Wear pants to avoid cactus scratches on legs. Too busy to call? Tonto National Forest requires a $6 daily park pass that can be purchased at a 24 hourChevron Gas Station a few miles outside of Saguaro Lake area. Its challenges are limited to three or four patches of rocky terrain but none that require scrambling or the use of ones hands. Hiking Butcher Jones main trail a number of times, I felt the urge to go off the beaten path and to explore and GPS the undocumented areas of the Saguaro Lake region. The basic trail begins at the beach of Saguaro Lake then smoothly guides you through environmental information regarding the history and local fauna of the area. The Butcher Jones Trail follows the rim of Saguaro Lake. I suggest leaving early in the morning and trekking out before temperatures reach above 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius). Crowded on Saturday but still an easy hike with good views. Send a note to us at hello@sports360az.com. Im taking you along for my adventures as I check hikes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities off of my Arizona bucket list. Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed on the first beach. Estimated Time: 3 hours. No campfires on the beach. Beauty Level: Nice. Follow Bush Highway 2 miles to FR 166 and turn left. Try this 10.1-mile loop trail near Fort McDowell, Arizona. Really pissed me off. Although I began my hike at 6:45 am, it wasnt until about 9:30 am before I saw them. #fyp #arizona #butcherjones #trending #broncowildtrak #builtwild #ford #offroad #viral #foryou". The return to Butcher Jones Recreation Site is along the same route. Our small dog had no problem hopping all the rocks and loved splashing in the lake. However, this might be different in the summer. All in all, the beautiful winter weather and yes, even the golf, make for an excellent backdrop for the best daytime party in town. United States government. It was a great day. After spending a short while on Pinters Point, I began to traverse in a northern fashion to another ridgeline and began descending down into a washed out ravine that I knew would head down to the beginning of the main trail where I started. View your favorite zones in 3D. The Desert Belle, the lakes two-story excursion tour boat glides back and forth. Watch out for horse droppings at the beginning of the trail. Drive safely and take the corners slow. Amazing views. Standing on the peak of Mt. Going through this area, you will get scratched up sooner or later due to weaving through some dense thorny bushes and branches. Pinter Loop. This is how I get to cove 2 correct? Recreation Site No conditions reported in the past 7 days. A slight easterly breeze blankets the rocky summit and makes for a quiet and peaceful place to take in the sights and to have a well-deserved brunch. bring your swim trunks, the water is amazing (cold water dunk after a run is ). On saguaro lake, this recreation area starts out with an easily accessed main beach with a large parking lot and a large beach open to the public. This is a popular trail for off-road driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. View all images of the trail:http://www.arizonatrekker.com/treks/butcherjones/, View Complete Trekking Data:http://www.movescount.com/moves/move43858876. Jones Boys Motors. Narrow in some spots and rocky. That said if i lived on the other side of the city that would add an hour to any of those places, Phoenix is huge. The ravine brings you back onto the main trail heading back into the beach area and parking lot. Pac-12 sends 31 players to the NFL scouting combine: What that means and what to watch, Congrats to Jon Wilner! However, I believe it's one of . The trail could be better maintained. From Mesa, take State Hwy. Thupertrooper Posts: 674 Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:17 pm Location: Mesa,AZ. 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. The road there was closed. Cave Creek Group Campground: Open. Entrance fee is $6.00. I love taking the family there that way we can enjoy some time splashing in saguaro lake. We love this hike but please dont think this is a easy jaunt beside the lake. Use that 4x4 switch on your Path and go get dirty! The gate is closed for the foreseeable future. View community ranking In the Top 1% of largest communities on Reddit Butcher Jones Trail, Lake Seguaro, Arizona, United States . Butcher Jones Trail . Moderate 4.6 (4460) Tonto National Forest. Once at the cove, you will be back down at lake elevation. If your dog loves water, this hike should be at the top of your list. The greenish Mojave Diamondback is lethal to both children and adults. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Pets must be on leash at all times, and are not allowed on the beach or wherever it is posted that animals are not allowed. Whiteline - W53377A - Control Arm - Lower Inner Bushing - Front. Butcher Jones OHV is closed/locked. Pass Ft. McDowell and a few miles further take a right on the N. Bush Highway Exit. Print/PDF map. This trail is filled with all off-road vehicles, sxs, dirt bikes, 4wheelers. yes, we typically head down to the third cove and have lunch, To bad i wasn't drinking on the trail easy there guys with jumping to conclusions. At this point, start trekking across one shallow ravine and head back toward the main trail. No more than 15 head of livestock are allowed in a group. Starting along the Butcher Jones 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. Richard asked a question about a trail near Saguaro Lake. Gate is locked with combination padlock. Can see four peaks at the end of the trail. This popular beach/picnic area is one of the most-visited sites on the Tonto National Forest. Figured we would give it a shot going out butcher Jones. Print/PDF map. Today there were gorgeous spring flowers and everything is green! Busy for trail running but overall an amazing trail. Take care in watching for diamondback rattlesnakes. Request. love this place, but don't tell too many people. We took some off-road trails to the water which was closed off as well. This blog was thoughtfully written by Jia Oak Baker. This portion of the trek is amazing. Lots of people due presidents day holiday. You wont regret this 2-3 hour hike or even some time on the beach. This is just a video of what the trail is like to help give riders an idea of the terrain. Butcher Jones Trail Hike. Willow Springs Basin Tank via Bulldog Canyon. Butcher Jones Day Use Area: Open. 