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Hike Mt. Kimball via Finger Rock Canyon - Pusch Ridge Wilderness, Tucson

5/17/2023

2 Comments

 
 From saguaros to pines, walk through five Sonoran biomes to get to this "sky island" that stands almost one vertical mile over Tucson.
Related posts:
Arizona Hikes 
​
Breakfast Ridge in Sabino Canyon
Thimble Peak, Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Tanque Verde Peak, Saguaro Wilderness
Desert Plants
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Beginning of hike with view of Mt. Kimball (rounded green peak in the distance).  The brittlebush and ocotillos are in peak bloom.  We were a bit too early for the saguaro blooms.
Trip Stats
Overview: 
Walk up Finger Rock Canyon, keeping its namesake spire in view, among many saguaros and ocotillos  followed by a steep, rocky climb along the canyon's east wall.  At a grassy plateau, arrive at the path to Finger Rock.  Keep climbing, passing Linda Vista, finally entering into a forest of alligator juniper and ponderosa pines.  Stand far above Tucson and mountain ranges to the south and even with the high points of the northwest Santa Catalinas.
Location:  Coronado National Forest - Santa Catalina Mountains - Pusch Ridge Wilderness - Tucson
Distance/Elevation gain:  9.7 miles out and back/4,200'.  Trailhead = 3,051',  Summit = 7,258'.
Difficulty:  Challenging Class 1
Coordinates:  Trailhead (Finger Rock/Pontatoc parking lot) = 32.33658, -110.91.  Summit = 32.37728, -110.87904
Maps and Apps:   Green Trails Maps:  Santa Catalina Mountains
Prominence:  1,098'
Considerations:  No dogs allowed in Pusch Ridge Wilderness Bighorn Sheep closure area, a portion of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Native peoples:  Desert Archaic (2500 BC - 200 AD).  Followed by Hohokam, who were "masters of the desert" until AD 1450, and O'odham peoples who still inhabit southern Arizona.  O'odham means "the people".
History:  Named after Frederick E. Kimball, a land developer who influenced the building of road up to the Santa Catalina's highest summit, Mt. Lemmon.
The Finger Rock Canyon trail to Mt. Kimball, one of the highest in the Santa Catalina Mountains, treks through gorgeous Sonoran landscape, meandering through wash and canyon lowlands, close to saguaros, gaining 400' in the first mile.  That easy grade ends abruptly at mile two, when you encounter the first of many rock steps on a steep trail that climbs an average of 950' per mile to the summit.  The south summit slope bestows a birds-eye view of Tucson, the north side a perched outcrop view of canyons below your feet and the rugged peaks of the western Santa Catalinas.
​
Fred and I have been hiking this mountain ever since we started visiting Tucson to get out of Idaho high country's somber and snowy springs.  This established Class 1 trail was a welcome change from the past few months of non-trail, route-finding, scrambling  ascents in Utah and Nevada.  Great to not have to navigate or continuously hunt for a route or the trail, but instead let the trail take us to the top.  On this trip, we first stopped near Kingman, Arizona to attempt Mt. Tipton, but the unmarked 3,500' gain entailed miles and of shrubby terrain clogged with scrub oak and junipers, so we turned around.  

Islands in the Sky
The ability to see the changing scenery of multiple life zones is one of the great features of southern Arizona hiking.  The rewards are saguaros and yuccas at the beginning and end, and pine and juniper at the top of your hike, if you are willing to make the thousands-of-feet elevation journey.  The Santa Catalina Mountains are but one of the many "sky islands"  that rise above the desert. From the Chiricahua mountains in southeastern Arizona to the Sierra San Luis Mountains in Mexico's  Chihuahua mountains,  these unique, rugged environments support some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world.  Below is a summary of what I learned about biomes and sky islands.  I also wrote about this in my Tanque Verde Peak - Saguaro Wilderness post.

