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BUTCHER JONES TRAIL
Saguaro Lake
 |
| Trail near Camper Cove |
Of the sting of reservoirs tethered by the Salt River 30
miles northeast of the Valley, amenity-rich Saguaro Lake is the closest and
easiest to find. This is one of the reasons why it's so wildly popular for
boating, fishing or simply bonding with a cooler and juicy novel under a
lakeside mesquite tree. Hikers can hit the dirt here by way of the Butcher
Jones Trail that wraps around a water-piercing peninsula with secluded coves.
Most of the route hugs the cliffs high above the lake, but fisherman paths to
the shore make nice scenic detours for photography, wildlife spotting or a cozy
lunch break. The trail's high points reveal fantastic views of the gaping Salt
River Canyon, 1930s-era Stewart Dam and surrounding mountain ranges. Arrive
early to get a good parking spot and be prepared to share the trail with
pole-toting anglers and gaggles of kids running off their hot dogs and
Kool-Aid. If noise and crowds cramp your style, hang in there---the commotion dissipates where the trail makes a hairpin turn around Peregrine Point.
LENGTH: 5 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1529' - 1600'
FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic tables
FEE: Tonto Pass is required. $6 daily fee
GETTING THERE:
From Mesa, go 27 miles north on SR87 (Beeline Highway) to exit
199, Bush Highway (FR204), turn right and continue 2 miles to the signed
turnoff for Butcher Jones Recreation Area. Follow the access road (FR116) 2 miles to the site. Trail begins at far east end of the
beach.
INFO: Tonto National Forest
MORE PHOTOS:
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