November 30, 2018 - Butcher Jones Trail

Friday, November 30, 2018 - Butcher Jones Trail

This hike as relaxed and enjoyed by all. The vegetation was abundant and green from this year's rains. A well-maintained trail followed the shore of Saguaro Lake (made from a dam on the Salt River). The weather was cool with a sprinkle of rain at the beginning of the hike. Distance travelled was 5.2 miles according to Nancy's GPS.

Mikes Group - This group hiked the same trail as Barry's Group. The two met up at lunchtime. 

Barry's Group and both groups at lunch

Map and Data from Nancy's GPS

Directions: Take I-10 north to Exit 161, AZ 202 to Exit 50 A, 101 N to Exit 51A, AZ 202 to Exit 13, 87 N. Follow 87 N to Exit 199, North Buth Highway. Turn left onto East Butcher Jones Beach Road. 

If you have an "America the Beautiful" Annual Pass or "Golden Age Passport", please bring it along to help with parking. 

See directions from Google Maps on the link below

Google Maps from Palm Creek to Butcher Jones Trail

Trail information:

Alltrails website - Butcher Jones Trail

Question: Who was Butcher Jones? Why is a trail named after him near Saguaro Lake?
  Answer: Butcher Jones is most likely Dr. W.W. Jones (according to state historian Marshall Trimble). An online search showed Jones to be more than a medical professional. In the mid-19th century, he also owned mines and a freighting business in Arizona.  He lived in Yuma, Prescott, Wickenburg, Phoenix and Tempe, and later in life, he became a rancher. He apparently was fairly influential in his day, and he was friends with Jacob Waltz of Lost Dutchman Mine. There also was mention that Dr Jones performed surgeries on his dining room table, which may have led to his nickname of Butcher. A Parks Department employee said of Butcher Jones, "I am pretty sure he was a Doctor, but apparently not a very good one". 
Summary: This is a very scenic hike along the lakeshore, over a wide ridge back down to the lakeshore and up to a bluff overlooks the lake.

Upcoming hikes:
Friday Dec.7th

                Phoenix Mountain Loop

        Friday Dec. 14th, 2018

              Baby Jesus Loop

        Friday Dec. 21st, 2018

              Black Mesa / Hackberry Springs

         Friday Dec. 28th, 2018

Pima Canyon

       

  Skip’s cell: 503-580-3828    Barry’s Cell: 207-205-4298

Brown Mountain Loop - November 23, 2018

Brown Mountain Loop 

This is a very interesting hike with two distinct components. One part is a relatively flat walk at the base of some hills and amongst plentiful vegetation. The other aspect to the hike is a ridgeline along a small range of hills with four peaks, offering an outstanding view for almost its entire length.

Mike's Group - This small group of four hiked up to the ridge first where there were panoramic views as the trail followed a saddle between two peaks. On the way down the two groups met and a group picture was taken. The rest of the hike through a variety of cactus and brittlebush was very scenic and enjoyable. 

Data from Nancy's Garmen - in Mike's group

Barry's Group - This group hiked the Brown Mountain Loop in the opposite direction as Mike's group.  Lunch was on the Ridge.

Directions: From Florence Blvd. take I-10 south to exit 236. Turn right and then right quickly, onto Marana Road. Drive one mile and turn left onto Sanders Road, then drive four miles. After stopping at the stop sign, turn left onto Avra Valley Road. Drive one mile and turn right onto Sandero Road. Proceed past the Saguaro Park entrance road to Mile Wide Road and turn left. Follow the signs for the Desert Museum. Travel just past the Desert Museum and turn right to Juan Santa Cruz Picnic area. Follow the one-way road to the south end and park just before it turns back toward the entrance. The trailhead is not marked but is just beyond the picnic tables. 
Check out the following links for more information and maps.

Juan Santa Cruz - Picnic Area All Trails

Brown Mountain Trail - All Trails


google maps to Juan Santa Cruz Picnic area                     

  Upcoming hikes:

                 

        Friday,  Nov. 30th 2018

        Butcher Jones Trail

        Friday Dec.7th

             Phoenix Mountain Loop

        Friday Dec. 14th, 2018

             Baby Jesus Loop

        Friday Dec. 21st, 2018

             Black Mesa / Hackberry Springs

     Skip’s cell: 503-580-3828      Barry’s Cell: 207-205-4298