Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake’s 22 miles of shoreline and 1,264 acres of water give travelers at least four packed days of outdoor activities. Sign up for guided adventures or take out your own non-motorized boat to witness the flora and fauna first-hand as you navigate pristine Sonoran Desert canyons.

• Ride on horseback: Sign up for a horseback riding adventure with Saguaro Lake Ranch Trail Rides.
• Hike: See Saguaro Lake from different elevations and canyon viewpoints when you hike.
• Birdwatch: Saguaro Lake’s seclusion allows onlookers to spot unique birdlife, from bald eagles to Cormorants.
• Mountain bike: The Hawes Trail System near Saguaro Lake offers over 100 miles of easy to challenging trails.
• Swim: Relax waterside and take a dip at Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Sadie’s Beach nearby is a lesser-known swimming and recreation area that’s also open to the public.
• Kayak or paddleboard: Bring your own kayak or paddleboard, rent water activity equipment, or go on a guided tour with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.
• Go on a cruise: The Desert Belle is a guided lake tour boat cruise that covers much of the reservoir’s terrain.
• Go for a motorized boat ride: Bring-your-own boat and launch off from Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site. Saguaro Lake Marina offers motorized boat rentals and boat slips.
• Go offroading: Saguaro Lake touts scenic desert trails suitable for ATV and offroad vehicle use.
• Stargaze: The low light pollution near Saguaro Lake and Fountain Hills makes this area ideal for moonbathing, nighttime stargazing, and on-the-water night exploration.
• Camp: Go camping at Bagley Flat Recreation Area in Saguaro Lake, accessible by boat only and is first-come, first-served.

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“A beautiful and tranquil area that is great for families or individuals. Lots of biking and walking trails in the area and a nice route to drive or ride your motorcycle. Saw quite a few people fishing at the lake and dropping their boats. A must visit.” - Vernon R., Google Maps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is a beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains. There are lookout turnouts so we could stop and savor the majestic views. Also there is a dedicated parking area with information displays that provide the history of the area. The view is spectacular and is a great photo op location. Avoid the drive up the Apache Trail in rainy conditions, as there are many hairpin turns along the way. On a clear sunny day there is no better place to be to gain perspective, reduce stress, allow us to focus on the wonderful future on this incredible earth. Inspiring place, truly.” - Dave S., Google Maps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Love this lake!! So big and so much to do they have boat rentals you could go kayaking you could go paddle boarding fishing. They have a riverboat cruise. They have it in nighttime sunset cruise it’s just beautiful, beautiful, and the mountains all around you and there’s some cliff diving and swimming in the beach off of beach for the little ones it’s very very fun.” - Elizabeth G., Google Maps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Best Lake in Arizona . Family lake for alot of years.” - Larry P., Trip Advisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Saguaro Lake is a great destination to visit year-round because of Arizona’s mild winters and dry springs, summers, and falls. To enhance your experience of Saguaro Lake, consider visiting during March and April for the wildflower super blooms, or during the summer when you want a full-body cool off.

Yes. Saguaro Lake offers sanitized and maintained facilities at the following locations:

• Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site: Vault toilets
• Butcher Jones Recreation Site: Vault toilets
• Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch: Indoor facilities managed by the ranch
• Desert Belle Cruises: On-boat restrooms
• Bagley Flat Recreation Area: Vault toilets

Yes! Dogs are allowed at all Saguaro Lake recreation sites. Follow leash and waste clean-up laws.

Please visit Tonto National Park’s fee page for the latest entry fee information for Saguaro Lake.

If you’re visiting Saguaro Lake, you have several lodging options in Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell, and Mesa.

• The closest gas station to Saguaro Lake is Chevron Fort McDowell.
• ADERO Scottsdale, Autograph Collection® Luxury Resort
  • Pet-friendly
  • Private balconies
  • Restaurant and in-room dining
  • Sport courts & spa services available
• Eagle View RV Resort At Fort
  • Full RV hook-ups (20/30/50amp)
  • Pet-friendly with a dog run
  • Boat storage & extra cargo room
  • Water, shower, & waste disposal options
  • Sport courts available
• Fountain Park Hotel
  • Best Western hotel
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Guest laundry options
  • Free parking
• Inn at Eagle Mountain
  • Boutique hotel
  • Pet-friendly
  • On-site dining
  • Private balcony and patios
  • Spa services available
• Spark by Hilton Fountain Hills Scottsdale Hotel
  • Hilton hotel
  • Pet-friendly
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Free parking
• We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
  • Pet-friendly
  • Live-entertainment
  • Space services available
  • 2 world-class golf courses on-site
  • Restaurant and in-room dining
  • Free parking
• Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
  • Historic cabins and family cabins with two bedrooms
  • Guided trail and water activities
  • Water rentals
  • Dining plans are included in lodging
  • Free parking