Family Hike - Butcher Jones Trail

We’re doing a lakeside hike at Saguaro Lake on the Butcher Jones Trail. This is a great out-and-back with shoreline views, and it’s easy to turn around whenever you want based on your pace/energy.
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 8:30 am

## 🥾 Family Hike: Butcher Jones Trail (Saguaro Lake)

Trail: Butcher Jones Trail
Location: Butcher Jones Recreation Area, Saguaro Lake
Vibe: Easygoing, family-friendly, come-as-you-are
Who’s invited: Dads + spouses/partners + kids (all ages welcome)

### 🗺️ Trail Overview (What to Expect)

• Distance: ~5.8 miles out & back
• Families can turn around at any point—no pressure to complete the full trail
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Terrain: Packed dirt, some rocky sections, minimal elevation gain
• Scenery: Lakeside views, desert plants, shaded coves
• Pace: Relaxed, stroller-friendly only in very limited sections (carriers recommended)

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### 🎟️ Parking & Pass (Important)

• Pass Required: Tonto National Forest Day Use Pass
• Cost: ~$8 per vehicle
• Where to get it:
• Purchase on-site at the kiosk or
• Buy ahead online (recommended to save time)
• Display: Place on your dashboard when parked.

Getting there (high level):
Butcher Jones Trail is located at Saguaro Lake in the Tonto National Forest, just northeast of Mesa / Apache Junction. From the Valley, head east toward Saguaro Lake (Bush Highway / Usery Pass area) and follow signs for Butcher Jones Recreation Area.

Once you’re close:
Follow E Butcher Jones Beach Rd all the way to the Butcher Jones Recreation Area parking lot. This is the main access point for the trail and lake shoreline.

Where we’ll be:
We’ll meet near the main trailhead / shoreline area closest to the parking lot. Look for a small group of dads and families gathering near the trail entrance before starting the hike.

Important timing + parking note:
Parking at Butcher Jones can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Please plan to arrive on time or a little early to secure parking and get settled. A Tonto National Forest Day Use Pass is required and should be displayed on your dashboard.

If you arrive a few minutes late, head toward the trailhead and shoreline area — we’ll be nearby and easy to spot.

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### ☀️ What to Bring

Required / Strongly Recommended

• ☐ Sunscreen (apply before starting + bring extra)
• ☐ Water (more than you think—especially for kids)
• ☐ Hats / sunglasses
• ☐ Comfortable walking shoes
• ☐ Tonto Pass displayed on dashboard

With Kids

• ☐ Snacks (easy, mess-free)
• ☐ Baby carrier (preferred over stroller)
• ☐ Extra clothes for kids (dust + water nearby)
• ☐ Small first-aid kit (band-aids, wipes)

Optional but Nice

• ☐ Bug spray
• ☐ Blanket for lake breaks
• ☐ Camera / phone for photos
• ☐ Light lunch or picnic items

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### 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Notes

• This is not a race—stop, snack, explore, turn back anytime
• Kids love the shoreline coves (always supervise near water)
• Dogs are welcome on leash (bring water for them too)
• Expect limited shade midday—sun protection matters

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### ⏰ Timing & Flow (Suggested)

• Meet-up: Trailhead / parking area
• Start hiking: After quick hellos + sunscreen check
• Midpoint: Snack break / photo stop
• End: Head back whenever your family is ready

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### 📌 Final Reminder for the Group Post

• Bring your spouse/partner and kids
• Grab your Tonto Day Use Pass
• Sunscreen + water are non-negotiable
• Come to connect, fresh air, and an easygoing hike

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