Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Butcher Jones Trail Day Hike
| when |
February 15, 2025 Saturday
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Trip Report :
December 18, 2022
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Trip Report :
December 22, 2018
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Trip Report :
December 5, 2015
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Trip Report :
December 8, 2013
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Trip Report :
January 3, 2009
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Trip Report :
March 4, 2006
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| where |
Saguaro Lake
|
| the hike |
Walk a pleasant trail which provides unforgettable views of mountains
across the waters of Saguaro Lake. Optional side excursions lead directly
to the water’s edge. You’ll see elaborate rock formations,
wildlife (maybe) and thriving vegetation of the Sonoran Desert.
We might see wild horses, eagles, herons and other animals there!
This hike is described in
Footloose from Phoenix, by Ted Tenny, pages 116-122.
|
| distance |
5 to 7 miles, depending on side trips |
| time |
3-5 hours |
| EC |
+-800' elevation change |
| elevations |
1506' (Saguaro Lake) to 1720' (ridge) |
| type |
round trip, with optional shoreline excursions |
| starting at |
| Butcher Jones Trailhead |
33° 34.538' N, 111° 30.823' W [NAD27]
|
|
| on trail |
100% — Butcher Jones Trail #463; optional side trails |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
$8 per vehicle for a one-day
Tonto Pass.
National park pass also work.
Each driver must buy a Tonto Pass before going
to the Butcher Jones Picnic Area. They are sold at ranger stations, gas
stations and convenience stores throughout the Valley.
Or, you can use an America the Beautiful pass.
Share gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Apache Junction |
| leader |
Email the leader to confirm.
|
| meet |
8:20 AM at
Red Mountain Park located at 7745 E. Brown Rd. in
Mesa (south side of Brown Road, east of Power Road). There is a stop light here.
|
| drive |
| • |
Take Brown Rd west to Power Road.
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| • |
Turn right and go north on Power, which bends east at the bottom of the
hill to become the Bush Highway. Continue east to the stop sign at Usery
Pass Road.
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| • |
Drive another 6.6 miles on the Bush Highway, then turn right at the
sign for the Butcher Jones Recreation Area.
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| • |
Turn right and drive east 1.8 miles to the trailhead, where the road
ends in a loop. Make sure your marked Tonto Pass is clearly visible
on the dashboard.
|
| • |
20 miles (40 round trip) from Red Mountain Park to the trailhead. |
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