Southern Arizona mountains are a hiker's paradise.  With waterfalls, rugged gneiss and granite rock outcrops to climb over, and wildflowers in spring that represent all of the color spectrum, this desert is surprisingly lush.  It is a spectacular land where all elements work together in harmony through monsoons, rains, and killer heat waves, and cool winters.  On Mt. Kimball's descent, the other side of the canyon is strewn with hundreds of saguaros clinging to rocky ledges, illuminated by the setting sun.  This sight makes you forget about your tired legs.
Hike Summary  (GPS tracks at end of this post) 
  • Finger Rock Trail --> Pima Canyon Trail --> short spur trail to Mt. Kimball.
  • Finger Rock Trailhead, walk through Finger Rock Canyon, crossing the creek a few times to beginning of east canyon wall climb (right side) = 1.1 miles.
  • ​At 2.5 miles, where the trail veers to the right, it intersects with a small trail that leads to Finger Rock spire.
  • Walk another 0.3 miles to Linda Vista Saddle for a lookout over Tucson. (2.8 miles).
  • At 3.5 miles, the trail passes under Gorp Peak to the southeast, continuing through an alligator juniper forest.
  • At ~ 4.2 miles, intersect with Pima Canyon Trail #62; take a left and follow Pima Canyon Trail for 0.4 miles to just below Mt. Kimball.
  • When Pima Canyon Trail begins to descend, there's a discernible social trail and trail sign. Walk another 0.15 miles to Kimball's summit.  ​
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 Frost gelato has become a Tucson post-hike tradition!
Biomes of the Sonoran Desert
The Santa Catalina Mountains are in the Arizona Uplands, the highest and coldest portion of the Sonoran Desert.
Biome - "Coarse ecological units based on the phenology, lifeform, and physiognomy of the dominant vegetation.
-  Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network - National Park Service.
Biomes are determined primarily by temperature and rainfall, and are based on vegetation because plants are easily recognizable components of a biological community.  (Dimmitt, 2015).
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Biomes of Sonoran Desert Network Parks
-​from Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network - National Park Service
Desert 
At around 3,000' elevation, the first mile or so of this hike begins where the desert biome is transitioning into the thornscrub biome.  It wanders through a gorgeous landscape of saguaros, cholla, barrel cactus, and yucca succulents as well as mesquite, creosote bush and paloverdes shrubs.  A great biome because plants are tough yet beautiful at the same time.  Tough because plants have devised strategies to help them survive, such as thorns as a physical defense against predators, and hair on leaves to shield the relentless sun. Thorns and bristles act to shade and insulate certain crucial parts of cacti.  Creosote bush adapts to the hot sun with wax-coated leaves to avoid loss of water.

Thornscrub 
Before ascending the canyon wall at ~ 3,500', the landscape is transitioning to this biome, continuing with mesquite trees and catclaw (acacia) shrubs.  Thornscrub has short trees with cacti, and is denser than desert biome.  Vegetation grows lush with a lot of wildflowers.   The climate is nearly frost-free (tropical).  Plants shed leaves during dry season (drought-deciduous).  

Semi-desert grassland
As the trail climbs just past 4,000 feet, a noticeable change in vegetation occurs:  saguaros become scarce as the ridge is dominated by ever-increasing fields of bunchgrasses, oak and juniper.  Calming, muted and soft neutral grey/greens replace bright primary colors of the lively, unrestrained desertscrub.  Sotol, creosote and agave mix with a diverse array of grasses.  As the trail gradually climbs, junipers become more prevalent.  This land supports more succulents and shrubs.  Hot pink Parry's penstemon add color to this landscape.

​
Madrean Evergreen/Pine/Oak Woodland
​At the intersection with the trail to Finger Rock, ~ 5,200', larger trees such as alligator juniper appear.  Evergreen oaks like Emory oak and Arizona white oak along with Mexican pinyon pine dominate this biome, named after its origin in the Sierra Madre mountain range that runs through Mexico and along the Gulf of California.  These are subtropical woodlands.

