There are still so many places in this great state to explore. Even after 30 years, it often seems Dave and I have only touched the surface. 

Take, for example, Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Known for its lovely beach—tucked beneath the towering cliffs of Saguaro Lake—it’s an ideal spot for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. The downside is that it is usually overcrowded—a significant deterrent for most. Getting there early in the day is the key.

We took a chance one weekend and made the 55-minute drive from central Phoenix. I recall it was a chamber of commerce day, crisp and cloudless. A bit cool for swimming, but ideal for a paddle. Note: you’ll need to purchase a park recreation pass available on-site.

Upon arrival, the parking lot was near capacity. After unloading the kayaks, Dave snagged one of the few remaining spaces. We quickly maneuvered our way towards the lake, boats in tow. Unsurprisingly we were not alone—several paddle-boarders and kayaks were already on the water. Nothing overwhelming—the vibe was mellow.

We paddled past the designated beach area towards the open lake, hugging the canyon walls and frequently stopping to soak in our surroundings. A right paddle takes you past a popular cliff-jumping area, whereas a left turn leads to quiet coves. Hikers appeared above us, most likely following the Butcher Jones Trail 463—a moderate 5.8-mile out-and-back trail that provides pristine lake and desert views.

We dodged intermittent waves from several motorboats, jet skis, and catamarans. Nothing major, but I could only imagine what a hot summer day in June could be like.

But on a lovely afternoon in February, it was darn near perfect.