Hiking to Finger Rock - A Photo Essay
62Our First Attempt of the Season to Reach Finger Rock.
On Christmas Eve my son, Victor whose nom de plume on HubPages is Sith Penguin, and I decided to take some time away for Christmas preparations to go hiking. For years we have been hiking the two trails in the Coronado National Forest that are near where we live and lead to the top of Mt. Kimball which rises 7255 feet above sea level or a little less than 5000 feet higher than the elevation where we live.
We have talked about dropping one car off at the parking lot by the Pima Canyon Trailhead and driving to the Finger Rock Trailhead and hiking back over the mountain to the Pima Canyon parking lot but have never attempted it. This year we would like to just get somewhere near the top of Mt. Kimball from either trail - or, at least reach Finger Rock - and, now that summer is over and the weather cooler we plan to begin launching more attempts to reach the mountain.
But on this day, we didn't start until 3:30 in the afternoon and our goal was to simply get some exercise and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Finger Rock - This Season's First Objective
Map of our Hiking Area
This home has a spectacular view - and equally spectacular property taxes.
Start of Trail - Finger Rock is straight ahead between the two peaks
Forest Fire on Mountain a couple of years ago almost reached the homes we just passed.
Homes on edge of Coronado National Forest
Victor Surveying Trail
We advance up the canyon
It's 4:15 & Time to turn back - With its zoom lens my camera appears to have gotten closer than we did.
Even on December 24th one can work up a sweat hiking in these parts.
Sunset approaches
"Can You Hear Me Now?"
The Moon rising
And To All a Good Night
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Derek - the photo in the link you gave ( http://www.nordali.bravehost.com/ ) does appear to be the scenery found in the deserts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado or New Mexico.
Chuck - I am refering to the photo shown on this webpage
www.nordali.bravehost.com
Someone told me it looked like somewhere in Arizona
Hi Chuck,
This is an interesting hub with great pics. Thanks for sharing.
Derek - I am not sure which photo you are referring to but all of the photos in this Hub were taken by me (and thus owned by me) and all were taken either at the entrance to the trail while standing on N. Alvernon Way in Tucson, AZ (note: N. Alvernon Way ends at the start of the trail, which is located in the Coronado National Forest the boundary of which begins where N. Alvernon Way ends) or taken while on the trail itself. The map in the second photo shows the detail of the trail area itself.
Does anyone know where this photo was taken?
www.nordali.bravehost.com
Great virtual hike : ) Thanks!
outdoorjunkie - thanks for your comments. As for the sign, the upper parts of this area were on the edge of a major fire (started by lightening) that ravaged the side of this mountain a couple of years ago and threatened the homes in the picture before firefighters were able to contain the fire and stop its spread.
Looks like an awesome place... I got a chuckle out of the warning sign. I'm usually not into hiking the desert but I guess it may be worth checking out.
hey Chuck,
nice hike there in Arizona. Any snow during winter? Like here in Austria? -> http://hubpages.com/hub/Alpine_ski_touring_in_Vora"
-mark
Thanks Ralph. I totally agree about Tucson and Phoenix, Tucson is way better than Phoenix, but then I am biased. Thanks again and Happy New Year.
Nice pictures! The saguaros are beautiful. I have a brother and sister in Tucson, and we enjoy visits there every year or two. Tucson is much nicer than Phoenix.
Actually no. I have lived in Tucson for over 20 years and the only scorpions I have seen were in the Desert Museum zoo. As to javelinas, they have come around where I lived twice (once in front of my apartment in the complex we lived in and once down our present street) and both times they moved away before I could get a picture of them.
That's really cool. My parents used to live in Tucson. Were you worried about scorpions or javelinas?
Kenaramaaike 16 months ago
I really like the last photo! Its very unique! The moon is beautiful!