Santa Catalina Mountains - Coronado NF
Finger Rock Trail #43
A steep, exposed climb to a dramatic granite spire above Tucson with panoramic desert and mountain views
Distance
4.5 miles RT
Difficulty
Advanced
Elevation Gain
~2,100 ft
Best Season
Oct-May
Route Overview
Finger Rock Trail #43 climbs steeply from the desert floor near Tucson to a dramatic granite spire known as Finger Rock - a prominent landmark on the Santa Catalina Mountains skyline. The trail gains 2,100 feet in just 2.25 miles, making it one of the steeper hikes in the Catalinas.
The route passes through a classic Sky Island transition: from Sonoran Desert scrub at the trailhead, through palo verde and saguaro, into oak woodland and eventually pine forest at the upper elevations. The summit area offers panoramic views of the Tucson valley, the surrounding mountain ranges, and on clear days, all the way to the Mexican border.
The trail is well-maintained but steep and exposed in sections. Summer heat makes this hike dangerous from June through September - plan for cooler months. The trail connects to the West Fork Trail and other Catalina trail system routes for longer trips.
Route Description
Trailhead: The Finger Rock Trail #43 begins at the end of Skyline Drive in northwest Tucson, near the Mountainaire neighborhood. Parking is limited - arrive early on weekends. The trailhead is at approximately 4,200 feet elevation.
Lower Section: The trail begins in Sonoran Desert scrub with saguaro, palo verde, and cholla. The initial grade is steep and relentless. Switchbacks provide brief relief but the climb is constant. The desert section is exposed with little shade.
Mid Section: As you climb above 5,500 feet, the vegetation transitions to oak woodland. Emory oak and Gambel oak provide increasing shade. The grade remains steep but the canopy begins to offer relief from sun exposure. This is where the trail earns its reputation.
Upper Section & Finger Rock: The final push to Finger Rock involves some scrambling over granite slabs. The last quarter-mile is steep and exposed. The granite spire itself offers a dramatic perch with 360-degree views. The rock is solid granite with good handholds.
Permits & Regulations
Permit Required: No. No permits are required for day use on Finger Rock Trail.
Bighorn Sheep Closure: The Santa Catalina Mountains have a bighorn sheep recovery area. From January 1 through April 30, certain areas may be closed to protect bighorn sheep. Check current closures with the Coronado National Forest before your trip. Dogs are prohibited in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area during closure periods.
Trailhead Parking: Parking at the Finger Rock trailhead is limited to a few spaces. Overflow parking is along Skyline Drive - do not block driveways or residential access.
External Resources
Return to: Arizona Backpacking Regions