ll climb more than 1,700 vertical feet, navigating steep, rocky steps and slabs. Around 5,300 feet elevation, the trail suddenly levels out, revealing inviting rocks to rest on your left and offering stunning views of the upper canyon and Mount Kimball. Be cautious, as loose rocks are plentiful along this challenging ascent.

The trail climbs like a giant staircase, winding upward through tight switchbacks and demanding high-step maneuvers with few chances to rest. My climb took me through towering forests of saguaros, eventually reaching groves of junipers and pinyon pines. Much of the path hugs the canyon’s edge, providing breathtaking views—and plenty of heart-pounding exposure. In several spots, you’re hiking just inches from sheer drop-offs.

Unsurprisingly, as the trail grows tougher, the views become even more spectacular. Stunning panoramas of Finger Rock, the canyon’s towering walls, Tucson, and the distant mountains reward the grueling climbs, giving hikers plenty of reason to pause, catch their breath, and take it all in.

Many hikers choose Finger Rock Spring as their turnaround point, but I opted to turn back at Linda Vista Saddle. I didn’t start early enough—I hit the trail around 9:30 a.m. and didn’t get back until 3:00 p.m. On the way down, I showed signs of heat exhaustion, and my anxiety spiked when I briefly lost the trail. Although I made it farther than most, I felt a bit defeated for not finishing the hike. Still, turning back was the smart choice, and I’m glad I did. One day, better prepared, I’ll return and conquer the Finger Rock Trail.

Turnaround options:

• Finger Rock Spring: 1 mile, 3,520 feet (400 feet of elevation gain).
• Wind Cave: 2 miles, 4,500 feet (1,380 feet of elevation gain).
• Linda Vista Saddle: 3.5 miles, 5,700 feet (2,580 feet of elevation gain).
• Mount Kimball: 4.2 miles, 7,258 feet (4,138 feet of elevation gain).

Elevation: 3,120-6,880.

After tackling Finger Rock, I learned a few important lessons about desert hiking. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Give yourself plenty of time—never get caught on the mountain after dark. Why? Because you won’t be able to spot rattlesnakes. Don’t attempt this hike unless you’re in serious shape. Bring plenty of water—and in the summer, that means even more than “plenty.” Start at first light during the hotter months. If you’re really fit, plan for at least three hours to complete the hike.

If you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and the thrill of climbing to a towering stone pinnacle on Tucson’s Finger Rock Trail. Good luck—you’ll need it.