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Butcher Jones Day Use Area
At Butcher Jones, Mesquite trees provide welcome natural shade to picnic units. Butcher Jones features a pleasant nature trail and a gently sloping beach which makes safe, gradual changes in depths adjacent to picnic area. This popular beach/picnic area is one of the most-visited sites on the Tonto National Forest. This lake is set in the magnificent Sonoran Desert where horses are frequently seen.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Day Use Only |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Year round |
| Restrictions: | Stay limit 1 day, no trailers, no motorized boats in the swimming area, glass containers are prohibited, pets must be on a leash, the picnic and beach area fill rapidly in the early spring and summer months. No OHV Access. Alternate OHV Access from Pobrecito. |
| Closest Towns: | Mesa, Saguaro Lake Marina |
| Water: | Not Available |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets (Accessible) |
| Passes: | The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.
|
| Information Center: | Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300 |
General Information
Directions:This site is 31 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, take State Hwy. 87 for 27 miles. Turn south (right) on Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and travel 2 miles to FR 166, and then turn left. Follow FR 166 for 2 miles to the site.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Saguaro Lake Fish Species: Rainbow Trout; Largemouth, Smallmouth and Yellow Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel Catfish; Walleye; Tilapia; Yellow Perch
Picnicking
There are 15 picnicking units with designated grills. There are no shade ramadas. Grills, tables, trash, and paths are on compacted dirt.
| No. of Sites | 32 |
Boating - Non-Motorized
There are no designated docks, ramps, or launch sites. Beach landing.
Swimming
Location