Scottsdale → Saguaro Lake via Bush Highway
Fully paved · Slingshot-appropriate roads only
scottsdaleslingshots.com · /adventures/saguaro-lake-slingshot-drive
Saguaro Lake
Half day (4–5 hrs) or full day · ~70 miles round trip from Old Town Scottsdale · 2–3 hrs with stops
Scottsdale → Saguaro Lake · ~70 miles
Saguaro Lake
Desert mountains. Blue water. Pure Arizona. A fully paved drive from Old Town Scottsdale to one of the most stunning desert lakes in the American Southwest.
Check Availability on TuroDistance
~70 miles round trip from Old Town Scottsdale
Drive Time
2–3 hrs with stops
Rental Rec.
Half day (4–5 hrs) or full day
Road Type
Fully paved — all roads suitable for the Slingshot
Difficulty
Easy — smooth paved roads throughout
Best Season
Oct–April ideal; summer mornings are beautiful
Desert Mountains. Blue Water. Pure Arizona.
Saguaro Lake is one of the most visually striking destinations within an hour of Scottsdale — a deep turquoise reservoir carved into the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by saguaro cactus, canyon walls, and the Four Peaks Wilderness. The drive from Old Town Scottsdale is entirely paved and takes you through the heart of the Tonto National Forest on the Bush Highway, one of the best open-road driving stretches in the Phoenix area.
The Bush Highway winds through saguaro giants and desert wash before the lake appears — an impossible shade of turquoise against red canyon walls. The Saguaro Lake Marina offers boat rentals, a lakeside restaurant, and the Desert Belle narrated lake cruise on weekends. Wild horses roam the Salt River corridor along the way.
Every mile of this route is paved and appropriate for the Polaris Slingshot. No dirt roads, no off-road sections — just open desert scenery from an open cockpit.
The Route
Starting point: Old Town Scottsdale (exact pickup address provided after Turo booking)
Scottsdale → Bush Highway (via Shea Blvd / AZ-87)
Head northeast on Shea Blvd through the McDowell Mountains, then pick up the Bush Highway (AZ-87) heading south into the Tonto National Forest. About 25 miles, 30 minutes.
Bush Highway — Tonto National Forest
The Bush Highway is one of the best open-road drives in the Phoenix area. Saguaro cactus lines both sides of the road, the desert wash opens up, and the Four Peaks Wilderness rises to the north. Watch for wild horses along the Salt River corridor.
Saguaro Lake Marina
The marina offers boat rentals, a lakeside restaurant, and the best close-up views of the lake. The water is a deep turquoise against the red canyon walls. The Desert Belle runs narrated lake cruises on weekends — check current schedules before you go.
Saguaro Lake Overlooks
Several pullouts along the access road offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding canyon walls. The view from the marina parking area is one of the most photographed spots in the Phoenix area.
Bush Highway Return to Scottsdale
The Bush Highway back toward Scottsdale is as good as the drive out — wide lanes, desert scenery, and almost no traffic. Return via Shea Blvd to Old Town.
Best Stops
Saguaro Lake Marina
Boat rentals, a lakeside restaurant, and the best views of the lake. The Desert Belle runs narrated lake cruises on weekends — a unique perspective on the desert landscape from the water.
Bush Highway Open Road
One of the best open-road driving stretches in the Phoenix area. Wide lanes, desert scenery, the Salt River alongside — and almost no traffic. The Slingshot was made for this road.
Salt River Wild Horse Area
Wild horses roam the Salt River corridor near the Bush Highway. Sightings are common in the early morning and late afternoon. Pull over safely and watch from a distance — sightings are never guaranteed.
Four Peaks Wilderness Views
The Four Peaks — the jagged mountain range visible from much of the Phoenix area — are at their most dramatic from the Bush Highway and Saguaro Lake. Best in morning light.
What You Need to Know
All Paved — Slingshot Appropriate
Every road on this route is paved and maintained. No dirt sections, no off-road driving. The Polaris Slingshot handles this route well in clear, dry conditions — avoid driving in rain or high winds as the vehicle has no roof.
Fuel
Fuel up in Scottsdale before departure — use premium unleaded, 91 octane or higher. The full loop is about 70 miles — well within a single tank. There is no fuel at the lake.
Water and Food
Carry water — the Slingshot has no roof and Arizona sun is intense. The Saguaro Lake Marina has a restaurant open from 7 AM on weekends.
Cell Service
Good cell coverage on most of this route. The Bush Highway has occasional dead spots but nothing extended. Standard navigation apps work reliably.
Best Time of Day
Morning departures (7–9 AM) offer the best light for photography and cooler temperatures. The Saguaro Lake Marina opens at 7 AM on weekends. Avoid midday in summer.
Desert Belle Cruises
The Desert Belle runs narrated lake cruises on weekends from Saguaro Lake Marina. Check current schedules and availability at the marina before planning your visit around it.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
7:00 AM
Pick up Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale
7:15 AM
Head northeast on Shea Blvd, pick up Bush Highway south
7:45 AM
Bush Highway — Tonto National Forest open road
8:00 AM
Saguaro Lake Marina — lake views, breakfast, optional Desert Belle cruise (weekends)
9:30 AM
Salt River corridor — watch for wild horses
10:00 AM
Bush Highway scenic return toward Scottsdale
10:45 AM
Return to Old Town Scottsdale
Book Your Saguaro Lake Drive
Check real-time availability on Turo. Protection plans available at checkout. Old Town Scottsdale pickup.
Check Availability on Turo5.0★ on Turo · Old Town Scottsdale Pickup