A Day at The Lake

One thing we always thought was cool about living here were a series of nearby lakes, created back in the early 1900s thanks to the Mormon Flat Dam. The westernmost one, Saguaro Lake, is only 15 minutes from us. When we lived here last, we actually had a small inflatable boat with a 2HP electric motor. Every once in a while, we'd grab a Subway sandwich and a newspaper, brave the crowds, and putter onto either Saguaro or Canyon lake. We'd almost get flipped by passing boats and jet skis, and one time we had to sit awkwardly behind our newspapers for three minutes as two people zoomed in on a jet ski, started and finished having sex on the bank across from us, and then zoomed off. While mildly entertaining, the traffic and crowds got old, and we stopped going.
I had forgotten how beautiful the area is. Even the drive is pretty.



We decided to hike the 5-mile (roundtrip) Butcher Jones Trail (after getting our $6 Tonto Pass).I don't know why it never occurred to us to come here this time of year, but what a darn shame. There was very little traffic on the lake, so it was pretty quiet. There weren't many people on the trail either. This would be pretty hot in the summer, so this is really the time to go. Here's the "beach."



The trail starts out very manicured and even has a handrail so anyone can do it.



Then you have to squeeze through a tight wire-fence entrance. ??

Then you're on a relatively easy track, you just have to watch where you're putting your feet so you don't twist your ankle in holes or on loose rocks. You can see that we gain some elevation (about 200'), but it's nothing killer, even for non-hikers (just take your time). Saguaro Lake isn't as canyon-y as Canyon Lake is (go figure), but is still pretty magnificent.

You're not always along the lakeside.



There were a couple of places to get a nice photo of the Four Peaks, including the turn-around point, where we stood for awhile just listening to the birds. Along the trail there are spots you can wade into the water if you want to cool down, and some rocks to plop on and rest/eat/take in the view - just look for critters first).



One other good thing about this hike was being able to get a good layout of some of the lake for future boating.



There's a steamboat that plies the water.



And a marina. Can you imagine living onboard (not allowed) and having that for a backdrop?

There's a rather uninspired looking restaurant too. We know the view is good, but can't vouch for the food.

We definitely want to rent a boat sometime and come back out. If you rent on a weekday, like today (Friday), you get 20%. A small fishing boat (for 4) would only be $80 for 5 hours, so that's cool.