Tours and Tickets to Experience Saguaro Lake

There are plenty of ways to experience Saguaro Lake. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Scottsdale & Phoenix 2-Hour Desert Guided ATV Tour

• Scottsdale, UTV Sand Buggy Off-Road Tour in The Sonoran Desert

• Scottsdale & Phoenix 2-Hour Guided Desert UTV Tour

• Sunset UTV Sand Buggy Off-Road Adventure Tour Scottsdale

• Sonoran Desert UTV Sand Buggy Off-Road Adventure, Scottsdale

You must purchase a Tonto Daily Pass to visit Saguaro Lake, which costs US$8 per person; each visitor must pay separately, even if you all come in the same vehicle. For regular visitors, it’s worth considering the annual Tonto Discovery Pass at US$80. Passes can be bought from Tonto National Forest offices and local retail vendors.

Located northeast of Phoenix, this pint-sized lake in Arizona boasts 22 miles (35 kilometers) of pristine shoreline and is named for the Saguaro cacti that surround its shores. Nestled inside Tonto National Forest, it is a popular destination for anyone looking to cool off during Arizona’s scorching summers.

That depends. To explore the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert or hike within Tonto National Forest or Saguaro National Park, aim for November through March. Avoid hiking in summer, and stick to morning or late afternoon if fishing, swimming, or boating along the lake. Come in spring to see wildflowers in bloom.

Yes, it is possible to visit Saguaro Lake on your own, although you’ll need your own transportation. You can also take a narrated boat cruise on the lake, allowing you to admire the surrounding canyons while comfortably seated (and in air conditioning). Boat rides sell out, so book in advance.

Yes, Saguaro Lake is a great spot for kids and makes for an excellent day trip from Phoenix (count on a 45-minute drive). Head to Butcher Jones Recreation Area for the mellowest and shallowest water. Bring plenty of sun protection and water shoes, since the shore can be rocky.