Temperate Forest
A unique characteristic of the Sonoran temperate forest biome, officially beginning at around 6,000 feet elevation, is the cohabitation of lower-elevation desert plants, such as the yucca with spruces, pines, firs and maples.  Species diversity reigns, although seemingly not to the degree of the desertscrub biome.  Temperate forests are very cold-hardy and confined to cooler sites above the Madrean evergreen woodland.  One of my favorite parts of this trail is where it crosses the creek to climb up to the intersection.  The forest has some Ponderosa pines (reminds me of Idaho).  At the top of Pima Trail, just below Kimball's summit, there are large alligator junipers to admire.
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Beginning the canyon climb with Finger Rock on the opposite canyon rim (small rock tower just left of tree on horizon).
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The promise of a super-bloom after an unusually wet winter.
This photo was taken at our rental property in Tucson.
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Near beginning of east canyon wall climb.
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On east canyon wall entering semi-desert grassland biome.  
Getting closer to Finger Rock on the horizon.
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Finger Rock at far left.
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Looking down-canyon at city of Tucson.
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Climbing up toward intersection with side trail that goes to Finger Rock.  Walk on bedrock this portion of the hike.
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Looking back down canyon with Parrys penstemon in grassland biome.
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Intersection of our trail (Finger Rock Trail) and a trail that leads to Finger Rock on left side of canyon.
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If this old alligator juniper could talk....
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Continuing up to saddle and some awesome rock formations.  
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Looking back at Linda Vista; there's a short trail that goes to the saddle at mid-horizon for a great view of Tucson.
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Getting closer to the intersection with the Pima Canyon Trail.  Looking at Mt. Kimball's thick pine/oak/chaparral vegetation at left horizon.
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Looking back down Finger Rock Canyon; the prickly pear are studded with lots of flowers.
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​Madrean Evergreen/Pine/Oak Woodland
​Madrean refers to the 
Sierra Madre mountain range that runs through Mexico and along the Gulf of California.
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Temperate forest - one of my favorite portions of this hike, however sadly affected by recent wildfire.
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Intersection of Finger Rock Trail and Pima Canyon Trail.  Finger Rock Trail continues to Window Peak and intersection with Ventana Canyon to the east.   Follow Pima Canyon trail.  Mt. Kimball seen above!
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Nearing the summit - killer views of Tucson and mountain ranges to the south and southwest.
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The point at which you turn off the Pima Canyon Trail and hike on this spur trail to Mt. Kimball's summit.
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 We left Pima Canyon Trail early, before the sign that indicates Mt. Kimball on the way up and went through this badly burned area.  On the way down, we hiked the more-traveled spur trail to the sign.
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Spur trail to summit
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The summit of Mt. Kimball once again!  View to the north toward Catalina State Park and the western Santa Catalinas.
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View of the southwestern Santa Catalinas and Tanque Verde ridge east of Tuscon on far horizon.
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Fred and Sue: happy that we can still hike this summit!
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On the way back down; my favorite forb - pink Parry's penstemon.
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Finger Canyon's southeast-facing wall on the way down.  Thinking about the Frost Gelato in our near future at this point.
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The beauty of the desert/thornscrub biome:  saguaros, brittlebush, ocotillo, cholla and prickly pear.
Cool stuff on the trail.
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Parting shot:  sun shining on The Finger left side of canyon and Mt. Kimball.  Getting really close to that Frost Gelato!  Great day on this sky island with beautiful weather.
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GPS tracks and elevation profile for Mt. Kimball, Pusch Ridge Wilderness, from CalTopo.
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Google Earth image of our GPS tracks.
References
Bezy, J. V.  2016. A Guide to the Geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona:  The Geology and Life Zones of a Madrean Sky Island.  Arizona Geological Survey.

Mt. Kimball.  Summit Post website.

Dimmitt, et al.  2015.  A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert.  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press and University of California Press.
​
The Sky Islands.  From website:  Sky Island Alliance.

