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GOLDWATER LAKE PARK
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| A leafy inlet on Upper Goldwater Lake |
Maybe the ducks are on to something.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Take it easy at Goldwater Lake Park |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Willow catkins bloom in a moist riparian zone |
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| 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.
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| Wild candytuft is a springtime bloomer |
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| 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.
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| The lake is a productive bird watching site |
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| 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.
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| 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/
