By Larry Nader, For State 48 A2Z
Published April 19, 2022
With its four-season climate, Prescott, Arizona, and Prescott Valley offer loads of fun activities year-round. Whether you are looking to get away to enjoy some winter fun, hiking, boating, fishing, or just to enjoy the cooler summer temps, Prescott is a great getaway destination. One of the area’s top destinations is Watson Lake Park, located roughly four miles from Prescott and one of the more beautiful lakes you will see.
Watson Lake, a man-made reservoir, was created in 1915 when construction was completed on the nearby Granite Creek Dam, flooding a planned area of the Granite Dells. Today the lake offers visitors roughly 380 surface acres of serene, sky-blue calm waters with an amazingly beautiful and serene backdrop of large granite boulders with vegetation surrounding it. Originally built by the Chino Valley Irrigation District, the city of Prescott purchased the reservoir and surrounding land in 1997.
While not allowing swimming due in part to the lake being downstream from an old mercury strip mining operation, the Park does offer many other activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and camping, on top of some amazing scenery with its bright blue color and surrounding granite boulders that jut out of the serene water.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Peavine Trail traverses across the southeastern side of the Lake into the Granite Dells. This trail is relatively level and is used by hikers, joggers, horseback riders, and cyclists. If rock climbing is your thing, you can test your skills at the same places where mountain rescue groups train.
For those who enjoy life physically on the water, Watson Lake offers two boat launches, a courtesy dock, kayak rentals, and fish cleaning stations in addition to picnic areas and grills. If birdwatching is your thing, Watson Lake is an Audubon endorsed area with hundreds of bird species including eagles and pelicans. The Watson Woods Riparian Reserve is located near the Peavine Trail.
Other fun activities offered at the park include horseshoes, a bocce ball court, and a Disc Golf Course with 18-holes in a beautiful scenic area. The terrain changes with each hole. Campsites are available during the summer season. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, ramadas, and a children's playground are also provided.
AZWonders.com provides the following reasons why Watson Lake should be on your bucket list. These include:
· Famous granite dells (boulders) to paddle to and through
· Numerous small coves to explore
· Plenty of wildlife to see
· No wake rule on the entire lake
· Can paddle all year long – it never freezes over
· Two easy-access launch ramps
· No cost to use the boat ramps
· Scenic hiking trail circles the lake
· Picnic and camping sites available inside the park
· Inexpensive campground (seasonal)
· Average temps: (high/low): 51/21 in January; 89/57 in July
There are no bones about it, Watson Lake is the jewel of the Prescott area and, with so many activities, it is sure to please everyone in your family or group. A total must-see. Plus when your day on the lake is done, it's only a short drive to quench your thirst in old-west style at Prescott's famed Whiskey Row. Watson Lake Park is located at 3101 Watson Lake Rd., Prescott, AZ.
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