Finger Mountain Dalton Highway Alaska

Finger Mountain – Dalton Highway Alaska

The Trek Details

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

Trail Map

GPS Coordinates

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.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer
Very spacious parking lot and rest area
Very spacious parking lot and rest area

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.

Finger Mountain

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.

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

On top of the short granite knoll you will have an incredible overlook of the Dalton Highway and the oil pipeline.

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain



looking back towards the parking lot
looking back towards the parking lot

Trail to Finger Mountain

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

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

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.



Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain

Finger Mountain



Finger Mountain

Personal Thoughts

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.

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Matt

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!!

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