Near Mount Kimball Out-and-Back
Beautiful red granite cliffs await along the way.
Near Mount Kimball Out-and-Back
Hiker and Tucson from Pusch Ridge Wilderness Finger Rock Canyon
Near Mount Kimball Out-and-Back
From high on the Finger Rock Trail, look over your shoulder to the south to experience pleasant views of suburban Tucson.
Near Mount Kimball Out-and-Back
Looking down on Pusch Ridge with Pusch Peak clearly in the middle from Mount Kimball
Near Mount Kimball Out-and-Back
On Mount Kimball with Mount Wrightson looming in the background

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mount Kimball Out-and-Back

4.7 (15 Ratings)
This is a very scenic, very difficult out-and-back to the summit of Mt. Kimball.
10.2
mi
Distance
5,061
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingSpringViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.24mi
Distance
5,061ft
Elevation Gain
5,061ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
6,888ft
High Point
3,061ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting at the Finger Rock Trailhead Parking Area off Alvernon Way, the trail crosses the road and heads north past a series of enormous houses into the hills beyond. At first, the grade is rather mellow, offering you a chance to get warmed up before tackling the vicious, loose-footed climbs ahead. After reaching Finger Rock Spring, the going really gets tough, so if you're already feeling less than stellar, you might want to consider stopping at the springs, enjoying your surroundings, and heading back down.If you're feeling good and ready to continue on, follow the trail as it climbs steeply over rocks and through spiky desert flora. There are several sections that require you to use one or both hands to climb over boulders in the trail. At times, the trail can be hard to follow through this section, so keep a keen eye and be sure to bring the Mobile App with you to make sure you're on trail.After fighting your way up the trail, you'll eventually reach a fork in the trail. Head left at the fork onto the Pima Canyon Trail #62 for a short ways before taking the short Summit Access Spur to the top. After making it up almost 4.5 miles of trail and over 4000' of elevation gain, you deserve a break (and a snack!) so sit down, take a load off, and enjoy the view. When you're ready to head down, simply descend the way you came.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jim Johannsen