Events

Nestled between Stewart Mountain and the Goldfield Mountains in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona lies a man-made reservoir called Saguaro Lake. The reservoir was built between 1925 and 1935 with the construction of the Stewart Mountain Dam, and it is fed by a series of up-stream lakes from the east: Roosevelt, Apache, and Canyon. Saguaro Lake in turn feeds the Salt River to the south. Being the last lake in the chain, it is almost always brimming full, even in drought years, making it a wonderful recreation site. For the fisherman, the lake offers Walleye Pike, Largemouth Black Bass and Striped Yellow Bass.

Butcher Jones Trail runs along a section of Saguaro Lakeís northern shore, offering many scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Colorful mountains surround the Salt River basin and add a dramatic backdrop to the lake. Butcher Jones Trail 463 provides access to some choice vantage points from which to catch a birdís-eye view of the lake.

Once through the green gate almost any capable off-road vehicle can make the journey to the coves via a network of un-maintained dirt roads, hills and washes. The first cove is about three miles from the entrance, and the fifth cove is about ten miles away. The washes are soft smooth sand, but the area between the washes includes a number of hill climbs and descents that are noted for their deep ruts and loose gravel.

Rovers with low rage recommended for this trail.