Spend a Day on Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake sits northeast of Mesa in the heart of Tonto National Forest - close enough for a quick escape, wild enough to feel like another world. Towering canyon walls and saguaro-studded shorelines makes for one of the most rewarding day trips. The best part? You don't need to arrive with a cooler full of gear or a boat in tow to make the most of it. This itinerary lays out everything: where to fuel up, where to rent your paddle craft and how to wrap the evening in style.

Morning: Fuel Up in Mesa Before You Head Out

Start the day at T.C. Eggington's Brunchery
a Mesa classic! The menu leans hearty and generous — exactly what you want before a morning on the water.

Next, Pack Your Lunch in Downtown Mesa
After breakfast, make a quick detour downtown to stock up for your lakeside lunch. Worth Takeaway is a great option for food that will last in a cooler and easy to travel with (plus their sandwiches are delicious).

Mid-Morning: Rent Your Paddle Craft

Before heading to the lake, swing by one of Mesa's top paddleboard and kayak outfitters to pick up your gear for the day:

Lower Salt Rentals
rents both stand-up paddleboards and kayaks and also provide high quality equipment for sale to help you feel confident on your next adventure.

Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. They provide complimentary roof racks or inflatable options to help with transport, and their staff shares local launch tips specific to Saguaro Lake.

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
Check out their guided tours for well-rounded experience on the lake!

Don't forget: a Tonto National Forest Recreation Pass (Tonto Pass) is required for day-use access. Day passes can be purchased at participating vendors near the lake or in advance at convenience stores throughout the Mesa area.

Afternoon: Paddle Butcher Jones Beach

Paddle: Head to Butcher Jones Beach, one of the most popular access points on Saguaro Lake and an ideal launch spot for a self-guided paddle. The beach sits right on the water's edge, making it easy to launch kayaks and paddleboards directly from shore.

Insider Tip: Check out the coves and quieter inlets along the lake if you want to escape the main channel.

Lunch: When you're ready to take a break, pull your boards ashore and spread out for a well-deserved lakeside lunch. The sandwiches from Worth Takeaway will make for a satisfying spread with some of the best views in the Valley.

Evening: Cruise the Lake on the Desert Belle

Cap off the afternoon with a completely different perspective of Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle, Choose the experience that fits your evening:

• Wine Cruise — Offered Wednesdays, October through June.

• Craft Beer Cruise — Offered Fridays, October through June.

• Live Music Cruise — Available on select dates.

Check desertbellecruises.com for the current schedule and cruise calendar.

Your Saguaro Lake Day at a Glance

• Breakfast: T.C. Eggington's Brunchery | 1660 S. Alma School Road, Suite 129, Mesa
• Lunch supplies: Worth Takeaway | 218 W. Main St., Mesa
• Snacks: Outcast Doughnuts | 104 W. Main St., Suite 105, Mesa
• Rentals: No Snow Paddleboards & Kayaks | 3654 N. Power Road, Suite 109, Mesa
• Rentals: Riverbound Sports Paddle Co. | Visit visitmesa.com for current location
• Paddling & lunch: Butcher Jones Beach, Saguaro Lake
• Evening cruise: The Desert Belle | Saguaro Lake Marina, Tonto National Forest

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