Top 17 Lakes around Prescott Valley

Visitors frequently enjoy Upper Goldwater Lake for its peaceful setting, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Another highly regarded spot is Granite Dells at Watson Lake, known for its unique granite rock formations and diverse activities. Lynx Lake is also very popular, offering scenic views and a variety of water sports and hiking opportunities, as seen from the View of Lynx Lake from Johns Tank Trail.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Fain Lake in Prescott Valley is compact and features a barrier-free lakeside path, picnic areas, and historical mining artifacts. Lynx Lake is known for its family-friendly atmosphere with a 2-mile Lakeshore Trail that is mostly wheelchair and stroller friendly, plus boat rentals and picnic spots. Goldwater Lake also offers playgrounds, picnic tables, and a sand volleyball court, making it ideal for a family day out.

Many lakes provide excellent hiking trails. Fain Lake has easy to moderate trails like the Lynx Creek Loop and Cavalry Trail. Lynx Lake features the 2-mile Lakeshore Trail, and Goldwater Lake has trails connecting to the Prescott National Forest. Watson Lake is home to the Peavine Trail, which runs along its southeastern side and offers stunning views of the Granite Dells. For more specific routes, you can explore the Cycling around Prescott Valley guide, which includes trails like the Peavine and Iron King Trail Loop.

Absolutely! Fishing is a popular activity at most lakes. Fain Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Lynx Lake offers rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Goldwater Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also has largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish. Watson Lake is known for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, carp, and sunfish. Remember that Lower Goldwater Lake is catch-and-release only with artificial flies or lures.

Watson Lake is famous for its distinctive sky-blue waters surrounded by massive granite boulders known as the Granite Dells, which provide a stunning backdrop. Lynx Lake is nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains, offering a cooler climate and scenic views of ponderosa pines and oaks. Fain Lake features scrubby highlands, canyons, and a created waterfall along its trails.

Fain Lake Park is notable for its rich history, featuring mining artifacts and preserved historical buildings, including a restored stamp mill along the Lynx Creek Loop Trail. This offers an educational experience alongside outdoor recreation.

Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are popular at Lynx Lake (with a 10 HP motor limit), Goldwater Lake (electric motor boating only), and Watson Lake. Boat rentals are available seasonally at Lynx Lake and Watson Lake. Swimming is generally prohibited at Fain Lake, Lynx Lake, Goldwater Lake, and Watson Lake for safety and environmental reasons.

The lakes offer year-round enjoyment, but the cooler climate at higher elevation lakes like Lynx Lake makes them an ideal escape from desert heat during warmer months. Spring and fall are generally pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities due to mild temperatures. Watson Lake's unique geology is beautiful in any season, but seasonal camping is available.

Yes, Fain Lake offers a barrier-free lakeside path, making it accessible for many visitors. Lynx Lake features a 2-mile Lakeshore Trail that is mostly wheelchair and stroller friendly, providing scenic views for a wider range of mobility levels.

Beyond hiking and water sports, you can enjoy gold panning along Lynx Creek near Lynx Lake and at Fain Lake. Watson Lake is also an Audubon-endorsed bird-watching area, home to hundreds of bird species including eagles and pelicans. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various routes nearby, including those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Prescott Valley guide and the MTB Trails around Prescott Valley guide.

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from fishing and hiking to picnicking and boating, all set against varied and beautiful landscapes. The unique granite formations at Watson Lake and the serene, forested atmosphere of Goldwater Lake are frequently highlighted. Many also value the family-friendly amenities and the opportunity to spot wildlife like bald eagles at Goldwater Lake.