BUTCHER JONES TRAIL

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/tonto/home/?cid=FSBDEV3_018749&width=full

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35461&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

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BUTCHER JONES TRAIL

BUTCHER JONES TRAIL Saguaro Lake Tonto National Forest Wrapping around the mountains and valleys surrounding one of Arizona’s most popular lakeside recreation areas, Butcher Jones trail offers a surprisingly peaceful hiking experience. However, getting to the “peaceful” part requires some effort. That’s because the first half-mile of the trail is usually congested with anglers, weekend picnic groups, rambunctious kids and manic water dogs. After that, though, the trail emerges from the commotion and climbs exposed desert ridges for spectacular views of the hillsides that form both the harbors and beaches of Saguaro Lake. High points along this gracefully undulating ribbon-like trail hover above cattail-choked coves and pebble strewn beaches with reflections of Four Peaks shimmering in the rich blue waters of the lake. In order to really appreciate the beauty of this trail, be sure to explore the spur paths that plunge to secluded shorelines and shady coves where silken, lazy waves lap at the bases of mesquite bosques and massive forests of saguaro cactuses. LENGTH: 5 miles round-trip RATING: moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 400 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) to Forest Road 204 (Bush Highway). Continue on the Bush Highway for 3 miles, turn right (east) onto Forest Road 166 and go another 2 miles to the Butcher Jones Recreation Site. The signed trailhead is located at the beach near the dock. FEE: A Tonto Pass ($6 daily fee per vehicle) is required. Information: visit fs.fed.us/r3/tonto or call (602) 225-5200