Butcher Jones OHV Trail [CLOSED] is a 16.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Fort McDowell, Arizona that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. I don’t know how people are doing this but it’s illegal and the closure is through June 30 unless the federal order is lifted before then. This lake is set in the magnificent Sonoran … Butcher Jones features a pleasant nature trail and a gently sloping beach which makes safe, gradual changes in depths adjacent to picnic area. You may see other people stand-up-paddle boarding, camping, jet skiing, and speed boating. take the North Bush Highway a half hour out of the north end of Mesa and turn right just after the Saguaro Lake Marina the trailhead is two miles down the road at the Butcher Jones Recreation Site The trail is only one way in and out and it’s ugly don’t know how else to describe it. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Families and those new to hiking would appreciate the trail as well as those who need a deserved respite from the desert heat.While hiking across the peninsula toward the Salt River, you’ll encounter two separate forks before you reach the end of the trail. As you continue on Butcher Jones Trail, the second fork will split between Burro Cove and Shoreline Access. Take the Bush Highway turnoff on the right (south) for approximately 2 ½ miles to Butcher Jones Beach Road (FR 166). By late '62 after 150k visitors it closed two months for renovations due to being so busy. Both reach the end of the trail in about ¼ of a mile, and both offer stunning views of the river. It gets very crowded at times so get there early!Narrow trail following the lake with good shade in the morning and beautiful views!Amazing trail! First mile offers the most shade. Pass Fort McDowell Casino on your left-hand side and continue into Tonto National Forest. The trailhead is in the southeast corner of the parking lot.With its slight elevation gain, Butcher Jones Trail is by no means a difficult hike. There’s a little area where you can hike down towards the water and hangout.We enjoyed this trail a lot. Lots of cactus and trees in the path in places so would recommend wearing long pants. The trailhead is in the southeast corner of the parking lot. Length 16.2 mi Elevation gain 1,722 ft Route type Loop Ohv / … The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving and is accessible year-round. Butcher Jones Trail runs along a section of Saguaro Lake’s northern shore, offering many scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Remember to buy a Tonto pass, either before arriving, or you can pay with a credit card in the parking lot.
You’ll begin a slight decent toward your left as you walk along the edge of one of the lake’s fingers. The hike begins just north of the lake’s beach; the trailhead is well marked at the southeast corner of the parking lot. Butcher Jones Trail [CLOSED] is a 4.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona that features a lake and is rated as moderate.