The First Inhabitants.  From Mt. Lemmon General Store and Gift Shop website.
2 Comments

Hike Moapa Peak, 6,471':  Knife's Edge Excitement

5/1/2023

2 Comments

 
We met our match on Moapa Peak's fabled "knife edge" final ascent, and came within 160 feet of the summit.
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Left photo:  the final ridge to Moapa's summit.  We climbed 3,200' to the high point in the foreground (seen just under the summit in photo), then turned around because this knife's edge seemed too exposed.
Right Photos:  knife edge from The First Church of the Masochist website, whose party made the summit.
Trip Stats
Overview:  An enormous gray fin sticking out of the desert floor, Moapa Peak's knife-edge ridge tests the hiker's fear-of-heights-and-exposure factor.  Ascend a pretty braided stream wash and then prepare for a steep, rugged climb over sharp limestone the rest of the way, negotiating a few Class 3 rock faces, paying close attention to rock cairns that mark an elusive trail that aggressively elevates you to sneak under Moapa's southern summit block.  Gashes, chasms and sheer walls appear as you hike, with spectacular views of the empty desert far below.  Descriptions of the final exposed ridge to the top include "exhilirating", "thrilling", and "incredibly fun."
Location:  Southeast Nevada, Mormon Mountains - Bureau of Land Management.
Distance/Elevation gain:  Trailhead = 3,134'.  Summit = 6,471'.  Our hike = 7 miles to 6,310'.   To the summit = 7.3 miles.
Difficulty/Navigation/Exposure:  easy - moderate effort through wash, strenuous Class 2 and Class 3 on cairned trail, moderate to significant exposure (cliff edges or drop-offs 2-3 feet away) on final ridge.  Navigation moderately challenging.
Coordinates:  Trailhead =  36.83395,-114.44132.   Summit = 36.85856,-114.45.
Date Hiked:  April 2, 2023.

Prominence:  1,671'
Maps and Apps:  Stavislost hike report, Bureau of Land Management - Nevada/Overton topo map.​
Geology:  Paleozoic rocks of Mississippian period - 340 mya.  Normal faulting due to Great Basin extension.
Lists that contain Moapa Peak:  Las Vegas Mountaineers Classics (rank #46), Sierra Club Desert Peaks Section (#52).
History:  Moapa Valley, south of Moapa Peak is famous for the cantaloupes it produces from its farmlands.  Native American word "Mo-a-pa" means a valley or canyon with a large stream of water flowing through it.
Related Posts:
Davidson Peak
North Schell Peak
Virgin Peak
Sunflower Mountain
Wheeler Peak
Nevada Hikes
Gold Butte NM
Bowl of Fire - Lake Mead
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Our GPS tracks from narrow point of wash (bottom) to near Moapa Peak's summit. Out of the wash, the trail climbs to saddle (lower left), then ascends over rock ledges, some of them Class 3, continues along southern base of summit block, then curves around at base of final ridge to summit.
more GPX track maps at end of this post

Moapa Peak, included on the Sierra Club Desert Peaks Section list is a distinguished, stand-alone hulk of narrow limestone noticeable on the north side of  I-15 north of Las Vegas.  It's a classic desert peak, well-fortified by a series of almost vertical ramparts at its base.  It's one of the more memorable and exposed hikes I've done.   Trip reports reveal hikers who have summited, as well as those who reportedly turned around when they saw the final exposed "knife-edge" ridge to gain the last 160'.  After skirting around the south cliff face, the route wraps briefly to the north at a saddle, where the Class 3 climbing up the final ridge begins.  Although the narrow ridge proved too daunting for Fred and I, the hike was worthwhile because the steep drop-offs give the slight feeling that a few missteps may plunge you into the chasms and canyons below.  We found the "trail" mostly stable and easy to follow.  The views of the ribs of dark and sharp mountain ranges rising from flat and buff-colored desert washes are spectacular.
​
Occasional fossils appear in this Paleozoic limestone (see photos below).   I'm not sure what they are, so if someone knows, please contact me!  One of them looks like fish, another looks like petrified wood.
Harder than Mt. Katahdin's knife edge?
​
Maine's Mt. Katahdin, it's highest, has a famous "knife's edge" traverse to the summit.  Fred and I summited Katahdin when we lived in New England and felt it wasn't too scary.  Reports say that it narrows to four feet of width in a few places.  I think Moapa Peak, which reportedly narrows to one foot, is more intimidating. 

