Saguaro Lake Arizona

Overview

Saguaro Lake is the last of four artificial reservoirs along the Salt River east of Fountain Hills created as part of the Salt River Project to supply water for the Phoenix metroplex and the Valley of the Sun. The lake was created in 1930 when the Stewart Mountain Dam was completed. The surface area of the lake is about 1,100 acres at full capacity. Whereas Roosevelt, Apache and Canyon Lakes are accessed via the Apache Trail (Route 88), travellers to Saguaro Lake must either use Route 87 (Beeline Highway) from Fountain Hills, or Bush Highway or Usery Pass Rd from the east valley of Phoenix.

Recreational Opportunities and Amenities

Saguaro Lake is a great place for fishing. Like many of the lakes in the SRP chain, it is stocked with trout every winter. In addition to the trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Walleye are also desirable catches found in this lake.

Saguaro Lake is very popular for recreational boating and water sports like tubing and skiing due to its close proximity to Phoenix. It is so popular that the lake is often ‘locked out’ to boaters on busy weekends and holidays when a certain quota is reached so that the people already there can still have enough room to play safely and enjoyably. This can happen early on Friday in busy season so it pays to think ahead if you are intending to bring your boat!

Saguaro Lake Marina has all the facilities you will need to launch, dock, store, fuel, and maintain your boat. If you don’t own a boat, there are rentals available at Precision Marine located on the lake. Runabouts, pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented.

If you are a hiker, the Butcher Jones Trail #463 is a fairly easy trail that starts at the southwest end of the parking lot at the end of the Butcher Jones road. The trail has little elevation gain but if you are so inclined to travel off-trail there are many possibilities for adventure. This is a great trail for out-of-town guests to enjoy as it is not to strenuous. This is not an enjoyable trail in the summer heat - late fall, winter and early spring are better times to go.

Another attraction at Saguaro Lake is the Lakeshore Restaurant. With beautiful views of the lake and mountains, you can enjoy your meal inside or preferably outside on a patio. Late afternoon and sunset is especially enjoyable as the sun glows on the colorful canyon walls around the lake. The Lakeshore Restaurant offers indoor or outdoor dining, snack bar, weekly specials, a children’s menu, carry-out orders, homemade deserts, and all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday nights. Many Fountain Hills residents enjoy a drive and dinner at the Lakeshore even when they don’t have guests in town!

The Desert Belle paddleboat has been plowing the waters of Saguaro Lake for over forty years. Relax on one of her 90 minute narrated public cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. It’s a great activity for out-of-town guests. Private cruises are also available for wedding, birthday, anniversary, or office party events.

Getting There

Because of the rugged Goldfield Mountains south of Saguaro and Canyon Lake, there is no direct road between the two lakes despite Saguaro Lake only being a few miles downstream from Canyon Lake. Saguaro Lake is accessed by driving up the Beeline Highway (87) and exiting at Bush Highway. From the east Valley, one can take either Power Rd north until it turns into Bush Highway, or take Ellsworth north until it turns into Usery Pass Rd. Once out of the city, all these routes are scenic and relaxing.

Related Links:

• Get Map and Directions to Saguaro Lake
• Saguaro Lake Marina
• Lakeshore Restaurant
• Desert Belle Paddleboat Cruises
• Precision Marine
• Water Levels at Canyon Lake and other SRP Lakes.
• Tonto National Forest.
• Hike Arizona Website with hundreds of trails