Butcher Jones Trail Hike- Saguaro Lake

Today's hike was an easy hike around Saguaro Lake in Tonto National Forest. It was an out and back hike of about 4.8 miles. We headed west on US Hwy 60 to Ellsworth Rd north which became Usery Pass Rd and then we turned Rt onto Bush Hwy to Butcher Jones Trailhead next to Saguaro Lake.

Click on the photos to enlarge

 

 

The trail hugged the shoreline with some minor elevation changes and switchbacks. After about a mile or so the trail moved inland and crossed over to another side of the lake.

 

We stopped at a nice high point in the trail with some great views of the foliage near the water and the contrast of the cactus and shrubs further from the lake. We had about 40 hikers in our group and everyone was taking photos and enjoying the views.

There is a marina at one end of the lake that allows storage and access for fisherman and pleasure boaters that include kayaks, sailboats and tubing. This is truly an oasis in the desert. With about 40 hikers in the group there was plenty of conversation and getting know new folks to the hiking club this season. I plan to go on the Friday hike to Pass Mountain. This will be an 8 mile hike of moderate intensity. The back side of Pass Mountain is said to be very scenic. I should be able to get some good photos.

Also, this Sunday we will be renting a car and heading back to IL and IN to visit my Dad, brother, kids and grandkids. Looking forward to celebrating the Christmas holiday with family. Not looking forward to the weather since it will be about 30-40 degrees colder than our weather here in AZ. I think we can handle it for a couple of weeks. I'm sure I'll have some family photos to add to the blog.
Busy, busy.