Saguaro Lake, Arizona: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever wondered what's hidden beyond Phoenix, Arizona's busy streets? In the Tonto National Forest, just a short drive away, lies a desert oasis - Saguaro Lake. This beautiful 1,200-acre lake was made by building the Steward Mountain Dam on the Salt River. It's full of outdoor adventures and stunning views that will amaze you. So, what are the best things to do at Saguaro Lake? Let's check out the top picks for an unforgettable visit.

Key Takeaways

• Saguaro Lake is a 1,200-acre lake located 40 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, in the Tonto National Forest.
• The lake was created by the construction of the Steward Mountain Dam on the Salt River in 1930.
• Saguaro Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including scenic riverboat cruises, hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing.
• Visitors can explore the iconic saguaro cacti and diverse desert ecosystems surrounding the lake.
• Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch provides a unique opportunity to experience the region's natural beauty and ranch-style accommodations.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is in the Tonto National Forest, about 40 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. It's a 1,200-acre reservoir made by the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River in 1930. The lake stretches 10 miles long and is over 110 feet deep, making it a beautiful spot.

Location and Formation

Saguaro Lake is in the Sonoran Desert, showing off different ecosystems. You'll see tall saguaro cacti, mesquite and ironwood trees, and marshlands with cattails. This mix of desert and water makes it a great place to visit.

Diverse Ecosystems and Wildlife

The area around Saguaro Lake is full of wildlife. You can see bald eagles, woodpeckers, hawks, vultures, and blue herons. On land, there are bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and deer.

"Saguaro Lake is a true oasis in the desert, offering a unique blend of dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife."

Saguaro Lake is perfect for a peaceful day or an adventure. Its beauty and wildlife make it a top spot in the Tonto National Forest.

Cruise the Lake on the Desert Belle Riverboat

For over 50 years, the Desert Belle riverboat has been a key part of Arizona's Saguaro Lake. This 90-minute, narrated cruise lets you dive into the rugged desert and mountain beauty. You'll also see a variety of wildlife during the trip.

Narrated Tours and Scenic Views

The Desert Belle boat has an air-conditioned lower cabin and open and covered decks. This lets you enjoy the stunning scenic views from different spots. The captain shares interesting facts about the lake's history, geology, plants, and animals, making the trip both fun and educational.

Practical Information and Special Events

It's a good idea to buy Desert Belle tickets before you go. The boat sails two to three times a day, depending on the season. You can pay at the booth with credit card, check, or traveler's check, but not with cash. On the boat, you can't use credit/debit cards, so bring cash for snacks and drinks.

The Desert Belle also has special wine, craft beer, and live music sailings. These events make the experience even more unforgettable.

Explore the Iconic Saguaro Cactus

The Saguaro cactus is a symbol of the American Southwest. It's found only in the Sonoran Desert, making it a treasure. These plants grow very slowly, taking 100 years for their first arm and 200 years to reach 40 to 60 feet tall.

Every spring, Saguaros bloom with white flowers at night. These flowers are Arizona's state flower, showing how important the Saguaro is culturally and ecologically.

Saguaro National Park covers over 91,000 acres in the Sonoran Desert. It's home to about 1.6 million Saguaros. Visitors can see different landscapes, from dense cacti to rugged trails.

Seeing the Saguaro's shape or its spring blooms is unforgettable. This plant leaves a strong impression on everyone who sees it.

Saguaro Lake, Arizona: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Saguaro Lake is just 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix. It's a beautiful oasis in the Sonoran Desert. The lake is surrounded by tall canyon walls and the Four Peaks. It's perfect for those who love nature.

The Desert Belle riverboat is a big draw here. It offers tours and cruises on the calm waters. If you're looking for excitement, try water-skiing, wakeboarding, or sailing. Fishing is also popular, with bass, crappie, and more to catch.

The Tonto National Forest around the lake is great for hiking and camping. The Butcher Jones Trail has amazing views of the canyon and lake. For a unique stay, check out the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch with its cottages and ranch activities.

Food lovers will enjoy the Shiprock Restaurant at the Saguaro Lake Marina. It serves tasty meals with great views. For a casual meal, the Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area has beautiful picnic spots.

Saguaro Lake has adventures, relaxation, and nature for everyone. You can see iconic saguaro cacti and desert wildlife. It's a top spot for exploring Arizona's beauty.

Water Sports and Fishing

Boating, Kayaking, and Fishing Opportunities

Saguaro Lake sits in the Tonto National Forest, offering many water activities. You can enjoy boating, kayaking, sailing, and waterskiing here. It's a perfect spot for outdoor lovers.

