Little Kimball, AZ

Most who take the Finger Rock Trail have one of two goals in mind; Mt. Kimball and back, or the Finger Rock - Pima Canyon Traverse. It would seem that few know of this obscure peak, a mere 0.3 miles from the Finger Rock/ Pima Canyon junction. In fact, the register at the peak has recorded only seven visits in its four years of service. (This may be due to the shortage of paper and pencils at the peak. Keep that in mind if you drop pack at the saddle below).


Your excursion begins at a combined trailhead which includes the Pontatoc Canyon, Pontatoc Ridge, and of course, the Finger Rock Trail #42 (Take the #42, obviously). The first mile you'll be thinking "this is not as bad as people make it out to be". At 1.2 miles you will have changed your tune, as you've begun a 26%, uphill grade for the next three miles, without relief. All of this is made more than acceptable by the ever-present views ahead that just keep drawing you in.I could go on and on about the trail, but that's not why we're here. Let's fast forward to Kimball Saddle. This is where the Finger Rock Trail tops out and where it meets the Pima Canyon Trail #62. 60 feet east of the junction is the actual saddle, offering one of the most beautiful campsites in all of the Catalinas. Here, you are 4.36 miles in. The peak is 1,600 feet away, with just over 200 feet elevation gain, so drop everything but the camera (bring pen and paper) and head S/SE to that very visible, treed over knoll. There is a trail to the peak, though quite broken and sometimes overgrown. Not a real challenge, but it's not the AZT. Be prepared for a mild bushwhack.

You'll certainly know when you've reached the peak. It is the obvious high point, with a tiny clearing, and a stone shrine that houses an olive jar, registry. The precise peak offers no views as it is wooded over, but wanderings of its circumference will. Don't forget to bring your own pen and paper if you wish to join the official list of visitors here.

2013-05-17 Mountain_Rat