Butcher Jones trail was named after Dr. William J. Jones who was a surgeon in the area. We don’t know how he acquired the nickname “Butcher”. It is a nice trail that allows residents of the Phoenix-Mesa area a great opportunity to get out outside on a warm winter or spring days into the Sonoran Desert with many photo opportunities and excellent lake views.

This trail starts at the Butcher Jones Recreational Area on Saguaro Lake. It offers different activities: fishing, swimming, kayaking, and even treasure finding.

After beautiful shaded pockets of Mesquite trees and bush, we come up to a section which has a railing and pavement. A large boat launch area was removed at Peregrine Point. From this point we can see the Marina, Stewart Mountain and other mountain ranges around the lake.

After passing Peregrine Point, the hike contours around a small bay and starts climbing up to a hill. This hill provides some nice views with Four Peaks on the background.

There is a place where the Flatiron in the Superstitions is framed through Willow Springs Canyon to the south.

On the way to Burro Cove, Debbie shows us a crested saguaro on the ridge of the mountain far out of our camera’s zoom-in.

All of us take turns to view it through Becky’s binoculars.

At the end of trail, we take lunch and get rewarding panoramic view of Four Peaks. There is a rock in the middle of the lake called Ship Rock, because it has the appearance of an old sailing ship with all the sails up.

After lunch, only seven people: Quy, Chuck, Monika, Debbie, John F., John S., and Becky, want to hike down to Burro Cove. The rest of the group hike back to the trailhead. The trail to Burro Cove is narrow and covered with nasty bushwhack of Mesquite, Palo Verde trees, and cacti along the way.

Except for the horrible trash we saw at Peregrine Point and Burro Cove, this is a wonderful trail that has Mesquite trees, Ironwood trees, reeds, water, desert plants, birds, and beautiful views surrounding.

Well worth paying for the Tonto Pass to get in.

Thanks to all for coming to support my fifth time in hike leading. Happy Trails!