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    Saguaro Lake

    3.9 (63 reviews)

    Saguaro Lake Photos

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    Some of the wild horses that were in 3 separate groups.
    Ed D.

    Been here a million times over the past 50 years. I went here today because of a rare bird report of a Pomarine Jaeger from the arctic circle being at the lake, many people got pictures of it the past 3 days. Of course, when I got the chance to go (today), it was no where to be seen. But it on the way home driving on Bush Highway going to Beeline there was many wild horses on the west side of Bush Highway, many people were pulled over and photographing them.

    You come to eat and have a good time take your crap with you home or don't come

    Went to the Saguaro Lake Recreation site yesterday and had not been in a while. The fee used to be $7 now its $12. The lake itself is beautiful but the entire place is full of trash (see photos). I think some people think because you pay a fee the park employees are your janitors but they aren't. The place had trash all over from these entitled people who come to the lake have a good time then leave their crap for others to clean. When the cans, boxes of food are lighter after you finished it. If you are someone who just leaves your trash don't come at all. Saw everything from a beer box in the water, beer bottles left in trees, dozens of drink cans, chip bags, someone even brought a whole Rasing Canes box gobbled it all up and then left it. Do not come here if you plan to leave it like this. I expect children to eat and leave their trash. All of this came from fully grown adults who should be ashamed.

    1.30.21 @ 6pm
    Gina L.

    The part of the lake we visited was near the marina, further east than what this Saguaro Lake location lists. A hidden gem only 40 minutes from Phoenix. These views are absolutely amazing. In China there is a saying (or it's an idiom my mom made up), "有山有水", which translates to "where there are mountains, where there is water". Sunset here is extra vibrant because the water further reflects the sun's rays onto the mountainside and cliffs. We sat on a dock with a little picnic, joined by little gnats and the occasional flop of a fish. There is a marina restaurant nearby, and we listened to their live musician they had that evening. Plenty of boats zooming around, as well as kayakers. I believe there are reasonable boat rentals (both motorized and kayak) available. There are some hiking trails along the water as well. AMAZING stargazing location - even with the light from the marina, I saw the most stars I've seen in the Phoenix area here. Overall, tranquil area, beautiful views, and a must-visit to enjoy some nature.

    Amanda A.

    This is such a beautiful lake with very nice scenery, although canyon lake is still my favorite. There are a lot of trails here for off roading and camping by the water. We've gone out on a boat and also kayaked here. The water in most areas is clean. Once you get closer to the dam there is more debris. We came on Labor Day and it wasn't as busy as I thought it would be. Everyone here seemed to be boating responsibly.

    Bald eagles

    Such a beautiful lake with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We saw eagles and big horn sheep on our boat trip. The boat ride is well worth the time and money. Drinks were fairly priced but cash only.

    Stairs leading up to more parking
    Hee Y.

    I can't say too much since I only went here once and didn't partake in any water or picnic activities. I bought a Tonto daily park pass [$8] at my local Safeway, but I passed by the Walgreens everyone was talking about that you can buy it from because it's near the entrance of the park if you're coming from the west. I arrived to Phon D Sutton Recreation area shortly before sunrise and it was super dark and I was the only one in that parking lot. But the view of the sun's red glow hitting the water was superb. There were about 2-3 picnic areas there and it was super buggy. Some garbage on the shoreline. I drove out of that branch and off to Saguaro lake. I parked at the parking lot near where the boats slide into the water. If you keep on driving upwards, there's more parking but for boat trailers. Alsoo super buggy. At Blue Point, there were 5-6 picnic areas and incredibly dirty. Someone had left their sack of garbage on one of the bbq racks. I jumped over the metal bar fencing in this area and walked to the water where I saw 10 vultures sitting on a dead tree - a little bit scary. But once I was at the water I spotted wild horses on the other side! Goldfield Recreation site had a restroom but there wasn't much there. The shoreline was riddle with garbage cans and signs asking visitors to help clean up. Overall, facilities-wise, not the best from what I observed. There were empty soda cans here and there. The picnic areas looked not the cleanest. It's super buggy. I'm pretty sure every kind of insect there rested its butt on me somewhere or bit me. However, the view is incredible. I was driving to Saguaro lake and I was in awe once I saw the water come into view. So, that's what makes it worth it.

    Craig B.

