The Trek in a snapshot
Location
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Managing Agency
Alaska DNR
Pets
Allowed
Fees
None
Restrooms
Yes. Pit style. Located in the parking lot
Camping
Allowed in parking lot
Trail Condition
Dirt and rock trail on the tundra
Sights
Finger Mountain, granite tors, vast tundra landscapes
Water Info
Bring a bottle of water if needed
Best Season
Summer, fall
Distance
About 1/2 mile roundtrip
Time Required
30+ minutes
Parking Elevation
2162 ft
Summit Elevation
Varies slightly
Elevation Difference
Varies slightly
Trek Planner Maps
Finger Mountain Parking Lot: 66°21’27.27″N, 150°27’40.25″W
Finger Rock: 66°21’19.12″N, 150°27’9.70″W
Experience. Discover. Explore.
Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!
There are two trails here at Finger Mountain. One of the trails does a loop to the north and features information kiosks about the tundra and area in general. The southern trail goes up close to Finger Mountain.
North Trail
The north trail is a very easy walk that goes to the top of a short granite knoll, circles around below it and comes back to the parking lot. There are information kiosks about the tundra, animals and plants that we found interesting.
Some of the things you will learn about is that Finger Mountain was used as a landmark for hundreds of years. It was also used as a landmark by bush pilots.
On top of the short granite knoll you will have an incredible overlook of the Dalton Highway and the oil pipeline.
Trail to Finger Mountain
Just south of the parking lot there is a very narrow dirt 1/2 mile trail that you can go directly to Finger Mountain. It really isn’t that far and the trail is easy to follow.
You can see the 40 ft spire from any place on this trail. So if you somehow get off the trail, just hike towards the spire and you will get there.
Finger Mountain is not really a mountain but it is named for Finger Rock which has served as a landmark in the area for hundreds of years. We spent a few minutes climbing on it and then came back to our car to continue our drive north.
Personal Thoughts
This was a nice and welcoming stop after being on the Dalton Highway for nearly 100 miles already. If I come back here I will be making another stop at Finger Mountain to enjoy the views.
Grew up in Fairbanks and had no idea this was nearby. The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the area. We stopped initially just for a break, but quickly decided we will make another trip specifically to spend at least a full day at Finger Rocks. They were stunning and easy to climb/walk up even for overweight dogs. I regret not taking any pictures as I left my camera in our vehicle. Worth the drive!!
Thank you for your comment, Matt! I completely agree with you that the finger rocks area is absolutely memorable and stunning! I could easily spend a few weeks exploring on all the trails and roads up that way!