The lake is calm and beautiful, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. You can see the Sonoran Desert from the water. Sailboat and powerboat fans will love the space to cruise and feel the breeze.

Saguaro Lake is also famous for fishing. You can catch largemouth bass, carp, bluegill, rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, and walleye. The Arizona Fish and Game Department puts rainbow trout in the lake often, so fishing is always good.

To improve your fishing, rent boats and gear from Precision Marine at Saguaro Lake Marina. They have all the supplies you need for a great day fishing.

Hiking and Camping Adventures

Saguaro Lake in Arizona's Tonto National Forest is perfect for outdoor lovers. It has many trails for hiking and camping. The Butcher Jones Trail is a top choice, running along the lake's edge. It shows off the Sonoran Desert and mountains.

Butcher Jones Trail

The Butcher Jones Trail is a 4-mile hike good for all levels. It's easy on the legs, thanks to little up and down. Hikers enjoy the desert's beauty and look for the famous saguaro cactus.

Camping at Bagley Flat

For an overnight stay, try Bagley Flat Campground. It's boat-accessible and 4 miles from the lake. The campground has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. It lets visitors enjoy the Tonto National Forest and be close to the lake.

Saguaro Lake and its trails are great for day hikes or camping trips. The Butcher Jones Trail and Bagley Flat Campground let you enjoy the Sonoran Desert. They offer beautiful landscapes and memories to last a lifetime.

Stay at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. It was built in 1927 for workers building the Stewart Mountain Dam. Now, it has 20 rustic cottages with traditional Western decor. Guests can enjoy many amenities and activities right on the property.

Rustic Cottages and Ranch Activities

The ranch's cottages offer cozy, rustic charm. They provide a comfortable retreat in the stunning Goldfield Mountain range and by the Lower Salt River. You'll find a refreshing swimming pool, shuffleboard, ping pong, badminton, and volleyball courts for fun.

Outdoor lovers can enjoy Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt River. Activities include kayaking, tubing, and horseback riding. The ranch is also a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, being recognized as an "Important Bird Area" by the Audubon Society.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is perfect. It offers a unique and memorable experience. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the tranquility of nature.

Dining and Photography Highlights

Shiprock Restaurant and Photography Tips

The Shiprock Restaurant is at the Saguaro Lake Marina. It has amazing views of the lake and mountains. It's open every day for breakfast and lunch. On Fridays and Saturdays, it also serves early dinner, giving visitors many dining choices during their visit.

Saguaro Lake is great for photographers. It lets you take pictures of beautiful birding and wildlife. You can also capture stunning landscape photography. The lake is perfect for photos of sunrises and sunsets.

"Saguaro Lake is a photographer's paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture the breathtaking natural beauty of the Arizona landscape."

Picnicking and Nearby Attractions

Saguaro Lake in Arizona is perfect for picnics, with seven picnic areas by the water. Butcher Jones Beach is a favorite, offering tables, grills, and restrooms. It's ideal for a day out with loved ones.

Close by is Fountain Hills, famous for its huge fountain. This town and Saguaro Lake's desert beauty mix nature and city life beautifully.

Picnic Areas

Saguaro Lake has many picnic spots, each with its own special feel. Choose from sandy Butcher Jones Beach or shaded Saguaro del Norte. These spots have great facilities and beautiful desert views, making them perfect for picnics.

Fountain Hills

A short drive from Saguaro Lake, Fountain Hills is home to a massive fountain. At 560 feet tall, it's one of the world's tallest. Visitors can see this wonder and enjoy the peaceful desert around it.

"Spending a day picnicking at Saguaro Lake and exploring the nearby town of Fountain Hills is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and cultural attractions of this region."

Conclusion

Nestled in the vast Tonto National Forest, Saguaro Lake is a desert oasis. It offers many outdoor activities. You can enjoy a scenic cruise on the Desert Belle riverboat or explore the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Here, you can see the famous saguaro cacti, known for growing slowly and living a long time. The area is also home to diverse wildlife. Saguaro Lake is perfect for those who love the outdoors.

It has beautiful waters, hiking trails, and spots for water sports and fishing. This desert oasis is a top spot for experiencing the Southwest's outdoor recreation.

When planning your trip to Saguaro Lake and the Tonto National Forest, get ready to be amazed. You'll see stunning landscapes, learn about the local culture, and find many things to do. This place is perfect for making lasting memories at a true desert oasis.