Arizona · Hiking

Butcher Jones

Butcher JonesPhoto: William Herron, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
6.6 mi
round trip
185 ft
climb
1,703 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Nov–Apr
best months

Is Butcher Jones open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Mesa Ranger District. It doesn't name Butcher Jones, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Mesa Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Butcher Jones is an easy out-and-back hike in the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest in Arizona, about 6.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 185 feet. The trail's natural surface and low climb make it a straightforward outing for a day on foot or on a bike. The Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The route begins at a low of 1,529 feet and reaches a high of 1,703 feet. Winter and early spring are the most comfortable times to go, with typical averages from the nearby Stewart Mtn Dam weather station running from highs around 69°F in January to 78°F in March, while summer highs typically top 100°F from June through September. The station sits lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little cooler. The Rolls OHV Area - Butcher Jones Access campground is just 0.3 miles away. River Crag and Saguaro Lake, both climbing areas, are each 0.8 miles off. Saguaro Lake Vista, another hike, is about 1.5 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Nov–Apr

    Best time to visit Butcher Jones

    Best months: November–April. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      69° / 39°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      72° / 41°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      78° / 46°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      85° / 50°

      2 wet

    5. May

      93° / 59°

      1 wet

    6. Jun

      103° / 68°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      105° / 76°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      104° / 76°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      100° / 69°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      90° / 56°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      78° / 45°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      68° / 38°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Stewart Mtn Dam, AZ, 1.6 mi away at 1,422 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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