Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Butcher Jones Trail Day Hike

when	October 15, 2025 Thursday
	Trip Report : December 18, 2022
	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. Optional side excursions lead directly to the water’s edge. You’ll see elaborate rock formations, wildlife (maybe) and thriving vegetation of the Sonoran Desert. We might see wild horses, eagles, herons and other animals there!     After the hike, we can sit at the picnic tables watching the boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders.
distance	5 to 7 miles, depending on side trips
time	3-5 hours
EC	+-800' elevation change
elevations	1506' (Saguaro Lake) to 1720' (ridge)
type	round trip, with optional shoreline excursions
starting at	Butcher Jones Trailhead 33° 34.538' N,  111° 30.823' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Butcher Jones Trail #463; optional side trails
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$8 per vehicle for a one-day Tonto Pass. National park pass also work. Each driver must buy a Tonto Pass before going to the Butcher Jones Picnic Area. They are sold at ranger stations, gas stations and convenience stores throughout the Valley. Or, you can use an America the Beautiful pass. Share gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Apache Junction
leader	Email the leader to confirm.
meet	7:00 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target. Or at Butcher Jones @ 8 AM.
drive	•  Take Highway 87 (Beeline Hwy) north to Bush Highway. • Turn right onto Bush Highway and drive 3 miles to FR166 (Butcher Jones turnoff). • Turn left on FR166 and drive another 2 miles to the Butcher Jones Beach area. • Where the road ends in a loop. Make sure your marked Tonto or National Pass is clearly visible on the dashboard.

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updated September 27, 2026	© Copyright 2026, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.