Finger Rock Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Tucson area AND one of the most easily recognized landscape quirks of the Tucson skyline. The 100-foot tall rock structure resembles an index finger pointing to the clouds above. This 8.2 mile out-and-back trail is located in the Santa Catalina mountains as a part of the Coronado National forest.
Because of the challenge it presents (the elevation gain is 4,038 feet) and the breathtaking views you will see if you make it all the way to the top, Finger Rock Trail is one of Tucson’s top-rated hikes.
Take Ina Road east until it turns into Skyline Drive. Continue on Skyline Drive and then turn left (north) on Alvernon Way. Turn left into the trailhead parking lot right after passing East Ina Road. If you reach East Playa de Coronado, you’ve gone a little too far.
Dawn to Dusk
Admission is free.
The Finger Rock trailhead has a small parking lot at the foot of the mountain on Alvernon Way. Be sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays as it does tend to fill up.
Finger Rock Trail itself is about 4.1 miles one way, but you can really tailor this hike to fit how much energy you want to expend. As the hike progresses, it gets gradually steeper and rockier.
From the trailhead to Finger Rock Spring is approximately 1 mile of fairly level terrain. The rest of the hike gets steeper and is challenging going up and coming down.
You can go as far as you and your crew desire. If you are aiming to complete the entire trail and arrive back at the trailhead, bring a meal with you and plan to be gone for most of the day.
Neither mountain bikes nor motorized bikes are permitted.
There is occasionally water in Finger Rock Spring (about 1 mile from the trailhead).
Dress for the weather.
We recommend:
Prepare for a perfect hike in the Arizona sunshine by bringing plenty of water, snacks or a lunch, extra sunscreen, and a phone.
There are no restrooms along the trail or at the trailhead.
Be sure to go early on the weekend and/or on holidays because the parking lot fills up early.
October through April is the ideal hiking season in Tucson due to cooler temperatures. That said, you can hike year round in Tucson if you watch the weather, hike early, and plan wisely.
You may see saguaro cacti, rattlesnakes, javelina, jackrabbits, bighorn sheep, birds, lizards, palo verde trees, mesquite trees, and wildflowers.
Absolutely! There are not many spots that are ideal for picnicking, however, so bring food that you can eat while you are on the move. As with all hiking trails, be sure to stow your trash in a backpack or pocket until it can be properly disposed of.
Our top restaurant picks within a 5-mile radius are:
This hike is best suited for older children, teens, and adults unless you are only planning on reaching Finger Rock Spring. In that case, all ages would love the hike!
We would recommend a baby carrier instead. The trail is too rocky for a stroller.
The trail leads into the Pusch Ridge Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area so dogs are not permitted.
You can follow the Coronado National Forest on Facebook.