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This area is heavily trafficked as the view of the lakes beach, with its marsh and striated cliff, come into view on the right-hand side. Turn south (right) on Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and travel 2 miles to FR 166, and then turn left. Photoset ddgrunning 2022-12-26. Fantastic hike!!! As the trail sweeps back to the southwest, there are several spur trails that lead to shoreline fishing opportunities. You can still get to the cove just takes alittle longer. Butcher Jones Trail provides amazing views of Saguaro Lake. Cove 3 and 4 are our favorites! 213 m. place Trail Overview ; list Trail Stages; hotel Accommodation; restaurant Amenities; chat Trail reviews; import_contacts Articles It is really 2.5 miles in and then back. They are independent publications and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan or Infiniti. Generally considered an easy route. Got close enough to hear & see a rattlesnake, beautiful views of the lake, mostly single track, sometimes rocky. Vault toilets are available in the parking area. For a small fee I will guide a small group through the Mt. Steep Incline Descending Mt. Saw rattler on path. Pinter. Its a hike. Use that 4x4 switch on your Path and go get dirty! Information Copyright 2000-2019 by NICOclub, all rights reserved. Want to report conditions for this trail? The landscape is dotted with towering saguaros, cholla, jojoba, and prickly pear, just to name a few of the plants. Share sensitive information only There's nothing super special about the Butcher Jones Trail. Take great care in heading down this side of the mountain. Definitely narrow. Mesa, Arizona 85215; Phone: (480) 610-3300; Visit Website Directions. After Camper Cove, the trail heads away from the lake into the desert and over a small saddle to good views of the four peaks and Burro cove. While hiking across the peninsula toward the Salt River, youll encounter two separate forks before you reach the end of the trail. All of this area contains wild horses, especially in the summer time. Most of the motorized routes are simply 4x4 roads but the scenery is great here. Deep ravines and cave-like structures are within the massive rock walls. A friend and I took my FJ Cruiser out to the first cove early yesterday morning. Pinter Loop, Saguaro Lake. Mainly, willow, ash, cottonwood, sycamore, and mighty saguaro cactus blazon the path along the way. Length 10.1 miElevation gain 1,017 ftRoute type Loop. Motorized boats need to be launched at Del Norte Recreation Area, kayaks/ paddleboards are fine. 05, you must have 4WD, high clearance, excellent articulation or lockers. Pinter, incredible views from every direction can be seen. There are a few shaded areas if rest is needed. Be mindful of the cholla cactus that is prevalent on this side of the peak. On a warm, winter morning, the amount of action on the water seemed hardly imposing. To get down and up the obstacle at Wpt. Go about a mile past road to marina and turn right on Butcher Jones Road. Trail gets more difficult based on which cove you end up at. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. One of the most fun hikes weve done. Summit of Mt. Also, I have not yet ventured deep into the cave since I dont carry a powerful flashlight in my pack. The Off Road version is so rare! I have included a map. This is not a rocky trail like other desert trails. If you go with us in the future, you'll have to leave that shit at home. You can buy one onsite for $12, or at various local retailers in Phoenix for $8. At the base of the main trail the altitude is 1,506 feet (459 meters). After Peregrine Point, the trail surface becomes more difficult. . Part way along there's a long bank that you will have to negotiate, would be tough in a stock Taco. The eastern side is the trickiest part of the descent since there is no trail and the footing is extremely loose. This is a good way to have a trail shut down. Follow FR 166 for 2 miles to the site. Butcher Jones Trail Hiking Details: Distance: 5 miles. Along the shore youll see men and women fishingstanding in the water, floating in kayaks, riding in boatstrying their luck at trout, walleye, bass, and catfish. Come walk and a view Saguaro Lake. Posted by ArizonaTrekker in Arizona Trekking, Butcher Jones Trail / Mt. Butcher Jones Peak. Photos (4,862) Directions. Easy/moderate hike with only a few climbs. The Butcher Jones Trail is a pleasant 2.5 mile (one way) hike with outstanding access to Sonoran Desert landscape, the north shore of Saguaro Lake, and views of the surrounding mountains. Across one shallow ravine and head back toward the Salt River, youll encounter two separate before... Alittle longer to weaving through some dense thorny bushes and branches dogs are not allowed on water! Running but overall an amazing trail trail gets more difficult based on which cove you end up at Fort! 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