HomeArizonaTucson › Finger Rock Trailhead

Finger Rock Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 375 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
2 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Finger Rock Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surface2 miScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyWaterTrailhead parking

Entry point for a popular hiking route through Finger Rock Canyon, with city & mountain views.

What runners say about Finger Rock Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (375 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“Both times I've gone there was about a mile or 2 in a little stream that was a gorgeous spot to take a breather there and back, (and dip our hats in the cool refreshing water 😉).”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“Clearly marked trails and good pathways allow you to spend as long as you need to on the track with the ability to turn around at any point.”

Me and 8 others including 6 children hiked the full 4.5 miles of this trail. The reason I’m only giving it a 4 star rating is because it DOES NOT go to the finger rock. The name is deceptive. There is no trail to the finger rock itself. The trail starts out in full desert scenery.

★★★★☆ — Josiah , Dec 2022

Several options leading from trailhead. All get steep and technical before long, have nearly 0 share, and do not allow dogs. Parking is pretty limited during the Snowbird Season. Having said all that, some great trails and big views await.

★★★★★ — Steven , Dec 2021

This trailhead has possibly some of the best trails in the world. Me and my sister are both healthy and we’re able to complete the 6 mile hard level Trail. Previously, we have gone a hiking in Hawaii and that was great as the views were stunning but for most of the hike in Hawaii, you’re in the forest and just…

★★★★★ — Ethan , Apr 2024

5/23 - Was able to go again today. Made it to Saddle Ridge overlook I think it’s called. Best part was the spotting of a ‘Black Rattlesnake!!’ Just amazing and beautiful. 5/21 Great day for a hike. Went about 2.4 miles up and it was 70 degrees up there. Just beautiful.

★★★★★ — Private , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 375 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 24 mentions

“Both times I've gone there was about a mile or 2 in a little stream that was a gorgeous spot to take a breather there and back, (and dip our hats in the cool refreshing water 😉).”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 13 mentions

“Pristine views towards the Catalina Foothills and larger Tucson area make this hike a medium-difficult level adventure not to be missed if you enjoy elevation gain.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“Parking lot has a water fountain but I didn't check to see if they had water flowing.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Dogs are not allowed but on quieter Monday's or Tuesday's the odd friendly hiking dog would most likely not be told off.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 4 mentions

“All get steep and technical before long, have nearly 0 share, and do not allow dogs.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Pristine views towards the Catalina Foothills and larger Tucson area make this hike a medium-difficult level adventure not to be missed if you enjoy elevation gain.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Parking lot has a water fountain but I didn't check to see if they had water flowing.”

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Plan your run at Finger Rock Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitepima.gov
  • Phone(520) 724-5000

Hours

Monday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Friday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday 6:30 AM–6 PM
Sunday 6:30 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Finger Rock Trailhead

7119 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85718

Get directions

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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.