Google Map

USA :: Prescott :: Watson Lake Loop

GPS Track

Watson Lake Panorama from North Shore Trail Rest Stop.  Watson Dam center left

December 18, 2023

Watson Lake is one of two reservoirs at the Granite Dells that was formed in the early 1900s when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built a dam on Granite Creek (other one is nearby Willow Creek Reservoir).  Today it is an awesome resource in generally hot and waterless Arizona.  There are several recreational points at west side of the lake with boat launch ramp and walking trails.  Area is managed by City of Prescott that charges Parking Fees at access points;  in return trails are maintained with signed junctions and trail maps (see Gallery). 

On my visit I hiked a loop starting from south side Peavine Trailhead just off Prescott Lakes Parkway. Loop can be done in either direction and I don't think there is particular advantage one way or the other.  Alternate access is via North side Flume Trail starting from East Granite Dells road, off Hwy 89.  Peavine Trail is in fact old rail bed, today mostly used by cyclists and trail runners, but hiking trail splits soon after crossing expansive Riparian Habitat (Waypoint "1-Watson Lake", GPS Track download Top of Page).  I decided on CCW direction and followed east side of the lake, then looped around on Over The Hill - North Shore - Discovery Trails back to Peavine.   Most scenic part was probably Secret Cove on east side (short side trip off Peavine) and fairly rugged crossing of Granite Dells on North side near Watson Dam / Flume Trail junction, while best viewpoint was on North Shore trail ~10-15min before Watson Lake Park (lead photo on the Page).  

Gallery