|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by bruce on 12/10/2005 The hike from Finger Rock Trailhead to Mt. Kimbal is a heart-stopper from start to finish. It has strenous elevation gain from start to finish. I consider myself a strong hiker, and completed this segment in a little over 3 hours. Be sure to walk to the north side of Kimball peak for spectacular vistas. The climb down Pima canyon held many surprises. The upper canyon itself is extremely rugged and beautifully green. Bird sightings were fantastic! The going on the upper 4 miles is treacherous and slow in many places- we completed the round trip in 7 hours.
Reviewed by Kirth and Patti on 11/21/2005 If hiking in November, leave before 10AM. We finished in the dark. Keep a close eye on the Pima Canyon trail as it can be difficult to follow as it goes further down the canyon from Mt. Kimbal. Physically very challenging but an enormous sense of accomplishment. Dinner never tasted so good. 
Reviewed by Gregg on 10/10/2005 Wow ! this one was unbeleivable, thanks for the tip about the water, I would like to add one other tip, bring along an extra person,...you might need them to carry you out. We decided to take the hard route. We started at Finger Rock and proceded to Mount Kimbal, and then down through Pima Canyon Trail. It would have been much easier if we had started at Pima Canyon trail head. The scenery is so beautiful and it closes you in very quickly so that you cant even see Tucson anymore. In no time your completely closed in by steep canyon walls and can hear nothing but the birds and the wind. If you decide to take the whole trip, plan on a whole day, and if your not into extreme hikes with extreme exhertion.....stay home.
Reviewed by Nate on 4/12/2005 Rated my personal favorite because it was my first in the area. Only two weeks a Tucson denizen, this trail gave my Illinois flatlander legs a true test. Particularly noteworthy was the rapid change in vegetation type. Rare is it that one can pass from Sonoran desert to Ponerosa pine communities in a matter of hours. Stunning views. The hike was well worth the achy muscles. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||