It gets a little dicey in some of the more narrow areas around the lake banks so be alert if you’ve got little ones with you. Butcher Jones Trail provides amazing views of Saguaro Lake.
This trail has some narrow parts making it a tight fit while passing other hikers. Go early for best experience. The scenery can’t be beat, perfect views of the lake the entire time. 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. Please remember, pack it in, pack it out! Butcher Jones is also a hub to test your offroading skills.
this trail was not even worth the 12$ you actually have to pay to get in. The great thing about this trail is that you maintain a view of the lake through out most of the trail. Lots of cactus and trees in the path in places so would recommend wearing long pants. 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. Trail is narrow, rocky in a few spots and lined with cactus. 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. There is a Shell and Circle K on E. Shea Boulevard off of AZ 87. Dog friendly for sure.
Guess that’s one way to have a trail named after you.
It gets very crowded at times so get there early!this trail was not even worth the 12$ you actually have to pay to get in. 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. Where: Butcher Jones Trail, Arizona . Narrow trail following the lake with good shade in the morning and beautiful views!Beautiful hike along the coastline of the lake. Well marked in and out trail with great views of the lake. I don’t know how people are doing this but it’s illegal and the closure is through June 30 unless the federal order is lifted before then. Plenty of shade for the first half of hike and got sunny towards the end. We loved the lake views on this trail. You get some red dirt like hiking in Georgia. This trail has some narrow parts making it a tight fit while passing other hikers. First mile offers the most shade. Remember to buy a Tonto pass, either before arriving, or you can pay with a credit card in the parking lot. Very beautiful views.This IS a great trail, and if I haven’t rated it before I will rate it now but it is still officially CLOSED and I haven’t hiked it since October. There’s snakes and this is definitely not kid or dog friendly if you take your kids or pets you should be ashamed of yourself. He lived in Arizona in the mid-1800s*. Very rocky and a lot of cactus along the trail.
Probably one of my favorites. Get there earlyTurn off your ad blocker to see a map of this trail
Look high to find desert sheep walking along thin rocky ledges. Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Trail. The 4×4 Trail. Perhaps it would be better another time of the year.
which was excellently navigated/narrated by Chicago native Captain Ken.
At an average pace you’re looking at about a 3 hour completion. Not difficult. Not too difficult of a hike and the perfect way to start your day — especially if you plan spending the rest of the day by the lake! Many large saguaro cacti cling to the canyon wall which many are colorful and dramatic sheer faces to the waterline. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. We had a nice lunch up there and it was just beautiful.
Great hilly trail that provides gorgeous views of Suguaro Lake and wild flowers.Amazing trail! Push past it- might not be the best for dogs (unless you don’t mind a muddy dogo).
When: February 9, 2019 .