Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
GPS: 32.36552, -110.89576
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 19,914 total · 80/month
Shared By: James DeRoussel on Dec 1, 2003 · Updates
Admins: adrian montaƱo, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

Finger Rock, visible from most of Tucson, is aptly named. This 100' tall free standing tower points skyward, just below and east of Prominent Point on Pusch Ridge. It is perhaps the most recognizable feature from the Tucson valley.

The silhouette of Finger Rock alone is enough to entice most climbers, but only those willing to tackle the daunting approach. An attempt on Finger Rock will put all but the fastest parties in for a long day of very hard work.

Parties who successfully summit will be either highly rewarded or permanently traumatized. The exposure atop Finger Rock is extreme. The teetering flake that caps the pinnacle adds to the excitement.

Getting There Suggest change

Approach starts from Finger Rock Trailhead at the north end of Alvernon Way.

Follow Finger Rock trail northward for just under three miles. After crossing some steep slabs near the edge of the cliff, the trail flattens out onto a large, open promontory above the canyon bottom. Here the trail turns eastward.

Do not follow the trail as it turns east toward Mt. Kimball. Instead hike northward, down a steep path and across the wash. A faint route marked by cairns (hopefully) will contour back uphill and around the back side of Finger Rock Guard, the large formation immediately east of Finger Rock. The turnoff to the Finger is right below the first section of 3rdish class at the base of the Guard. The trail switchbacks away from town (North?) with a >20 ft cliff band immediately left of the trail. This will bring to the toe of the Guard where you should be able to see a climber trail down and to the right. Take the right trail ten minutes until it dead ends at the northwest face of Finger Rock.

Allow at least three hours for the approach, and a little less for the deproach. This hike is difficult, steep, and loose in many places. Plan on a full day of hard work.

3 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Finger Rock Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Finger Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 35
Finger Rock (Standard Route)
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 6
Pull My Finger
Trad 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Finger Rock (Standard Route)
 35
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad
Pull My Finger
 6
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Finger Rock »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading