Butcher Jones Peak in Tonto National Forest, AZ

Hike Butcher Jones Peak Tonto National Forest, AZ

Class 2 5.9 miles 1100 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back May 1, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Butcher Jones Peak GPX Track

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I drove into Butcher Jones Recreation Site, which on this hot weekend was so crowded to the point it stressed me out. I started along the Butcher Jones Trail. Fortunately it was 99 degrees and I was the only stupid one who thought it was a good idea to hike in the low desert, so I stopped seeing anyone past about a quarter mile into my hike. Normally this is a very popular trail, so if you decide to hike to Butcher Jones Peak (which I named as such since it doesn't have an official name), expect the masses to be along the trail with you. Regardless, the Butcher Jones Trail was far more gorgeous than I thought it would be. It felt like a desert garden, winding along the Saguaro Lake banks, passing between all sorts of pretty blooming desert flora, and even entering a couple of short riparian sections. I was having a great time, despite sweating myself to near-death in the heat. I followed the trail to about a quarter mile from its end at a low saddle on the north side of Butcher Jones Peak. The trail descends from this saddle to the east to access the Salt River, but I didn't follow it past the saddle.

I left the trail and headed south, starting up the straightforward grassy slope that would take me to the summit. I could have left the trail sooner than I did, but I was enjoying the casual trail walking and thought the saddle was a good spot to go cross-country. I encountered some light Class 2 on my ascent, and the summit block was guarded by steep cliffs on all sides except the west, so I wrapped around the base of the cliffs. An optional Class 3 move leads to the summit on the north side of the peak, otherwise an animal trail wraps in a spiral-like manner to approach from the west. The views of the bend in the Salt River were really nice, as were the Superstitions and the Four Peaks in the distance.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Butcher Jones Peak
2120 ft
480 rise

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Starting along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Starting along the Butcher Jones Trail.
The Butcher Jones Trail follows the rim of Saguaro Lake.
The Butcher Jones Trail follows the rim of Saguaro Lake.
Looking back toward the insanely crowded beach within Butcher Jones Recreation Area.
Looking back toward the insanely crowded beach within Butcher Jones Recreation Area.
A small inlet of Saguaro Lake along the Butcher Jones Trail.
A small inlet of Saguaro Lake along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Short, pretty riparian area.
Short, pretty riparian area.
Image 5 from gallery
View back toward the inlet and riparian area. Four peaks visible top right.
View back toward the inlet and riparian area. Four peaks visible top right.
Making progress along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Making progress along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Looking back, the crowded beach is visible top center.
Looking back, the crowded beach is visible top center.
Butcher Jones Peak comes into view on the left.
Butcher Jones Peak comes into view on the left.
Close-up into Willow Springs Canyon on the opposite side of the Salt River.
Close-up into Willow Springs Canyon on the opposite side of the Salt River.
Pretty desert flora along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Pretty desert flora along the Butcher Jones Trail.
Butcher Jones Peak getting closer.
Butcher Jones Peak getting closer.
Image 13 from gallery
At the saddle before the Butcher Jones Trail descends to the east down to the Salt River. I left the trail here to head to Butcher Jones Peak.
At the saddle before the Butcher Jones Trail descends to the east down to the Salt River. I left the trail here to head to Butcher Jones Peak.
Butcher Jones Peak.
Butcher Jones Peak.
View back toward the low saddle (center left) where I left the Butcher Jones Trail.
View back toward the low saddle (center left) where I left the Butcher Jones Trail.
Class 2 up to Butcher Jones Peak. Keep right of the rock outcrop surrounding the summit.
Class 2 up to Butcher Jones Peak. Keep right of the rock outcrop surrounding the summit.
Wrapping around the summit block.
Wrapping around the summit block.
View back toward the Four Peaks and the Salt River as I near the summit of Butcher Jones Peak.
View back toward the Four Peaks and the Salt River as I near the summit of Butcher Jones Peak.
Optional Class 3 move to gain the summit. Alternatively, keep wrapping around to the right and an animal trail will lead up Class 2.
Optional Class 3 move to gain the summit. Alternatively, keep wrapping around to the right and an animal trail will lead up Class 2.
Class 2 option on the west side of Butcher Jones Peak.
Class 2 option on the west side of Butcher Jones Peak.
Summit of Butcher Jones Peak, view toward the Four Peaks.
Summit of Butcher Jones Peak, view toward the Four Peaks.
Butcher Jones Peak, view toward the Salt River.
Butcher Jones Peak, view toward the Salt River.
Close-up toward the Salt River.
Close-up toward the Salt River.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!