    Saguaro Lake is the closest water oasis to Mesa, Arizona. The best way to see the lake is on the Butcher Jones trail. I say best because it is the only trail I've attempted on the lake. I've explored the trail twice, both times not getting very far. The second time I brought my fishing rod along to cast from shore as I made my way around the inlet. There were plenty of opportunities to cast in a line from shore by following the path. Lots of opportunities don't necessarily mean lots of fish. It takes more knowledge than I have if you want to catch a fish. Unfortunately, I have not yet figured out how to catch fish in desert canyon lakes. I'm not going at the right time of day or season or I'm using the wrong lure. Either way, it was a beautiful evening and my brother got a lot of great pictures. I'd go back a third time to explore more of the trail and lake.

    Gene T.

    We had a church event at Butcher Jones Recreational area. This beach and rec area is tucked away in a canyon on Saguaro Lake in the Tonto national Forest, hence the reason you need a Tonto Pass to park here. They are only $8.00 and they don not sell them on site. Purchase one in town at most convenient stores before leaving. They do patrol the parking lot and the fine is up to $100.00 for not having one. The area is a home to a herd of wild horses, so you may see one if you're lucky. You will see the evidence that they are around so watch your step. The beach is the main attraction. This beach is not maintained much so you won't find a sandy groomed shoreline. There are restrooms and changing rooms on site. There is a hiking path that follows the shoreline for 2.5 miles. The beauty of the park is why this place is perfect for a picnic or event.

    The lake
    Eeyama S.

    Went today it was so beautiful I didn't know ARIZONA had this and it's not to far from me and everyone who was there was nice my kids loved it

    Georgie M.

    We came here for a birthday cruise and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly! It was a cool 100 degrees that day. The water breezes made it very nice and tolerable. The boat did have AC, but we just enjoyed our time on the deck and the feeling of floating along with the currents. One of the many cool things are the boaters speeding along the lake. One had a small pup with a life vest sitting out front, letting his tongue hang out as he enjoyed the wind in his face (photo). Hilarious! Saguaro Lake is a lot of fun, so bring a camera. Enjoy!

    Grill area at lake

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    14 years ago

    I doooo LOVE it here. Met so many great people on this lake, super fun and lots of room during the week...Great parties on the weekends

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Saguaro Lake

    Review Highlights - Saguaro Lake

    ! Make sure you get out there early on the weekends or you'll be redirected to a parking lot used as a waiting zone

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    Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing

    Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing

    4.7(66 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    I have rented Kayaks from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch several times over the past few years and have…read morealways had great service and a wonderful experience. Reserving a spot and kayak is easy on the online website. Once you navigate down to the main road to the Guest Ranch, it can be a little confusing as they always have a roadblock as you progress towards the parking lot. Just proceed past the sign to the parking lot ahead. After parking, walk back towards the ranch and check in. Guest services will provide a wrist band as well as a parking pass to place on your dashboard. Once your reservation time is ready, you will be provided a quick orientation of the equipment, navigation of the river and where the staff will pick you up at the end of your float. The staff is always super helpful. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a carabiner to hook on your dry bag or backpack to the kayak. Even though the majority of the river is an easy float, there are some small rapids. You may accidentally flip the kayak if you get caught in a tough spot on the River. This will prevent you from losing your bag! I'm experienced and have flipped once or twice. Depending on the time of year and water flow, the float can take 2 or 3 hours. Beautiful views of the landscape, wildlife including various birds and the gorgeous wild horses! At the end of the float, the staff will load your kayaks and take you back to the Guest Ranch. In the main building, be sure to stop by the gift shop prior or after the float for souvenirs or in case you forgot supplies you may need. They have several items including sunscreen, water shoes, hats, shirts snd much more. I found prices to be reasonable. This is the perfect place to bring out of town visitors. They will love it.

    Such a fantastic time! I cannot recommend this enough…read more My bf and I are not outdoorsy people so I was nervous about how to take on the salt river. This was PERFECT, so happy we did this over the tubing. There's a reason tubing has mixed reviews and these are all positive! It took us exactly 2 hours and it was very leisure. We wanted to sit and enjoy the beauty, it was fun to race in our kayaks, and one time we pulled over to jump in the water to refresh. We did the 7:15am Sat July 5 hoping we would get a nice serene time and compared to how it usually sounds, it was very peaceful. Few party people down the river but nothing too crazy. I recommend not going later than 7:30 if you want a more peaceful time to yourself and low crowds. Plus the sun wasn't as brutal. Saw a woman go on her own, and you're definitely fine to do it by yourself. Charge up your phone so you have plenty of juice for photos and videos and in case you need to make a "help call" "Rapids" are not bad at all so fun and simple. The quality of what they provide is very nice. They send detailed instructions of what to expect, including parking (refer to email). Do not forget your water shoes. We didn't need a snack during but it was nice to have after, obviously water is a must plus sunscreen. We wore rash guards and hats and I recc that. Pre buy a waterproof phone lanyard. I got wonderful photos and videos from something cheap on Amazon The most wild life we saw was one horse and like 5 fish lol I wish there was an easier way to keep my water in front with me because every time I went to grab it behind me I was worried I would tip myself. I also wish they had little signs to point which way to go, it's simple, but after the excitement heat etc, it's like "wait they did say left middle right left, right?" lol Can't think of any other tips, besides just do this, can't imagine you would regret. We are new to the area and wanted to do something that felt very Arizona, super happy with the decision

    Photos
    Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing - The Bulldog Cliffs!

