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USA :: Phoenix :: Saguaro Lake(Butcher Jones) |
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Panoramic View of Saguaro Lake from Butcher Jones Trail. Boat Launch Marina directly across (just left of foreground Cactus) |
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| Trip Summary | |||
December 25, 2023
Man-made reservoir on lower Salt River at Superstition Foothills. Access is easy via N. Beeline Hwy (Hwy 87) and just half an hour drive from Scottsdale. There are 2 areas: Boat Launch Marina and Butcher Jones recreation site. This lake is terrific resource and in scorching summer months it must provide welcome relief. After briefly checking Marina, I drove to rec area and set on hike. Area is in Tonto National Forest and they charge $12 USD (!!!!) for day use, but America The Beautiful Pass is valid as it is Federal area. Butcher Jones trail #43 is also described in "60 Hikes within 60 Miles" terrific guidebook. It contours lazily NE side of the lake with terrific views throughout. Eventually it leads to Burro Cove Vista but I hiked only to Campers Cove and enjoyed very peaceful half an hour before turning back. Recommended, Family-Friendly hike in beautiful area with far reaching views.
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Gallery |
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 Boat Marina
Saguaro Lake Boat Launch Marina, looking East |
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 Duck Colony
Colony of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) migratory Ducks at Saguaro Lake Marina |
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 Butcher Jones Trailhead
Trailhead Table at Butcher Jones East Road Parking Lot |
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 Saguaro Lake
View of Lake as Butcher Jones Trail lazily meanders over small Bays. Recreation Area Beach and Trailhead center right |
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 Cholla Cactus
Cholla Cactus, Typical Desert Vegetation, is plentiful along Butcher Jones Trail |
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 Camper Cove
Very peaceful Camper Cove ~1 hr from Trailhead. Butcher Jones trail continues for another 30-40minutes to Burro Cove |
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 Four Peaks Moon
Full Moon over Famous Four Peaks in east Superstitions Wilderness |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D2 | Some rocky sections with mild ups/downs but generally easy going | |||
| Scenery | Beautiful views across blue Saguaro Lake. Distant Superstitions Wilderness. Trademark Saguaro Cactus and other Desert Vegetation | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Good | Well defined trail with Trailhead Map. Potentially confusing area by Camper Cove junction | |||
| Suggested Time | 2hrs | Camper Cove Return; Add ~1hr for Burro Cove | |||
| Elevation | Start: 470m Max: 520m Total: ~100m | Round Trip: 6 km (Camper Cove); add 2km for Burro Cove | |||
| Gear | Day hikers. Hiking poles helpful for stability on rocky sections | ||||
| Water | Saguaro Lake (must be treated). Carry 1L, more in summer | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Assuming no extreme heat. Butcher Jones Trail is quite popular so please keep control of your dog | |||
Saguaro Lake GAIA Map
Saguaro Lake Elevation Profile