Love butcher jones beach! Great fun to cool off in the spring and summer. Yes it can be trashed....some people don't clean up or give a crap about the environment....but that is to be expected being so close to urban areas. You need a pass and can not buy them on location. A lot of gas stations and Wal-Mart's carry them. The trail near the beach is 5miles round trip. Great easy hike but is narrow and has steep drop offs and lots of cactus not great for kids. The lake is kind of skuzzy, bring a float and wear water shoes. There is occasional glass and nails on the beach so watch your kids. If you are lucky you might see the wild horses, don't get close to them or block their way. And for God's sake pick up your trash! Nearest place to buy a pass is 15miles back towards Mesa.