It can be easy to lose sight of Arizona’s beauty after working in an office in Phoenix all week. Nearly every weekend, I head out past the city limits and fall in love with the desert all over again. I hope to inspire locals to reconnect with this place that we are so lucky to call our home.
One thing I love about hosting guests is the opportunity to see my home through a new set of eyes. I like to take visitors somewhere that feels authentic to Phoenix—which is why Sedona is out. The places on this list attract the occasional tourist, but they are still beloved local spots. If you’re planning a trip, I ask that you please protect these not-so-secret spots as though they are your home.
Saguaro Lake
Wild horses are frequently spotted on the drive out to Saguaro Lake, so keep your eyes peeled! There are also fantastic views of Four Peaks from the road.
You can enjoy Saguaro Lake during summer months, as the water is cool year-round. Swim at Butcher Jones Beach or paddle out onto the water. Canyon Lake is part of the Salt River, and the river bluffs are beautiful.
Desert Belle Cruises: There is a boat tour at Saguaro Lake Marina, “Desert Belle Cruises,” but I have not personally done it. It has indoor seating with air conditioning, making it a convenient way to see more of the lake/river when it’s too hot to hike.
Butcher Jones Trail: If it’s not too hot, take a hike! Butcher Jones Trail splits off to two equally lovely end points: Butcher Jones viewpoint and a trail down to the shoreline. If you visit both, it’s six miles roundtrip. However, it’s not necessary to hike the entire trail, as there are great views the entire way.
There used to be a restaurant at Saguaro Lake Marina, but it is permanently closed (updated January 2026). You can pack a picnic, and there are picnic sites with grills at Butcher Jones Day Use Area.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is just down the Salt River from Saguaro Lake, but there is no road directly connecting the two. Canyon Lake is a bit quieter than Saguaro Lake, as it’s slightly more remote. The road to Canyon Lake is gorgeous, though, so I hardly mind the longer drive. Saguaro Lake has the nicer/more accessible beach, but Canyon Lake is a bit prettier with its dramatic rocky bluffs.
Dolly Steamboat: I have done the boat tour at Canyon Lake, the Dolly Steamboat, and it was lovely. There’s indoor seating with air conditioning, and it enables you to see otherwise inaccessible parts of the lake/river. There isn’t really a trail along Canyon Lake like at Saguaro Lake. They also occasionally spot bighorn sheep on the boat tour, but I wasn’t so lucky.
Boulder Canyon Trail: The best hiking trail by Canyon Lake actually hikes up and away from the lake. Boulder Canyon Trail has gorgeous views of Boulder Canyon and La Barge Canyon (on opposite sides of Battleship Mountain, the square-shaped mountain). The view pictured below is at mile 2.5, so I recommend a 5-mile roundtrip hike.
Tortilla Flat: To grab a bite, head out just past Canyon Lake to the Tortilla Flat Saloon. Tortilla Flat is a genuine, historical Old Western town, so it’s worth the visit.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument: Tonto National Monument is managed by the National Park Service, so check their website prior to visiting. A day pass is $10, or use your America the Beautiful Pass. The Lower Cliff Dwelling (pictured below) is accessed by a steep, half-mile paved path. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is only accessible by tour, which you must reserve in advance.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake: Drive along Theodore Roosevelt Lake, where there are plenty of pullouts for a great view. If you’re hungry, stop for lunch with a view at Ffinch’s Waterfront Kitchen and Bar.
Vineyard Trail: If you’re up for a tougher hike, Vineyard Trail is fantastic. The beginning of the trail overlooks Theodore Roosevelt Lake, including the iconic bridge and dam, ascending Vineyard Peak to overlook the Salt River Valley (pictured below at mile 2). You could turn back here for a 4-mile roundtrip, but I recommend continuing to mile 3.5 (7 miles roundtrip) for more incredible views. I think the lighting on this trail is best in the evening, so save it for last.
Superior
Superior is a small town inside Tonto National Forest with two major attractions: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Picketpost Mountain.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum: It costs $25 per person to enter Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Don’t miss High Trail and the suspension bridge! There’s also a great gift shop. My favorite time to visit is to see fall leaves; colors usually peak at the arboretum in late November-early December. (Read more: Where to Find Fall Colors Near Phoenix)
Picketpost Mountain: If you’re up for a challenge, this trail has a lot of scrambling and loose rock. It’s 4.5 miles roundtrip straight up the side of a mountain. Even following my AllTrails satellite map, it was easy to lose the trail and find myself in a sketchy spot on the cliff bands. However, it was well-worth the challenge; I loved going through the letters and assorted items in the mailbox at the top.
If this hike sounds too challenging, you can hike the Arizona Trail from the same trailhead for views of Picketpost Mountain.
Superior is not far from Tonto National Monument, if you have spare time to head out there (details in previous section).
Latitudes with Lucy 
Leave a comment