Finger Rock (Standard Route) 

For a much longer route to the top of Finger Rock, you can start down and left of the standard route. Climb a long pitch or two up easy rock passing some relic pitons after a chimney section (hard to find). Walk across a thin rock rib to join the standard route at the top of the first pitch at the tree. This is a more adventurous, less direct, and scrappier route.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FOUR FREAKIN STARS BABY!!!!!!!!!1111111111111111ONEONEONEONEONE

This climb made for a great day with a very climactic topout. A few things we learned that were different than what we'd read prior to our ascent: Three hours approach time is underrated even for fit parties and beautiful weather. There may have been some established trails at the terminal section of the approach in the past, but we did not find them. The hillside to the base of the Finger has degenerated into a torn-up weave of false trails, washes, and rockfall. The climb of the Finger, itself, can be done in two pitches (or one) with two well-established belay stations. There is a camouflaged register near the chains (before the final couple moves the very top.) The last stretch to the "skateboard" above the chains is not as precarious as previously described. Overall this made for an amazing day with friends and the rewards were well worth the effort.

the astonishing approach and spectacular 'summit' far outshine the unremarkable technical climb. early spring is the best time to seek this adventure. more info can be found here:

www.climbaz.com/Backcountry/page_html/page120.html

www.localhikes.com/hikes/fingerrock_8520.asp

for people who aren't crazy i would recommend half a rack, 10 slings, and a couple lockers to establish an anchor on the ledge with the trees.

also, this climb made me happy where i pee.

For anyone comfortable with solo alpine-ish rambles, this makes a great training outing. If approached as such, here are a couple thoughts...The crux is by no means 5.8, but a single move of 5.5 or 5.6 at most on positive edges with a small ledge immediately below; it could very feasibly be downclimbed, eliminating the need to bring a rope/harness and allow one to go as light as possible...or, one could carry a few double-length runners to rig a swami and clip the bolt for a bit more peace of mind...again, merely suggestions for those comfy with such outings. A fun outing overall, but pretty lackluster climbing to a sweet vantage.

Didn’t even need the #4. three quickdraws did the trick. Great climb! The falcons will put on a show for you at the top. Take a wrench, bolt on chains was finger tight. And the summit log is almost full.

When we climbed Finger Rock in spring, 1957, there was a note signed by Herb and Jan Conn still on the summit.

Guess Rick gets another trophy for Az FA climbing knowledge!

That's an awesome piece of history Don!
Thanks.

I soloed this route at least 4 years ago and it's the weeks of pulling out cactus needles I remember the most. That and my very stoned decent in the dark:)

If you climb straight up from the base, you need the #4. It's definitely harder than the second pitch. Traversing left on the first pitch I imagine is much easier.

Finished the Finger Rock hike/climb! I would have to be paid to do this climb again. 3800 ft of elevation gain in three miles. 4 hours to reach the base, then a short easy climb. 11 hours and 15 minutes round trip. Bragging rights are worth it, so I would recommend doing this climb once, but Babo was so much better. There is no-longer a scary, shifting rock on the summit.

Totally awesome at the top and the best urination of my life. Did the hike and the climb at night; started the trail at 7:42 and started the climb at midnight. It was a very surreal adventure hiking and climbing this thing at night with headlamps. The climb was forgettable but the summit was incredible. All you really need, as far as gear goes is three draws, one for the bolt and the other two for the anchors and an optional #2 that should be placed at the bottom, to keep the belayer from tumbling off the ledge if the climber falls.

I was in Soren's party. It was amazing! Also recommend a sling and a locker or two for the belay atop the 4th class. We left the car at 7:42pm and returned at 6:08am. 4 people and most had multiple trips to the top. What a great time. I was the first to top out, around 1:11am. We had 4 in the group, and the last of us rapped off at about 3:00am.