Butcher Jones Beach Site
Fort McDowell, Arizona · on Saguaro Lake · Tonto National Forest
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $8/vehicle
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Butcher Jones Beach Site
Butcher Jones Beach Site is an official U.S. Forest Service day-use recreation area on the shore of Saguaro Lake in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of Mesa, Arizona. One of the most heavily visited swim beaches on the Salt River Recreation lakes, this desert swimming hole has a sandy, gently sloping shoreline and a buoy-marked designated swimming zone, making Saguaro Lake a go-to lake to swim in northeast of the Phoenix valley's east side.
The site sits in the Sonoran Desert along the shore of Saguaro Lake, a reservoir on the Salt River formed by a dam completed in 1930. Saguaro cacti and mesquite trees line the rocky, desert shoreline, and a lakeside hiking trail (Butcher Jones Trail) runs along the water's edge, offering views of the lake and surrounding desert hills.
Swimming at Butcher Jones Beach Site
Swimming is designated and encouraged at a sandy beach with a gently sloping bottom that deepens gradually, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers as well as stronger swimmers heading farther out. The swim zone is separated from motorized boat traffic by buoy markers, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so supervision is left to visitors. Water clarity has been described by visitors as notably clear for a desert reservoir.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Mesa, take Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) north about 27 miles, turn right onto Bush Highway/Forest Road 204 for about 2 miles, then left onto FR 166 for about 2 miles to the site; the drive is fully paved and takes roughly 35-45 minutes from downtown Mesa.
Parking: A large paved parking lot is on-site but reaches capacity on weekends and holidays, especially spring through early fall; visitors are advised to arrive before 9 a.m. in summer or visit on weekdays.
The hike in
Butcher Jones Trail (optional shoreline trail, not required to reach the swim beach)
- To the water
- 0 mi - the swimming beach is directly adjacent to the parking/picnic area
The beach itself is a drive-up/short-walk site; the ~5-mile out-and-back Butcher Jones Trail runs along the shoreline past the beach for those who want to hike further, but no hike is needed to swim.
Site is a designated USFS day-use swim beach reached directly from the parking lot; the adjoining trail is optional recreation, not an access route.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Gently sloping sandy beach that deepens gradually is well suited to young/casual swimmers, but there are no lifeguards on duty and rocky terrain is nearby, so adult supervision and life jackets for non-confident swimmers are advised.
Parking
Paid, $8/vehicle (Tonto Pass bought in advance at a retail vendor or Ranger Station) or $12/vehicle at the on-site fee machine
Large paved main lot plus overflow lots; fills by mid-morning on weekends/holidays and in summer, so arrival before 9 a.m. or weekday visits are recommended.
Restrooms
Yes
Vault toilets on site at the day-use area, equipped with grab bars for accessibility; no potable water available, so visitors must bring their own.
Hours
Day-use only, no overnight camping/trailers; site is open during daylight hours (no posted specific open/close clock time found).
On the water
Restrictions: No motorized boats within the buoy-marked swimming zone (per USFS); motorized pontoon/deck boats operate elsewhere on Saguaro Lake outside the marked swim area. Non-motorized craft can launch directly from the beach.
A first-hand trip report observed "a half dozen kayakers and paddleboarders launching" from the beach and noted the area beyond the swim zone as open, quiet paddling water on weekday mornings.
Rentals nearby
Pontoon and deck boat rentals (Aloha 25 Tritoon, double-decker with slide, Starcraft SVX deck boat, Starcraft/Harris pontoons)
14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215 - on Saguaro Lake, a few miles from Butcher Jones
Kayak and paddleboard rentals (also rafting)
13020 N. Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215
SUP, kayak, and river tube rentals, with a location at Willow Springs on Saguaro Lake; also guided tours and lessons
Main shop: 1425 E University Dr Ste B-102, Tempe, AZ; rental pickup available at Willow Springs on Saguaro Lake · Tue-Sat, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (main shop hours)
What regulars say
One visitor (November 2024) found the parking lot already half full on an early-morning arrival, with several kayakers and paddleboarders launching from the beach; once past the immediate launch area the lake was described as quiet with little other traffic. The same visitor flags the $8 daily forest pass, recommends bringing your own water since none is available on site, and notes fishing activity right off the swimming beach.
Backstory
Saguaro Lake was formed by a dam on the Salt River completed in 1930; lake levels are managed for irrigation and power generation, causing daily fluctuations.
Butcher Jones Beach Site: FAQ
Does Butcher Jones Beach Site charge a fee?
A Tonto Pass day-use fee is required: about $8/vehicle purchased in advance at retail vendors or the Ranger Station, or roughly $12/vehicle at the on-site fee machine; annual passes ($80 standard, $60 senior/access) are also available.
Is Butcher Jones Beach Site kid friendly?
Gently sloping sandy beach that deepens gradually is well suited to young/casual swimmers, but there are no lifeguards on duty and rocky terrain is nearby, so adult supervision and life jackets for non-confident swimmers are advised.
Do I need to hike to reach Butcher Jones Beach Site?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Butcher Jones Beach Site?
Large paved main lot plus overflow lots; fills by mid-morning on weekends/holidays and in summer, so arrival before 9 a.m. or weekday visits are recommended.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Butcher Jones Beach Site?
A first-hand trip report observed "a half dozen kayakers and paddleboarders launching" from the beach and noted the area beyond the swim zone as open, quiet paddling water on weekday mornings.
When is the best time to visit Butcher Jones Beach Site?
Spring through summer draws the heaviest crowds for swimming; fall and winter are quieter and noted for better wildlife viewing (bald eagles, osprey).
What are the rules at Butcher Jones Beach Site?
No overnight camping, no trailers, no off-road/motorized vehicles; no motorized boats within the buoy-marked swimming zone; glass containers prohibited; pets must be leashed. Site is day-use only.
What water body is Butcher Jones Beach Site on?
Butcher Jones Beach Site is on Saguaro Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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