Eight Trailblazers are ready to brave the elements on Saguaro Lake. [photo by Li]

Ron, Eugenie, Michael, Bruce, Patti, Debbie, Tom .

Butcher Jones trail provides exquisite scenic views of Saguaro lake making it one of the most beautiful trails in all of Arizona. Butcher Jones’s name comes from Dr. Wilson Walker Jones, an influential surgeon, mine owner, and rancher who lived in many parts of Arizona during the mid 1800’s. According to records he was friends with Jacob Waltz, the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine owner. Since he performed surgeries on his dinner room table he was given the nickname Butcher Jones.

View of Saguaro Lake

Eight trailblazers gathered at the shores of Saguaro Lake for an easy hike on December 18th. The weather was great if not a little chilly in the early morning with overcast skies. To my surprise, we were the only few people in this area which was a plus.

We had Saguaro Lake to our selfs

The trail started on flat ground then quickly ascended up a raised lake bank. Passing a tunnel formed by arching trees and bushes, we walked on the narrowed pathway along the water; on the other side of lake, a blue heron stood next to the tall water grass cautiously watching us pass by. About a half mile in, the beautiful and tranquil Saguaro Lake came into view. Looking beyond the lake you could see Four Peaks Mountain looming in the distance. Everyone stopped moment to enjoy the breath taking views; admiring Mother Nature’s fabulous creation. After taking our first group picture, we moved on.

Tunnel of trees

There were many small coves along the trail. The first one we passed by was Peregrin Cove. Despite being a popular spot for fishermen, we found ourselves alone enjoying the view. We took a small break here soaking in the beautiful surroundings. The mountain terrains were majestic and the reflections on the water made the whole scene picturesque. Behind a hundred yards from where we stood was the beautiful Sonoran Desert filled with gigantic saguaro, organ pipe and barrel cacti, prickly pears, jumping chollas, succulents and other typical desert plants. It was a desert oasis.

Great view of cacti and other desert plants

After a picture break, We walked up and down hills, passing the campers cove, and soon reached the junction of Butcher Jones and Burro Cove trail. If you looked carefully at the right side of the tall mountain across the lake, you could see the image of cowboy standing there watching us. The image was created by lichen on the rock. It was truly an amazing sight that I would never imagine seeing. Walking on the hill of Burro Cove, the view was gorgeous. The famous Ship Rock, like a light house, stood in the middle of the open water providing a distinct landmark for fishing boats, speed boats and kayaks.

Cowboy looking over Saguaro Lake

After leaving Burro Cove, we continued toward the Butcher Jones trail, and soon reached the lookout area to have a lunch break. The views here were even more stunning with open water and an unobstructed, panoramic view of the entire lake. On good days you may even see wild horses or burros in this area resting. One of our hikers who kayaked in Saguaro lake saw Bighorn sheep around the lake area a few weeks ago. Obviously this is a popular area for humans and animals alike. Who would not love this place that looked like a paradise in the middle of the desert?

Ship rock with its lighthouse

On the way back we started to see people walking along the trail. We returned the same way we came and everyone was satisfied with the hike. After saying goodby to a few hikers, five of us decided to do more exploring and followed Bruce to the hill next to the beach area. We walked along the wash about a quarter mile then made a sharp turn, bushwhacking up the steep hill along a large boulder and continued going up to the top of the hill. The view here was incredibly beautiful. A lot of chollas were scattered over the field, on the cliff site of the hill, a bald Eagle stood on the rock staring at us alarmingly. Walking along the edge of the cliffs we could see the boat dock, Marina, Stewart Mountain Dam and mountain ranges that were miles away. There was a white cross stood peacefully on the edge of cliff. This was the spot that John Anthony Duvai and Larry Elman Jr, two cliff divers, had their memorial sites. After we passed endless chollas on the top of the hills we decided to bushwhack down the hill to the wash area to finish the hike. A big thanks to Bruce for this bonus bushwhacking excursion. After an easy and beautiful hike, our avid hikers were able to experience the rugged side of the Saguaro lake hills. What a wonderful and satisfying day we had!

Looking over the lake

Looking down at the marina

Cliff divers crosses

Two of our hikers by the lake