Side note:  Mt. Katahdin is the northern terminus for the Appalachian Trail.  While we were on the summit, we saw a hiker who had just completed the entire trail arrive at the famous terminus sign.  I'll never forget the look on his face!  Some of his family was there to greet him.​
Hike Summary
  • from Moapa Peak trailhead, the road leads past walls of dark chert layers in limestone and up a slight hill, where you see the wide braided-stream wash that leads the way to Moapa Peak.  Hike up the wash in a NE direction for ~ 1.5 miles to end of wash and beginning of climb to saddle.  We saw occasional cairns.  The wash narrows and boulders appear near head of wash.  Cairn on left side of wash marks trail that gets you out of the wash and heads toward saddle above.  The trail crosses the drainage shortly and continues steeply to the saddle on the right side of the drainage.  Saddle is 1.9 miles, 4,483'.
  • Climb a series of ledges, two of them Class 3, looking for cairns that mark trail switchbacking up the steep slope.
  • At 2.4 miles arrive at platform (less steep climb) to ascend northeast over another small saddle marked with a cairn to see the trail at base of south side of summit block.  At 2.8 miles, skirt around base.
  • At 3.5 miles arrive at saddle between 2 high points on Moapa's eastern ridge.  Just as you go around to the north side, locate a cairn to guide you up Class 3 climb up a cleft to final ridge climb to summit.
I would avoid doing this hike in the summer months.  I know from experience, since we roasted on this hike last summer and turned around at the saddle because of the heat and intense sun.   

This is a unique hike that not many get to experience.   This beautiful mountain won't make it easy for you to gain its summit, or even get to its approach ridge.  The Nevada desert is stark and hard and the limestone unforgiving.  And, the only flat spot is found briefly on the saddle above the approach drainage.   Fred and I are lucky to be able to explore this exquisite part of the southwest.  Now when we see Moapa from I-15, we can see how high we got on that very vertical mountain.
Keep on Exploring!  Get It While You Can!
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Driving toward Moapa Peak:  Joshua Tree in spectacular bloom after a very rainy and cooler than usual 2022-23 winter.
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Park near trailhead sign.
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Start by walking on road that leads to approach drainage.  Look at what we get to climb!
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Road passes by impressive display of layered chert in limestone.
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Yucca with bloom in wash - heading to low hill on left side of photo.
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Occasional cairns mark way up braided stream drainage.
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Drainage narrows.
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A bit of boulder-hopping and maneuvering as you get closer to head of drainage.  Duck on the right boulder.
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Trail continues left of large dry waterfall - entry to this trail that takes you out of the wash is marked by a cairn.
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Once out of the wash, everything here is steep!
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Cairns mark trail that continues up to saddle (top of photo).
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Getting closer to saddle, then the trail goes up and works around the rock ledges ascending from saddle on the right.
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Looking back down toward end of wash from the saddle.
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At saddle, cairns mark trail that ascends the ledges and walls to the north, with some Class 3 climbing.
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One of the walls to climb to get up over the ledges.
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The trail continues over these ledges to the less-steep and more open terrain above at top-middle photo.
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On the ledges section looking back down at the saddle above drainage.
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The trail ascends to the left of this huge wall.
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Cairns mark trail as it transitions from the steep ledges to less-steep but narrow "platform".
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Looking back at relatively flat platform above ledge section.
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Getting closer to the summit!
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Walking around south face of summit block.
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Continuing up toward summit ridge after the walk around south face.
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Reach Moapa's east ridge for spectacular views to the north - Mormon Mountains.  Travel a short distance around Moapa's east ridge to the left to find cairn marking entry onto the final ridge to summit climb.
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The northwest-facing side of Moapa Peak summit seen here.  At first, we missed the cairn to lead us up the walls on the left, so we kept walking along this north side for a short distance.  When we didn't see any footprints in the snow here (earlier we met a climber who was on his way down from the peak) and no more cairns, we went back to beginning of the ridge and found the cairn (bottom of photo) marking entry onto the knife's edge part of final ridge ascent.  It's here you take a left to find another cairn in the cleft on the left.
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Making our way back down after turning around at scary knife's edge!  A bit disappointed we didn't summit, but still really happy we got that far on this unique hike with its breathtaking views and drop-offs, and steep, narrow approach.
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Trail comes close to this deep chasm.
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On the way back heading toward saddle that leads to platform above the ledges section.
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Snow-covered Virgin  Peak in the distance to the east.
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On the way down:  view to the west of Nevada's parallel mountain ranges caused by extension in the Great Basin tectonic province.  Great Basin rifting (extension) is the second major tectonic episode that shapes this area; it began ~ 30 mya and continues today.  Normal faults result from extension - a pulling-apart of Earth's crust.
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Tilted sedimentary beds.  Nevada is interesting because it has undergone major tectonic forces of mountain building, shearing, faulting and rifting.
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Descending down the ledges section.  Virgin Peak on the horizon.
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Mojave Prickly Pear
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Mojave Yucca
Some cool stuff on the trail.
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Our GPX tracks and elevation profile on Caltopo maps.
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Our GPX tracks walking around Moapa's east ridge and final ascent.  The tracks show that initially we went too far along the north face and then we turned around to find the entry to the ridge.
References:
Indian Names in Utah Geography.  From Utah Historical Quarterly Volume 1, Number 1-4, 1928 by Utah State History.

