Hiked Mt. Kimball (7,258’ AMLS) today via the Finger Rock Canyon trailhead (3,120’ AMSL). This hike is about 5.6 miles one way and of moderate steepness (732’/mile); it took me a bit over 3 hours up and 3 down plus time for lunch on top and time to chat with other hikers along the way. This was the first hike in the Tucson area where trekking poles were beneficial; broke them out about half way up and put them away about 1/2 way down. Also the first hike in the area where I exerted myself; it felt great! I didn't need them but chose to wear my La Sportiva mountaineering boots for training purposes (extra weight) and because I hadn't worn them in about 6 months; want to avoid going too long without wearing them. Thought about brining my ice axe but since I don't have my crampons (they are somewhere in my storage unit:(), I was prepared to turn around if I encountered ice.
Great hike overall and great views from the summit. Met 5 groups of 2 hikers each plus 1 set of 4 hikers on my way down; I think I was the first one up this morning. A bit of crusty snow at the top didn’t require an ice axe or crampons but there were a few icy spots on rock slabs on the trail; a bit treacherous on the way up before the ice melted.
The trail starts out with plenty of Saguaro and desert scrub.
From this junction, it is about 15 minutes to the summit via Pima Canyon Trail.
Looking back at Tucson below.
From the summit.
From the summit.
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