PRESCOTT LAKES

Located just 4 miles from Prescott, this beautiful lake is an oasis when you are looking to escape the desert heat. This bright blue lake is surrounded by granite boulders and hiking trails. Though swimming is prohibited, there are many other fun activities to do at Watson Lake including fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The camp grounds include restrooms with showers, picnic areas, and parking. The camp ground is only available during the summer months.

To top it off there are even more amenities than just the camp ground. Surrounding Watson Lake there are horseshoe pits, fish cleaning stations, and playground equipment for the kids. Don’t forget to bring your furry companions along because pets are allowed on the park’s 380 acres. If you are looking for a fun exercise activity to do with friends or family be sure to check out all the hiking trails around Watson Lake. These are known for winding through beautiful flowers and bringing hikers up close to local fauna. The most popular trail however, is the Pea-vine trail. Over all, Watson Lake is not just a body of water, but a 13 min getaway from Prescott that the whole family can enjoy!

Tucked away in the Bradshaw Mountains at 5,500 feet elevation, Lynx Lake is a beautiful getaway! Located just 15 minutes Southeast of Prescott, this lake is prime for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, sailing, and canoeing. Though swimming is prohibited, there are boat rentals if you do not have one of your own at the Lynx Lake Store. They are open from late Spring to early Fall and always closed on Mondays. If you have your own boat be sure to note that only 10 horsepower or less engines are allowed at Lynx lake. If you are looking for a stroll, check out the Lakeshore Trail. This is a 2 mile long trail that leads all the way around the lake. It is mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible but be cautious of a few steeper sections. This lake is part of the Prescott National Forest and visitors should make sure to leave to no trace. This means picking up garbage and fishing materials. After a fun day on Lake Lynx there is no better place to enjoy the summer than having a picnic with your family and friends. There are many picnic tables and grills on the South and North shores of the lake! Come escape the desert heat and relax on Lynx Lake!

Looking for a relaxing summer haven to escape to? Goldwater Lake is located only 4 miles from Prescott. Though a smaller sized lake at 15 acres, there are many ways to enjoy it! There are picnic areas, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Only electronic motors are allowed on the lake and there is no swimming. There is however a boat ramp for public use. If you don’t have your own kayaks or canoes, you can rent them during lake hours from Prescott Outdoors. Although Goldwater Lake is open all year long, the hours are specific to the time of year. Look below for more information on lake hours. If you are looking to spend time around the lake instead of in it there are many ways to do it! Goldwater Lake is surrounded by hiking that connects to the Prescott National Forest, picnic tables, grills, horse shoe pits, a sand volley ball court, and a children’s playground. The area has restrooms as well. This beautiful lake is only 9 minutes from Prescott and a place the entire family can enjoy loads of summer fun!

Nestled among pines and boulders of Prescott's iconic Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including hiking, backpacking, horse riding, non-motorized boating, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Willow Lake's water level fluctuates throughout the year depending on the amount of rainfall each season. For that reason, this is the best lake to visit if you’re interested in riding your bike or taking a short hike. It's located on Willow Creek Road and Heritage Park Road within miles of downtown Prescott. Other activities include kayaking, paddling and SUP or any boat recreation without gasoline motors. Other fun things to do are bird watching, trail running and playing with your pup as it is a dog-friendly area.