The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. So palatial. There is trash if you go on the trail closer to the water but I thought this trail was fine and very dog friendly! The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are stunning. Vault toilets are available in the parking area. One thing to note is the trail is very narrow for most of the time, so be sure to bring a mask and wear long sleeves/pants to avoid sickness and stabbyness and you’ll be good to go! There are few trails that take advantage of the Salt River as it meanders between Superstition and Four Peaks Wilderness, with most of the recreational focus on watercraft either on or between the reservoirs. Starting at the Butcher Jones Recreational area, with its popular shaded picnic areas, sandy beach and cool, clear water, the Butcher Jones Hiking Trail first winds along the lake’s lower shoreline. The most amazing views!! Trail is back open and some of the prettiest views you’ll find in the area! One, was that I had heard that on weekends and during the warmer spring, summer, and fall months, the trail becomes jam-packed with crazy lake-goers and trash so we had the fact that it … Saguaro Lake, the most easily accessible of four reservoirs on the Salt River, is a sight for eyes parched by the urban desert landscape. Butcher Jones Trail There were two main reasons why I was itching to try this hike. menu Where: Butcher Jones Trail, Arizona . You get some red dirt like hiking in Georgia. Mesa, AZ 85215 Discover (and save!) The Butcher Jones Hiking Trail winds around the northern edge of the lake, passing through a surprising mix of terrains. This trail is currently open as of 12/13 and it was a great experience! Near Apache Junction, Arizona. Most people just took their chances (as did we) and weren’t ticketed. Most of the route hugs the … This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. One location that has the passes for sale is the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 87 and McDowell Street. Butcher Jones is a convenient spot for launching your kayak or paddleboard as well. easiest, then more difficult Trail length: 2½ miles Season of Use: All year Where: Butcher Jones Trail, Arizona . Butcher Jones Trail: 2020 Top Things to Do in Maricopa County. OR. The Butcher Jones trail runs along the northern shore of Saguaro Lake, offering many scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Butcher Jones Trail is a 7.9 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona that features a lake and is rated as moderate. There the water laps the shoreline, and usually a few ducks provide entertainment as they bob for food. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Photos and trail descriptions of 'Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake' and more, submitted by the Outbound community. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat! This blog was thoughtfully written by Jia Oak Baker. You can also find a retailer on. I took my dog and he loved it, though if you do take your pup, check their paws when you get home. 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. Has spectacular views. It has a decent amount of shade which is wonderful, goes up and down so you're not just going uphill the whole time, and affords you amazing views virtually the entire time. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . Trail is any … This trail has some narrow parts making it a tight fit while passing other hikers. Really nice trail and one of the most beautiful in the Phoenix area. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Butcher Jones Trail along the lake edge is an excellent way to experience the area without a boat. Slow going over the rocket patches - but doable and beautiful scenery!! Butcher Jones OHV Trail [CLOSED] is a 16.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Fort McDowell, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. : Attribution: davidpinter You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix – to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. The trail is faint in several places, but it’s still there. The Desert Belle, the lake’s two-story excursion tour boat glides back and forth. 8 utes torture tested – SHOCK winner! Camper’s Cove will split off to your right, leading to a marshy inlet. Water, mountains, cactus, canals! definitely worth hanging out by the water with some sammies if you've got time. Category Hiking; Posted October 23, 2018; by Jacob Emerick. Near Apache Junction, Arizona. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Butcher Jones Trail along the lake edge is an excellent way to experience the area without a boat. Who: Ed, Marilyn, Dave, Diane, Kevin, Joanne, Rob, Meike . You’ll encounter just a few rocky patches where you’ll want to watch your footing. Butcher Jones Recreation Site FEES $6.00 per vehicle per day TERMINI West end: 1,535 feet elevation at Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Hiking trail information for central Arizona's Tonto National Forest - Butcher Jones Trail 463. The Butcher Jones Trail is not the kind of hike where you will exert a great deal of effort to climb to a mountain summit or where you will see unique cultural sites or endemic species. The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving and is accessible year-round. Trip.com provides tourists with Butcher Jones Trail attraction address, business hours, brief introduction, open hours, nearby recommendation, restaurant, reviews etc. Currently closed not because of COVID, but because of the Bush fire. