Trailblazers at Butcher Jones Beach. [photo by Ron]

Chuck, Norma, Vicky, and Ron.

Trailblazers reADY TO kayak. [photo by Ron]

Chuck, Anna, Norma, and Vicky.

When it comes to hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just about any other outdoor activity, there are good days, so-so days, and bad days. On exceptionally rare occasions, there are even a few perfect days. Today’s kayaking adventure on Saguaro Lake can only be classified as a perfect day. Perfect weather conditions, with temperatures in the upper-60s and lower-70s all day, gentle breezes throughout the day, creating an almost glassy smooth lake surface for much of the day, mostly sunny skies with a mix of billowing, puffy cumulus clouds to add drama to the sky, and relatively little power boat traffic on the lake. The iconic Desert Belle, ferrying passengers back and forth across the lake on sightseeing excursions, is by far the largest boat we’ll see on the lake today.

Norma, Vicky, Anna, and Chuck paddle across the lake. [photo by Ron]

Norma, Chuck, and Anna, with Four Peaks in the background. [photo by Ron]

The majestic Four Peaks rises to over 7,500 feet in elevation. [photo by Ron]

At 7,657 feet, Browns Peak is the highest point in Maricopa County. [photo by Ron]

By 9:15 a.m. five Arizona Trailblazer kayakers start paddling south from Butcher Jones Beach and Peregrin Cove. After about a mile and a half of easy and steady paddling, we come to a quiet and scenic little cove on the south side of the main channel called Razorback Point. We slowly make our way into this isolated part of the lake away from the usual noise and boat traffic on the main lake body. Here, we’re in a private little piece of quiet paradise, all to ourselves and surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation growth. In total shade now, the temperature drops at least ten degrees, and it almost feels a little chilly. We carefully paddle deeper and deeper into the cove, watching for submerged rocks and shallow spots. The channel gradually gets narrower and shallower. After about a half-mile, the water ends abruptly at the edge of a large gravel bed. This would be a great place to beach the kayaks and get out to stretch our legs and do a little hiking and exploring. But we’ll leave that for another time.

A Great Blue Heron watches for fish below his lookout point. [photo by Ron]

Anna takes a brief break from paddling. [photo by Ron]

As tempting as it is to stay here for a long rest break, we reluctantly turn around and slowly paddle back out into the main lake. We continue paddling east and eventually round a large curve in the channel before heading north until we finally approach Elephant Rock and then Shiprock, 2.5 miles from Butcher Jones Beach. Near Shiprock we spot a small group of hikers on a distant hillside that we had seen depart from the Butcher Jones Trailhead earlier in the morning. We hang out here for a short rest break before paddling another mile or so to the first wide sand and gravel beach we come to. Here, we pull onto the beach and get out for a relaxing bit of R & R close to Noon. We find a sprawling mesquite tree close to the water, providing lots of welcoming shade, and sit down for a lunch and snack break.

Norma in her sleek 15-foot eddy line LV kayak. [photo by Ron]

View of the rugged landscape around Saguaro Lake. [photo by Ron]

One of countless massive rock formations around the lake. [photo by Ron]

After lunch we start the long paddle back to Butcher Jones Beach. By this time on a typical day at the lake we start experiencing strong head winds on the way back. But not today. The winds are a complete no-show today, and its easy paddling all the way back past Shiprock, Elephant Rock, Razorback Point, and finally Peregrin Cove to Butcher Jones Beach on a remarkably calm and smooth lake surface. The boat traffic has gradually increased on the return trip, as we see the Desert Belle going out on yet another sightseeing cruise with a fresh group of passengers. By 1:45 p.m. we’re all back safe and sound at Butcher Jones Beach. Life has been good on the lake today for paddlers, hikers, power boaters, and Desert Belle passengers alike.

Anna and Norma paddle into Razorback Point. [photo by Ron]

Chuck paddles deeper into the point. [photo by Ron]

We finally reach the end of the line. [photo by Ron]

Elephant Rock is a major landmark on Saguaro Lake. [photo by Ron]

A hopeful cormorant takes a break on the top of a lake buoy. [photo by Ron]

Chuck paddles away from the shore. [photo by Ron]

Parting shot of lake’s wonderous rock formations. [photo by Ron]

Last view of the landscape around Saguaro Lake. [photo by Ron]