Carpenter, J.A., 1989. Structure of the southern Mormon Mountains, Clark County, Nevada and regional structural synthesis : fold-thrust and basin-range structure in southern Nevada, southwest Utah, and northwest Arizona.  Master's thesis dissertation from Oregon State University.
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    About this blog

    Exploration documentaries          –  "explorumentaries"  list trip stats and highlights of each hike or bike ride, often with some interesting history or geology.  Years ago, I wrote these for friends and family to let them know what my husband, Fred and I were up to on weekends, and also to showcase the incredible land of the west.  
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    About the Author
    Sue Birnbaum

    A  trip to Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Monument 40 years ago sparked my passion for hiking, exploring, and learning about desert ecosystems.  I met my husband Fred on Mt. San Jacinto.  We've explored the American West together; we love this land and I hope to inspire you to get out and explore through my photographs and trip descriptions.
    In 1992, Ray Wilson and I conceived the first Cactus to Clouds hike which climbs over 10,000 feet in one day to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto near Palm Springs, California.
    CACTUS TO CLOUDS HIKE 
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    ABOUT SUE
    Some of my favorite websites:
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    ​Awkward Botany
    ​amateur botany for the phytocurious

    Bird and Hike

    ​"Intended to encourage people to visit, learn about, and fall in love with the desert."
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    Draw and Shoot
    Beautiful Photography

    Daring Dayhikes
    "Interesting places you can visit with a daypack."  Terrific Tucson and other desert hikes and East Coast, too.


    Earthline: The American West
    Debra "writes to extol our beloved Earth." Detailed hike info, excellently written.
    ​

    Geologypics.com
    Geology and Geologic Time through Photographs

    Glenn Suokko
    Vermont artist's paintings "inspired by a place based on the land .... drawn to painting the representation and abstraction of nature."

    In the Company of Plants and Rocks
    ​A natural history blog about botany, plant ecology, and geology.


    MishMoments:  Joy of Photography
    this website is "
    about capturing that special moment in life’s journey and making the most of the time we have."

    Nature's Depths
    Walking through nature with John Palka, a neuroscientist who loves plants and ponders big questions.


    Rangewriter - What Comes Next?
    ​Linda's excellent writing brings to life her interesting adventures, "curiosities and thoughts", post-retirement.

    SeekingLost - Hiking and Backpacking Adventures.

    Stav Is Lost- Unconventional, out-of-the way hikes in the American West.


    Uprooted Magnolia
    ​Leah Yetter's beautiful "photo journal on life, love, and the spirit of Wyoming."

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© 2017 - 2025 by Sue Birnbaum.  Photos on this website are the sole property of Sue Birnbaum unless otherwise indicated.  Please receive permission before publishing my trip reports and photos.
I try my best to be accurate with my hike descriptions; please research your adventures, always bring a map and compass and know how to read them, be prepared!  All of these hikes can be dangerous; hike at your own risk.  ALWAYS carry the Ten Essentials with you on hikes. 
​Please feel free to contact me with comments or questions, or if you see any errors that need attention.
Thank-you for stopping by!


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