Butcher Jones Trail
Updated: Sep 7, 2023
Tonto National Forest, Arizona, 2023
This was my first romp through the Sonoran Desert (and Arizona for that matter) and I could not get over how green the desert was! You can peep my post The Desert is...GREEN*??! here.
TRAIL DEETS
Butcher Jones Trail is a 6-mile out-and-back hike through the Sonoran Desert that winds around Saguaro Lake before cutting through the desert to Salt River. If you're looking for a desert hike with incredible views and the option to cool off in the water, then this is the hike for you!
The trailhead (and parking) is located at the Butcher Jones Recreation Area, which also boasts a sandy beach, picnic area, and vault toilets. While I didn't have an opportunity to play in the waters of Saguaro Lake (it was February and cold), that didn't stop a number of other people from hopping on their SUPs or in their kayaks to explore the crystal clear waters. I'll be back with my SUP though, I definitely need to check out the waters that people claim rival the Caribbean.
Note: Butcher Jones Recreation Area is one of the most visited sites in Tonto National Forest - the picnic and beach area fill up quickly in the spring and summer months. Pets are allowed but must remain on leash (please follow leave-no-trace principles: one of my biggest pet peeves is dog poop on the trails, especially bagged poop that is discarded to the side). There is a daily access(parking) fee, but an America the Beautiful pass is accepted. Check out more details on the Butcher Jones Day Use area here!
Darcy Wanders' Route
I downloaded the navigation for Butcher Jones Trail from AllTrails. Due to its popularity, the trail is easy to navigate; however, there are a lot of branches leading to coves for fishing. We did end up using the navigation in the "desert section," the trail forks as you are approaching the Salt River. While AllTrails does show that either option is part of the Butcher Jones Trail (and most likely adds to the quoted 6 miles), the actual trail stays to the left at the fork, which is what we did. I used AllTrails to track our route details and concluded our adventure just shy of 5 miles with approximately 450 feet of overall elevation gain (several ups and downs on this trail). The trailhead starts at about 1,525 feet, with our highest elevation reached at 1,705 feet. AllTrails rates this as a moderate route, but it could easily be completed by hikers of all skill levels. It was a relatively obstacle-free trail with only a few minor technical areas with larger rocks (big steps up/down).
Since we did start later in the day, we only passed about a handful of groups hiking out. We did see a Search & Rescue (SAR) helicopter rescue about a mile into the trail - it's never a great day on the trail to see one, but a huge shout out to the Central Arizona Mountain Rescue team for their trail rescue. Check out my reel on the helicopter rescue here!
Find your local SAR operation and make a donation! Volunteer personnel perform 99% of all Search & Rescue missions in the United States. A lot of people do not realize that SAR teams are non-profit organizations and their funding depends heavily on fundraising and donations. Please take a moment to research which SAR teams are responsible for the areas you hike and make a donation, you're life could depend on it!
GETTING THERE
The easiest way to get to the Butcher Jones trailhead is to use the navigation system of your choice with your destination set as Butcher Jones Recreations Site. Once you arrive, the road becomes a one-way loop with parking on both sides of the road. The trailhead is located to the left of the beach area.
TO WANDER, OR NOT TO WANDER
Butcher Jones Trail is a true desert oasis with gorgeous views of Saguaro Lake, Salt River, and the Sonoran Desert. If you're looking for a desert hike with incredible views and the option to cool off in the water, then this is the hike for you!
I am already eagerly awaiting/planning my return trip, but with my SUP in tow!
MAKE IT GREAT (TIPS, TRICKS, & GEAR)
Check the Weather Forecast. This trail has a lot of sun exposure. Plan your hike according to both the hourly temperature and the UV index (low to moderate). It is recommended that you hike either early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower, especially during hot summer days. Check today's weather forecast for Butcher Jones Recreation Site here!
Stay Hydrated. When I was chatting with a Central Arizona Mountain Rescue team member, he said one of the top calls they get are injuries/accidents that are a result of dehydration. Continuing to hike while dehydrated can lead to dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, confusion, and disorientation. In severe cases, it can result in heat stroke, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure. You should always bring water with you when hiking to replace the fluid that you lose from sweating. I guzzled down 3 liters of water on every Arizona hike, and was sad I ran out on a few of them.
Don't Forget Electrolytes. Electrolyte powders, tablets, and drops have exploded over the past few years, and for a good reason: if you lose a significant amount of these minerals (either by intense exercise or sweating), you'll experience dehydration. Replenishing your electrolytes during your hikes will help your body regulate and control the balance of fluids in your body and avoid dehydration. I typically begin every hike with a handheld water bottle that is full of an electrolyte mixture and either drink it during the first mile of my hike or throughout my hike (I take a swig of it during every stop). I also carry extra electrolyte tablets with me, just in case - I always know when I need another one because I get headaches. Darcy Wanders' Recommendation: I love Nuun and Liquid IV. Both are fantastic products, the biggest difference is the amount of added sugar (Liquid IV is higher, which can make them taste better). Keep plastic out of our oceans by using a reusable water bottle! Collapsible water bottles are great for any wanderer - they collapse down once they are empty to take up less space in your bag. I love this bottle by Vapur.
UPF 50+ Clothing. Wear clothing that has a high UPF rating and not just the most ultralight gear you can find. Cotton and synthetic materials do not provide adequate protection from the sun, and they offer even less UV protection when they are wet. Cotton is not your friend.
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