Pontatoc Ridge Trail

Terrific, shorter trail (less than 6 miles round trip). Still a couple of very steep parts but mostly intermediate level. Trailhead has a dedicated parking lot for a dozen cars but on weekends they are all taken, especially from 9a - 2p.

Came around 10AM on a weekend, plenty of parking, no shade for most of the hike although it ends in the shade which is nice. Goes upward most of the way, probably would've been a lot easier if it weren't so hot. Come early! Views were good, could see the city and the other mountains around as well.

What a perfect trail for the family. The parking lot is a little small but we found a spot right away. The kids were taken immediately by the nature and it was notably clean. There are multiple trails you can access, the scene is instagram worthy, and I saw something about camping around there.

Pontatoc Ridge trail is a steep hike with great views and some really pretty special spots to take a break, picnic on a rock, or just commune with nature or a hiking buddy once you get to the top. You can go up to 4.3 miles to the trails end, but you can get to good views in just 1-2 miles one way. Starting from the Finger Rock trailhead, with its free paved parking area, you can choose the Finger Rock Trail or veer off to the right onto the Pontatoc Ridge Trail, which travels east along the backside of the housing development for a few hundred yards. The turn off happens pretty shortly after the beginning of the trail (it drops you down into a wash) and can be a little easy to miss.You meander through the wide part of the canyon a bit before switch-backing up, up, up to Pontatoc Ridge itself. You will eventually have an option to turn left for Pontatoc Canyon trail, but I like to continue on the Ridge trail which wraps around this rock outcropping and pops you out on top. There is a pretty magical cholla "forest" on top and lots of boulders and hidden spots to explore or rest awhile.No dogs allowed because this is Bighorn Sheep area, please respect the wildlife and leave your dog at home.