Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Butcher Jones Trail 463
The shoreline areas of Butcher Jones, Peregrine Cove, Camper Cove and Burro Cove have fish habitat installed to enhance fishing opportunities. This trail was designed to provide access to the shoreline. This trail passes through parts of the Sonoran Desert. Beautiful Mesquite Bosque provides welcome shade. Adjacent to the picnic area is a gently sloping beach. Access to four-wheel-drive trail (Please keep gate closed to keep livestock out of recreation area). The trail has an average slope of 8% but has short stretches of 11% slope. Vault toilets (at Butcher Jones) are equipped with grab bars.
At a Glance
| Fees: | Tonto Daily or Tonto Discovery Pass required. |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | January |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Use of any mechanized or motorized travel is prohibited on this trail. No more than 15 people are allowed to be in a group. No more than 15 head of livestock are allowed in a group.
Please use trash receptacles: PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT! Carry an adequate supply of drinking water. One gallon per person per day is recommended during hot periods.Not recommended for any type of livestock. Day-use ONLY The picnic and beach area fills rapidly in spring and summer months, so come early in the day to get a spot. No motorized boats in the swimming area. Glass containers are prohibited in the Saguaro Lake Recreation Area. Pets must be on leash at all times, and are not allowed on the beach or wherever it is posted that animals are not allowed. Alcohol, sun and water are a deadly combination. To avoid injury, wear shoes when wading in the lake. No campfires on the beach. Pay attention to all signs and obey all the laws. No ATVs within the recreation site. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets accessible |
General Information
Directions:This site is 31 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 27 miles north on State Highway 87 to Bush Highway/Forest Road 204 and turn right. Follow Bush Highway 2 miles to FR 166 and turn left. Follow FR 166 for 2 miles to the site. The entire route is a paved road.
Activities
Day Hiking
This trail was constructed for easier access to lakeshore locations where fishing habitats have been installed. The trail starts at the east side of Butcher Jones Beach and follows the contours of Saguaro Lake. After Peregrine Point, the trail surface becomes more difficult. Continue through a pedestrian gate and follow the trail around Peregrine Cove. As the trail sweeps back to the southwest, there are several spur trails that lead to shoreline fishing opportunities. Camper Cove is the next fish habitat area that the trail passes. Heading east of Camper Cove the trail user comes next to Burro Cove. The return to Butcher Jones Recreation Site is along the same route.
| Elevation desc | West end: 1,535 feet elevation at Butcher Jones Recreation Site East end: 1,545 feet elevation at the north side of Burro Cove |