    The Bulldog Cliffs!

    Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing
    Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing - Epic cliff!

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    Epic cliff!

    Veterans Oasis Park - Chandler Native Plant Oasis- check out Chandler Nature Center to learn how to volunteer.

    Veterans Oasis Park

    4.8(168 reviews)
    19.5 mi

    The Veterans Oasis park has different walking trails, offers a lake for fishing, several benches…read morefor bird-watching, large covered ramadas, the Chandler Nature Center (Chandler Native Plant Oasis), and much more. Offers different signs to learn about wildlife and how to be safe. I came in early morning in mid-October and the weather was amazing. In the morning it was about 60 degrees. The park was active: people walking the trails, fishing, several people walking their dogs and there was a group of people with their dogs getting dog training classes. The park still offers plenty of space to enjoy your time outdoors.

    This is our favorite neighborhood park. We have seen it grow from a small park to a huge trail…read moreworthy, well kept oasis. Our favorite is going around the scenic loop around water, spotting the ducks, geese and the birds. There are so many exotic Birds specially during the spring, it's a sight. The wildflowers are beautiful and the large trees create a perfect canopy during the summer. We love biking and hiking too, this park has a cute little waterfall and is a favorite among photographers for shoots. There are programs offered in the community center for the kids for summer break and also activities with nature which is nice specially since it's involved with nature. There is also a nice display and tribute to the veterans with some installation arts. This place is worth a visit and wish there were some kids play structure to add to the beauty.

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    Veterans Oasis Park - Memorial area

    Memorial area

    Veterans Oasis Park
    Veterans Oasis Park

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    Tempe Beach Park - Tempe Beach Park 09/25

    Tempe Beach Park

    4.1(170 reviews)
    15.8 mi

    This was my second year at AZ Rise Up, and while I haven't been to Tempe Beach Park as an actual…read morepark in... honestly, I don't even know how long... as a festival venue? Solid. Like, genuinely well done. They space the vendor area far enough from the stages so you're not fighting for your life trying to shop while also dodging people who are deep in their "vibe." Huge win. The stages are set up in a way where, even when artists are playing at the same time, it doesn't feel like a chaotic sound clash, which I did not expect but fully appreciated. Also noticed they adjusted the layout a bit this year (especially around the Rise Up stage), and it worked. Way smoother flow overall. GA+ still not exactly bursting at the seams, but hey, more room for the rest of us. Sound? On point. Setup? Thought out. Experience (overall)? Actually great. Now... the people. Let's just say there comes a moment in life where you realize a fan base is no longer your fan base. And for me, that moment was somewhere between hour 8 and hour 9 of holding down my spot, when I got full-on trampled by someone who apparently believed personal space is a myth. Ma'am. I had been standing there for nearly 9 hours. NINE. This was not a casual pop-in situation. Up until that point, everything had been amazing. The music, the energy, the flow, chef's kiss. But that one interaction? Immediate vibe break. That said, I'm choosing growth here: I genuinely hope she finds whatever she's running toward... and maybe learns how not to run directly through people to get there. Overall though? As a venue for this fest, Tempe Beach Park absolutely delivers. I'll be back... just maybe with stronger crowd boundaries and a little more side-eye.

    We've visited the Tempe Beach Park area a few times for events like breast cancer walks and…read morefestivals. It's a beautiful location with scenic views of the bridges and water, and there's even a nearby museum which adds to the experience. Parking can be a bit of a mixed situation. There is a parking garage available, but it does require payment. We also noticed an additional open lot next to the garage where you can park for free; however, it is gated and the surface is mostly dirt and rocks, so just something to keep in mind. One thing we didn't come across was a public restroom, so it's unclear where the nearest one is located. Overall, it's a great area to visit and enjoy events. My only suggestion would be to add more parking options or provide a designated free parking area for visitors, so not everyone has to pay for parking.

    Photos
    Tempe Beach Park - Side stage reggae fest

    Side stage reggae fest

    Tempe Beach Park
    Tempe Beach Park

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    Saguaro Lake - lakes - Updated May 2026

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