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Watson Lake
Prescott’s Watson Lake might just be one of the most unique lakes in the entire U.S., not because of the lake itself but because of its landscape. The 160-acre body of water is surrounded by 120 acres of open space, and most of that is an area known as Granite Dells. The Dells are giant striated granite boulders and exposed bedrock, and the formations give the area a lumpy, otherworldly appearance. (Side note: Granite Dells is a popular spot for rock climbers.) It’s no wonder that Watson Lake is Prescott’s most popular lake, says Joe Baynes, recreation services director for the City of Prescott. “The environment is unique, the lake is close to [US] 89 and there are a lot of recreational opportunities there,” says Joe.
Those opportunities include kayaking and canoeing (boats are available to rent via Prescott Outdoors, the lake’s only contracted vendor), fishing for bass and trout, sailing, picnicking and hiking the 5-mile Watson Lake Loop that encompasses the shores of the lake as well as Granite Dells. There’s also an 18-hole disc golf course and a 4-acre grass area where special events frequently take place. This summer, the 43rd Annual Prescott Antique Auto Club Watson Lake Show happens Aug. 5-6. You can also camp at Watson Lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are 35 spots (RVs are allowed, but there are no hook-ups) – some can be reserved while others are first come, first served. Lakegoers will also find a playground, barbecue grills, picnic ramadas, horseshoe pits and fish-cleaning stations.
Watson Lake is a reservoir that was created in 1917 as a water source for Chino Valley farmers. Due to the rainfall we received this winter, the lake reached its capacity in February, something Joe says hasn’t happened in the winter since 2010 (the lake frequently fills up during monsoon season). Swimming isn’t allowed, but that doesn’t stop people from flocking to the lake. “Watson Lake is a very busy place in the summer because it’s such an affordable form of recreation,” says Joe. “There’s a lot to do for families. For a $3 fee you can picnic, play disc golf and hike all in the same day.”
This lake is your lake if:
• You’re looking for a date alternative to dinner and a movie.
• You want to get the kids out from behind their cellphones on a summer afternoon.
• You actually know what PDGA stands for.
Watson Lake, 3101 Watson Lake Road in Prescott. The lake is open year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk (10 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day). Parking is $3 per vehicle (no fee on Wednesdays). Multi-visit and annual passes are also available. For information about the lake, visit www.cityofprescott.net or call 928-777-1121. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent by the hour or day. For more information, visit www.prescottoutdoors.com or call 928-925-1410.
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