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 Reporter |
Summary: This point to point hike combines the two most popular "must see" hikes in the Catalina's. From breath taking canyon vistas, to mountain top views of both Tucson and Oro Valley your camera is sure to get almost as good a workout as you, but beware, all these photo oportunities come at a price, this hike is not for the faint at heart. Finger Rock alone, is known as one of the most demanding short hikes in the area, in the time it takes to drink most of your water, and bring as much as possible, you'll have gained upwards of 4500 ft in elevation.Near the summit of the canyon take the "Right turn" when the trail splits, head towards the summit of Mount Kimball. Once at the summit your at your half way point. The remaining dowhill portion will take you through Pima Canyon, providing you with reason to smile as you explain to all the half day hikers where you started from. Plan to leave as early as possible, and don't forget that camera. Trailhead: This is a point to point hike which will necessitate someone in your hiking party leaving their vehicle at either of the two points , Pima Canyon Trailhead , or Finger Rock Trailhead. The Favorite is to start at Finger Rock Trailhead, So from Tucson proceed North on Oracle Rd (U.S. 89) until you reach Magee Rd , turn right (East) and Magee dead-ends at the Pima Canyon Trailhead. The Finger Rock Trailhead can be easily reached by backtracking to Oracle Rd, proceed South, and turn left (East) at Ina Rd, follow this until you reach Skyline Rd on your left (North) , proceed on Skyline as it quickly bends in an Easterly direction until reaching Alvernon, turn left and Alvernon dead-ends at Finger Rock Trailhead. (Lat:32.2023 Lon:-110.54629) Trail Guides for Finger Rock Canyon To Mount Kimbal To Pima Canyon : Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Companey) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District 520-670-4552 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John McKenna, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kevin S on 2/25/2008 Summited Mt. Kimball on 2-25. This trail is by far the toughest in Tucson. Great city views all over and great landscape the whole way. Pretty neat to be able to see THE WINDOW, from the Ventana Canyon Trail, atop Mt. Kimball. On 2-18 I reached THE WINDOW, yesterday I summited Mt. Wrightson and today I summited Mt. Kimball. Tomorrow I rest. 
Reviewed by Edward on 1/6/2008 Did this hike in November. Was amazing, quiet. It's pretty strenuous, but I'd say harder on the way down than the way up as I was riding the toes-end of my boots and that got a little old fast.
Reviewed by christine on 12/3/2007 thanks to the rains last weekend, there is plenty of water in the stream - so pretty - i ran into a pack of javalinas and saw some white-tailed deer near the top... i love this hike but the downhill kills my knees - going up to mt kimball and then back down the finger rock trail took me about 6 hours...
Reviewed by Kyle on 11/15/2007 This is a really pretty hike! If you're feeling pretty tired at the top, don't take Pima canyon down! Take Finger rock back! There is some very cool rock formations about 2/3 of the way up the trail on the right, where you can climb on top of these tall rocks. It's about a 50 foot drop off of these rocks so be careful if you're going to chill on top of them like I did.
Reviewed by christine 1/2 on 8/17/2007 I did this hike last weekend - i started at the finger rock trailhead at about 830am, which meant for a good portion of the hike up to linda vista, i was in the shade...the hike up to linda vista is steep and tough but well worth it..then continued on to mt kimball which is mostly uphill but somehow seems less steep, and the views from the top are absolutely phenomenal and worth every step...i then decided to go down the pima canyon trail, initially thought the trail markers were perfect, then lost the trail and ended up bushwacking my way down to the river at the canyon bottom, hiking in the stream, eventually found the trail, lost it again, and finally made my way out about 10 hours later... 
Reviewed by Chuck on 5/22/2007 PS. Don't believe that waypoint for the Finger Rock Trailhead. You will be parking on top of Mica Mountain (about 23 miles east).
Reviewed by Chuck on 5/20/2007 Good workout! This was actaully pretty brutal on the downhill strip - most of Pima Canyon has pretty good solar exposure. Neverttheless - c good hike and a great workout. Great views into Oro Valley from the top. Chuck
Reviewed by Scot on 2/6/2007 After a recent snowfall in Tucson, I got up very early to hike this trail on January 24. This was a strenuous hike, about 8 hours round trip, and 5 hours of that in the snow; my pace was slowed by slight difficulty in finding the trail because of the fresh snow. I saw tracks (and lots of yellow snow) from a bobcat along the trail ahead of me, tracks of several other animals crossing the trail, and some spectacular views up the canyon and back down into Tucson, and then to the north after reaching the summit. Also some very beautiful and fascinating changes in plant life as you climb the mountain. I think this would be a great hike at any time of the year, but I expect it would be hard going on very hot summer days. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||