Butcher Jones Recreation Area

Overflow Lot, North Side of Saguaro Lake

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Safety Plan

The Butcher Jones Recreation Area is located at a very scenic site on the north side of Saguaro Lake. The site includes rugged hills and cliffs overlooking Saguaro Lake. With abundant water nearby, the desert vegetation is sometimes thick. Views of the lake and surrounding mountains are incredible. The overflow lot is the first parking area you see as you arrive at the Butcher Jones Recreation Area. The overflow lot is on the south side of the road, before you get to the entrance signs.

Please note that a Tonto Pass is required to park in the overflow lot. There are machines where you can purchase a pass on-site. The passes purchase on-site ar 50% more expensive than those purchased beforehand. "America the Beautiful" passes, such as the annual pass or senior pass, are accepted too. See the Tonto website for more information.

• Via the Beeline Highway (AZ 87)
  • From the Loop 202 and Country Club (exit 13), go northeast on the Beeline Highway for 22 miles to exit 199, the "Saguaro Lake, Lower Salt River Recreation Area" exit. After exiting the Beeline Highway, turn south and travel 2.9 miles to the Butcher Jones Road turnoff. Turn east on Butcher Jones Road and travel 2.1 miles to the event site. Look for an orange and white orienteering "sandwich board" at our event headquarters.


• Via the Bush Highway
  • From Loop 202 McDowell Road exit, travel west 0.5 miles on McDowell Road, then continue north on Power Road and east on the Bush Highway for 14.8 miles to the "Butcher Jones Road turnoff. Turn east on Butcher Jones Road and travel 2.1 miles to the event site.