Hike the Butcher Jones Trail #463 near Phoenix, Arizona.

Saguaro Lake is formed by the damming of the Salt River at Stewart Dam and is well loved by boaters and fishermen, especially in the summer months. However, in the winter, the boaters thin out considerably and some nice hiking opportunities open up. The Butcher Jones Trail along the lake edge is an excellent way to experience the area without a boat.

The Tonto National Forest has instituted a parking permit for this area. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase this pass at the trailhead. So if you arrived at the trailhead without a permit, it's about a 20 mile backtrack to get one. So please remember to purchase one in North Mesa before you leave or online (link: http://www.tontopermits.com/). As of April 2013, it is $6 for the tonto pass.

The first half mile has a railing and is partially paved. This section is rather crowded by fisherman looking for lake access. Don't worry, because they seldom hike more than 0.5 miles from the trailhead. The rest of the hike you will have mostly to yourself. The trail contours around the various coves of Saguaro lake, providing some nice views of the lake and surrounding Sonoran desert.

After passing Peregrine point, the hike contours around a small bay and starts a climb up to a small hill. This hill provides some nice views before descending again to just above water level. There are several water access points here and the major trail junctions are well signed (JCT 1L and JCT 2L on the map). Continue to follow the signs pointing towards the Butcher Jones Trail #463. After Camper Cove, the trail heads away from the lake into the desert and over a small saddle to good views of the four peaks and Burro cove. You can probably turn around once you see Burro cove, as lake access would be a nasty bushwack and the trail eventually peters out near the lakeside anyway without any decent lake access or views. Best to make this the turn around point and backtrack to one of the lake access points for a nice lunch.