Goldwater Lake Park

GOLDWATER LAKE PARK

A leafy inlet on Upper Goldwater Lake

Maybe the ducks are on to something. 

Waterfowl glide on Upper Goldwater Lake

Whether gliding among reeds or preening and sunning on a pine-shaded jetty, the waterfowl seem to have mastered the art of taking it easy at Goldwater Lake. 

Goldwater Lake Park trail connects with Prescott Circle Trail

It’s a noteworthy cue. After all, isn’t kicking back what a day at the lake should be all about?  The City of Prescott Goldwater Lake Park is home to two smallish bodies of water: Upper and Lower Goldwater lakes. Both lakes are contained by dams on Bannon Creek in the Granite Creek watershed just a few miles south of Prescott’s historic downtown Whisky Row district.

Take it easy at Goldwater Lake Park

Dam on Bannon Creek contains Upper Goldwater Lake

The park is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, picnicking and hiking.  A 2.37-mile loop trail circles both lakes, but at this writing, the connector trail between the Upper and Lower lakes is closed for construction and additional day use facilities will be installed around the Lower lake in the near future.

A boggy inlet on Upper Goldwater Lake

However, the Lower lake may still be seen by way of the connecting Prescott National Forest Goldwater Lake Trail No. 396 which is part of the 56-mile Prescott Circle Trail.

Willow catkins bloom in a moist riparian zone

Lower Goldwater Lake viewed from Prescott Circle Trail

The Upper lake hike can be done as out-and-back segments for a total of 2.7 miles. Surrounded by pine-oak woodlands with a fringe of water-loving willows, cottonwoods, boxelders, the alpine lake attracts swarms of waterfowl and wild birds.

Wild candytuft is a springtime bloomer

 

Waterfowl lounge on a pine-shaded jetty

The trail follows the shore on a serpentine route that traces scenic finger coves, inlets and peninsulas passing through shaded, boulder-lined forests and moist riparian zones.

The lake is a productive bird watching site

 

The lake is popular for fishing and boating

This is a hike to take at a leisurely pace with eyes and ears tuned to the tree canopy and cattail reeds swaying in boggy inlets.  It’s there where a cacophony of bird songs, including the distinctive cry of red-winged blackbirds, and a supporting cast of paddling ducks advance the theme of wallowing in a lazy day at the lake.

A boulder-lined passage of trail around Upper Goldwater Lake

LENGTH: 2.7 miles out-and-back (Upper Goldwater Lake only). When completed, the 2-lake loop trail will be 2.37 miles.

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 5,882 – 6,004 feet

GETTING THERE:

2900 S. Goldwater Lake Rd., Prescott.

From State Route 69/Gurley Street in Prescott, go 3.4 miles south on Senator Highway, turn left at the Goldwater Lake Park sign and follow the road to the parking area.

FEE: $3 daily fee per vehicle

SPRING HOURS: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (hours vary by season)

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic ramadas, boat launch, fishing docks, playground, watercraft rentals.

No swimming allowed.

INFO:

City of Prescott

https://www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/goldwater-lake/