Total distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: ~200 ft, gradual
Meet at Butcher Jones Trailhead at 7:00 am
This hike takes us out of the Valley to one of the nearby lakes. It is an easy to moderate out & back hike that offers beautiful views of Saguaro Lake as it winds around its shore. There is a slight elevation gain and a few patches of rocky terrain. If you need convincing to take this short road trip or to read more about the hike, check out the description on Alltrails or Google the images for Butcher Jones Trail.
And as icing on the cake, after the hike you can enjoy brunch at the Shiprock Restaurant, a short 8 minute (3.3 mi) drive from the Trailhead.
FACILITIES: NO WATER. There are vault toilets at the start.
BRING: Sturdy walking shoes, recommended 2 Liters of water, a hat, leave-no-trace toilet kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks/lunch if desired. Walking sticks are not required but recommended.
NOTE: Butcher Jones is located in the Tonto Nation Forest. Access requires a $8 Tonto National Forest Entry Fee per vehicle, or a National Parks pass.
Steven has been an integral part of our chapter since its revitalization in 2021 and is now a Chapter Coordinator. He has walked the Camino Frances and the Camino Portuguese (from Lisbon) and served as a Hospitalero in 2024. He has led many hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
2L Water and snack
Hat or sunscreen
Toilet kit
Hiking Poles
Personal First Aid Kit
Money (cash) for the Donativo jar if able
***$8 Tonto National Forest Entry Fee per vehicle or a National Parks pass***
Info on where to buy a pass: click HERE
There is NO water at the Trailhead.
There is a bathroom at the trailhead and please plan on using it BEFORE 7:00AM.
Bring a toilet kit that includes plans to pack any waste products out.
Please stay home if you are feeling sick.
Call or text your hike leader Steven at 480.465.9732 if you are unable to make it or are running late.
No dogs allowed due to chapter liability.
We will share the trail with other hikers, so despite our engaging conversations we will be aware of our surroundings and courteous by stepping off the trail or walking single file when necessary.
Reminders: Our chapter activities are led by volunteers. Donativo contributions (cash only) are greatly appreciated and are used to support future activities. Look for the orange donativo jar by the signup at the beginning of each hike.
We always gather in the spirit of the Camino; therefore the hike leader will maintain awareness of the pace of the group, and will stop periodically at trail intersections to allow all participants to catch up. Hikers/walkers are differently abled and will not finish at the same time. There will be a sweep for larger groups and no hiker will be abandoned. Please review the trail description before signing up to be sure the hike is right for you and your abilities.
Please note freeway construction restrictions along Valley freeways may impact travel time. Visit https://azdot.gov/weekend-freeway-travel-advisory and plan your route and travel time accordingly.
From Phoenix, take AZ-Loop 202 East to the Beeline Highway 87 North.
Pass Fort McDowell Casino on your left-hand side and continue into Tonto National Forest.
Take the Bush Highway turnoff on the right (south) for approximately 2 ½ miles to Butcher Jones Beach Road (FR 166).
Turn left and travel approximately 2 miles to the Butcher Jones Recreational Area.
The
trailhead is in the southeast corner of the parking lot.