Nature Trail

At first the hike seems so pedestrian. Though it’s an interesting little jaunt, you can’t help but feel let down.

Keep going.

It gets better – much better.

The Nature Trail at Saguaro Lake begins at the Butcher Jones Beach.

During the first 10 minutes, your rugged hiking boots seem like a 4x4 truck in the parking lot. A paved sidewalk meanders around the first small cove and to the first boat dock.

But that’s when the hike really becomes a hike. Kiss the Nature Trail goodbye and say hello to the Butcher Jones Trail.

The blacktop sidewalk gives way to a narrow dirt trail that climbs higher along the bluffs surrounding Saguaro Lake.

The Butcher Jones Trail is somewhat rocky, and it is narrow throughout the hike, requiring single file travel.

Those hiking the trail for the first time, though, must certainly welcome the terrain, especially after the warm-up stroll along the sidewalk.

The path is well worn and there’s little worry about losing the trail.

The hike is easy at times, but small jaunts into valleys that turn back up to the bluffs, make it’s difficulty somewhat deceptive.

Overall, the hike is moderate. Go at a good clip, and you’ll get a good workout.

But hikers can get a good workout on thousands of trails in Arizona. This hike is about the scenery.

The rocky, narrow trail takes hikers high onto the bluffs overlooking Saguaro Lake. It hugs the shoreline throughout most of the way.

When it deviates, it gives hikers a secluded feeling as it winds under shade trees and through plentiful Saguaros.

Other than the pedestrian start, the only drawback is that the trail is point-to-point, and not a loop.

The distance is roughly two miles to the end of the trail and the only way back is to reverse course.

But the scenes – with the glimmering Saguaro Lake below and the gold bluffs across the water – are well worth seeing again.

There is a $4 per vehicle charge to enter the recreation area.

Where: Butcher Jones Recreational Area at Saguaro Lake.

Take Highway 87 (Beeline) east to Bush Highway. Turn right and look for the Butcher Jones sign roughly five miles south

When: Recreational area open during daylight hours, seven days a week

Price: $4 per vehicle per day

This hike was first featured February 2000 and revised February 2007.