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Hosted by Fountain Hills Hiking Club. Once you reach Peregrine Point, where you see the lake’s expanse with the marina in the far right and the high canyon walls on the other side, the crowd of hikers thins. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. Accomodations: (on site) Toilets Water Ranger Station Directions: From Phoenix/Fountain Hills area, take the Beeline Highway (87) North to the Bush Highway turn off on the right. 10 Killer Backpacking Trails in Yosemite National Park . What is so exceptional about Butcher Jones Trail is the view as it winds along the eastern shore of Saguaro Lake. Richard asked a question about a trail near Saguaro Lake. Take the Bush Highway turnoff on the right (south) for approximately 2 ½ miles to Butcher Jones Beach Road (FR 166). Specifically, I hiked Butcher Jones Trail nestled along parts of Saguaro Lake, which has been created by the Salt River projects (dams and thus water for the valley). Butcher Jones Trail I spent the rather warm (upper 80s) Easter day to the mountains. Trail begins at the far east end of the beach. 2020 4WD UTE COMPARISON! You may see other people stand-up-paddle boarding, camping, jet skiing, and speed boating. Coon Bluff Rec Site. The views are photo worthy. Fair warning, the fee is $12/day but this is probably my favorite hike in the greater Phoenix area. You can find her on Instagram at @violetsky29. This trail is rocky and narrow but enjoyable, with great views of the lake. In '64, three Saguaros were axed down across a road in an attempt to cause an accident. The Day Pass for Tonto National Forest is $8 and needs to be purchased ahead of time. Trail runs along the side of the lake. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. easiest, then more difficult Trail length: 2½ miles Season of Use: All year Just about an hour away from Phoenix, Butcher Jones Trail offers majestic views of this lake, its canyon walls, and the wildlife that surrounds it. From Phoenix, take AZ-Loop 202 East to the Beeline Highway 87 North. However, this might be different in the summer. I pulled a thorn out about a centimeter deep that my pup wasn't acting annoyed with but it was definitely something that could've ended in an infection. Families and those new to hiking would appreciate the trail as well as those who need a deserved respite from the desert heat. The trailhead is in the southeast corner of the parking lot. Length 16.2 miElevation gain 1722 ftRoute type Loop The 4×4 Trail. After a bumpy ride, you’ll wind up at a secluded beach on the south side of the lake that you couldn’t access otherwise. Log In. Show Map. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase this pass at the trailhead. 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. Both reach the end of the trail in about ¼ of a mile, and both offer stunning views of the river. Connect with Facebook. Butcher Jones hike is 5.3 mile in and out trail along Saguaro Lake. The Butcher Jones Trail was it. What is so exceptional about Butcher Jones Trail is the view as it winds along the eastern shore of Saguaro Lake. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase this pass at the trailhead. The recreation area opened in 1960. : Attribution: davidpinter You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix – to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. The great thing about this trail is that you maintain a view of the lake through out most of the trail. Butcher Jones Trail Day Hike; when: Trip Report: December 22, 2018 : Trip Report: December 5, 2015 : Trip Report: December 8, 2013 : Trip Report: January 3, 2009 : Trip Report: March 4, 2006 : where: Saguaro Lake: the hike Walk a pleasant trail which provides unforgettable views of mountains across the waters of Saguaro Lake. The trail begins as asphalt trail and looks like it once could have been set up as an ADA accessible trail for a floating fishing pier which is now closed, because of extensive high water or storm damage. Answer: The Arizona Republic … We ventured out this morning for a nice long hike. Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones - AZ Land Rover Rally 2007. Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Hikers can hit the dirt here by way of the Butcher Jones Trail that wraps around a peninsula with secluded coves. Make sure to pick one up prior to reaching the trailhead. The great thing about this trail is that you maintain a view of the lake through out most of the trail. You’ll begin a slight decent toward your left as you walk along the edge of one of the lake’s fingers. BUTCHER JONES TRAIL BUTCHER JONES TRAIL. Saguaro Lake Recreation Area: Saguaro Lake Marina. Bring your camera. This popular beach/picnic area is one of the most-visited sites on the Tonto National Forest. Butcher Jones Trail Saguaro Lake, the most easily accessible of four reservoirs on the Salt River, is a sight for eyes parched by the urban desert landscape. Beautiful hike ! Industry experts expose the truth - … BUTCHER JONES TRAIL BUTCHER JONES TRAIL. Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones - AZ Land Rover Rally 2007. Butcher Jones hiking trail is peaceful and relaxing Butcher Jones Trail provides amazing views of Saguaro Lake. The first section of the trail is wooded with mesquite trees that accumulate into a thicket and offer a shaded canopy. 14011 N Bush Hwy, Apache Junction, Arizona 85264. your own Pins on Pinterest Butcher Jones OHV Trail [CLOSED] is a 16.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Fort McDowell, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Links. Burro Cove, which is the hike's destination commands an impressive view of Four Peaks in the distance. Beautiful views. Turn left and go 11 miles to the Bush highway exiting towards Lake Saguaro. One, was that I had heard that on weekends and during the warmer spring, summer, and fall months, the trail becomes jam-packed with crazy lake-goers and trash so we had the fact that it … By late '62 after 150k visitors it closed two months for renovations due to being so busy. Will not reopen until March 15 2021 :(, Butcher Jones to the Beeline OHV Route [CLOSED], Willow Springs Basin Tank via Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls and Saguaro Lake OHV Loop [CLOSED]. Check it out: ... Much of the trail parallels the lake, so you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views every step of the way. The Tonto National Forest has instituted a parking permit for this area. If you’re into this sort of thing and are well equipped, you’ll find Butcher Jones Offroad Trailhead on the north side of the parking lot. Saguaro Lake. clock. Colorful mountains surround the Salt River basin and add a dramatic backdrop to the lake. January 17, 2015 January 17, 2015 Posted in Adventure, Hiking. This hike is rated easy with an elevation climb of 584 feet. Perfect if you want to camp too. Narrow and rocky but well packed. The only downside was that there were a lot of warnings about needing a parking pass but you have to buy it before you get to the trailhead. Virtual Tour of Butcher Jones Trail #463. Answer: The Arizona Republic 's … However, getting to the “peaceful” part requires some effort. In central Arizona, Butcher Jones Recreation Site is a place to get your water fix, as well as hiking, picnicking and sunbathing. Just leave the card on the car’s dashboard. This area is heavily trafficked as the view of the lake’s beach, with its marsh and striated cliff, come into view on the right-hand side. The first 1/4 mile to Peregrine Point is paved to provide for wheelchair access. Looking back toward Butcher Jones “beach” Previous reports made for this trail on other sites described a path laden with trash. The Butcher Jones trail runs along the northern shore of Saguaro Lake, offering many scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains. 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. The landscape is dotted with towering saguaros, cholla, jojoba, and prickly pear, just to name a few of the plants. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. The trail does continue to the left and descends down to the shoreline and through an extended area of overgrowth. Follow the access road (Forest Road 116) 2 miles to the site. Its challenges are limited to three or four patches of rocky terrain but none that require scrambling or the use of one’s hands. As you continue on Butcher Jones Trail, the second fork will split between Burro Cove and Shoreline Access. Take Bush Highway south to the Butcher Jones Beach Rd, make a left and take it to the beach. Trail Description: Visits a number of coves along the north shore of Saguaro Lake. Butcher Jones Trail [CLOSED] is a 4.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona that features a lake and is rated as moderate. A vid of all 3 coves at Saguaro Lake / Butcher Jones trail in Arizona with my Grand Cherokee and a JKU Wrangler Experience the wilderness surrounding Butcher Jones Recreation Area. Butcher Jones Trail Saguaro Lake, the most easily accessible of four reservoirs on the Salt River, is a sight for eyes parched by the urban desert landscape. Question: Who was Butcher Jones, and why is a trail named after him near Saguaro Lake? This lake is set in the magnificent Sonoran … Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near Butcher Jones Trail. Butcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. The trail’s slight elevation changes add variety and interest along a path that is fairly well groomed. Photos and trail descriptions of 'Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake' and more, submitted by the Outbound community. We’re pretty slow hikers and this took us about four hours round trip. $12 Tonto National Forest daily pass required. In the backdrop of … Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST. On Tuesday, the Bush Highway remained closed in both directions after the fire jumped the roadway at Butcher Jones.