Butcher Jones Trail: Desert Hiking With Lake Views at Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is a reservoir in the Tonto National Forest about 40 miles east of Phoenix. Most people who go there arrive by boat. The Butcher Jones Trail is for the ones who’d rather hike.

The trail runs 2.5 miles along the north shore of the lake through classic Sonoran Desert terrain. Saguaro cacti on the hillsides, creosote flats near the water, and open views across the lake the whole way. It’s one of the few places in the greater Phoenix metro where you get genuine desert hiking and actual water views on the same trail.

Trail Overview

Butcher Jones Trail starts at the Butcher Jones Recreation Site on the north side of Saguaro Lake. The trail heads east along the lake shore, staying close to the water for most of its length. Round trip is 5 miles with only 200 feet of elevation gain. That makes it technically easy on paper, but the rocky, uneven surface slows you down and demands more attention than paved or packed-dirt trails.

The hike is not a stroll. There are no dramatic climbs, but you’re picking your way through desert rock the whole time. Expect to spend 2 to 2.5 hours on the full round trip at a comfortable pace.

A short side trail branches off toward a secluded cove about halfway along the main route. It’s worth taking if you have time.

Quick stats:

• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 200 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best season: October through May

Getting There

The trailhead is at the Butcher Jones Recreation Site: 13022 Bush Highway, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.

From Phoenix, take the Beeline Highway (AZ-87) north to Bush Highway and head east toward Saguaro Lake. The recreation site is signed on the north side of the road before you reach the lake marina. Google Maps handles this route well.

The day use fee is $8 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass covers this fee, which makes it a worthwhile buy if you visit Tonto National Forest more than twice a year. The recreation site has restrooms and a picnic area at the trailhead.

No permit is required beyond the day use fee. The parking lot can fill on popular weekend days. Arriving before 8 a.m. avoids the crowds and gets you the best light on the lake.

Trail Description

Miles 0 to 1.0: Trailhead to First Lake Views

The trail begins at the parking area and heads east immediately into open desert. The first section crosses a flat stretch of creosote scrub before angling toward the lake shore. You get your first unobstructed lake view around 0.4 miles in.

The Sonoran Desert vegetation here is typical of lower elevations in the Tonto Basin. Saguaros on the rocky slopes above the trail. Palo verde and ironwood closer to the water. Brittlebush in winter and early spring adds yellow flowers across the hillsides.

The trail surface is rocky throughout this section. Watch your footing from the start.

Miles 1.0 to 1.5: Cove Side Trail Junction

Around the 1-mile mark, a signed side trail branches south toward a small, secluded cove. The cove is sheltered from boat traffic and usually quieter than the main recreation area near the trailhead. It’s a good lunch spot or turnaround point if you want a shorter outing.

The cove has a narrow sandy beach area. Check current Tonto National Forest rules for any swimming restrictions before wading in.

Back on the main trail, the route continues east with the lake staying visible to the south. The hillsides above the trail get steeper here and the saguaros thicken on the rocky slopes. You’ll hear motorboats on the lake and occasionally see watercraft crossing the open water below.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Upper Shore and Trail End

The eastern section of the trail climbs slightly and provides the best elevated views of the lake. You can see across to the south shore where the lake narrows toward the dam.

The trail ends at a natural point where the terrain becomes too steep and rocky to continue. There’s no formal terminus marker. When the trail runs out, head back the way you came. The return trip on this trail is different enough in perspective, with the lake now to your north, that it doesn’t feel repetitive.

Total out-and-back: 5 miles. Most hikers take 2 to 2.5 hours.

What to Bring

Rocky desert trails demand proper footwear. The Butcher Jones Trail surface is loose in spots and jagged in others. Flat sneakers won’t do well here. A pair of light desert hiking boots or grippy trail runners handles the terrain without adding too much weight for a 5-mile hike.

Water is non-negotiable. There’s nothing on the trail itself, and the day use area has water only at the restroom facilities near the trailhead. Carry at least 1.5 liters for the full round trip. In warmer months or spring, push that to 2.5 liters. A hydration pack is more practical than bottles because you can sip without stopping on the rocky sections.

The trail has minimal shade for its full length. Sun protection matters here. A sun hoodie covers your arms and neck without overheating you in fall and spring temperatures. Add a wide-brim hat.

A few other things worth packing:

• America the Beautiful pass if you have one
• Electrolyte tabs or drink mix for any hike in warmer weather
• Camera or phone with decent zoom for lake and wildlife shots

Photo Spots

The first open lake view at 0.4 miles is the obvious shot. Morning light hits the water from the east and the reflections are cleanest before any boat traffic starts.

The cove side trail gives you a lower-angle view of the lake with rocky shoreline in the foreground. This works better as a midday shot when the water is fully lit.

On the upper shore section between miles 1.5 and 2.5, look for spots where the saguaros on the hillside above you frame the lake below. The combination of desert cactus and open water is the photo that makes Butcher Jones trail unique compared to every other Phoenix-area hike.

Bring a lens that can reach across the water. Motorboats, kayakers, and the occasional great blue heron work well as mid-distance subjects with the canyon walls of the opposite shore behind them.

Safety Notes

For any trail emergency, call 911.

Cell coverage is generally available at the trailhead and for the first mile of trail. The eastern section closer to the 2.5-mile end can drop to one bar or lose signal. Download your map offline before heading out.

Heat is the serious risk at this lower elevation. Saguaro Lake sits around 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures here regularly hit 110°F and there’s almost no shade on the trail. June through September is a hard no unless you’re starting in pre-dawn darkness. May and October demand an early start.

The rocky surface creates ankle-roll risk throughout the hike. Don’t rush the footing, especially on the way back when legs are tired.

Rattlesnakes are active in the rocky sections, particularly in spring when temperatures warm up. Watch where you step and don’t reach into crevices in the rock. Gila woodpeckers and cactus wrens are common. Coyotes pass through the area near the trailhead, especially early morning.

The recreation site trailhead has had car break-ins. Don’t leave bags or valuables visible in your vehicle.

Related Trails

Butcher Jones Trail is a strong option if you want something different from the mountain hikes that dominate the Phoenix trail scene. The combination of low elevation gain and lakeside scenery makes it hard to replicate elsewhere in the metro.

The best hikes near Phoenix article covers the full range of Phoenix-area options if you’re planning multiple day hikes. For a completely different Sonoran Desert experience with bigger saguaro density and longer trail options, Saguaro National Park is another 60 miles east but worth the drive for a full day out.

If you’re combining Butcher Jones with a full day at Saguaro Lake, the marina area has boat rentals and a restaurant. It’s a reasonable way to end a morning hike with a meal before the drive back to Phoenix.