Butcher Jones Day Use Area

Area Status: Open

Butcher Jones Rec Site

At Butcher Jones, Mesquite trees provide welcome natural shade to picnic units. Butcher Jones features a pleasant nature trail and a gently sloping beach which makes safe, gradual changes in depths adjacent to picnic area. This popular beach/picnic area is one of the most-visited sites on the Tonto National Forest. This lake is set in the magnificent Sonoran Desert where horses are frequently seen.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Day Use Only
Open Season:	Year round
Restrictions:	Stay limit 1 day, no trailers, no motorized boats in the swimming area, glass containers are prohibited, pets must be on a leash, the picnic and beach area fill rapidly in the early spring and summer months. No OHV Access. Alternate OHV Access from Pobrecito.
Closest Towns:	Mesa, Saguaro Lake Marina
Water:	Not Available
Restroom:	Vault toilets (Accessible)
Passes:	The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information. Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability). Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices. America the Beautiful Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov. Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Nearest fee machine locations is at Saguaro Del Norte.
Information Center:	Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300

General Information

Directions:

This site is 31 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, take State Hwy. 87 for 27 miles. Turn south (right) on Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and travel 2 miles to FR 166, and then turn left. Follow FR 166 for 2 miles to the site.

View and download a map.