Prescott Lakes
Though known for its cowboy past, its Whiskey Row, and loads of colleges, Prescott is not always mentioned as a lake destination. Don’t be fooled though. Prescott has many lakes within 15 minutes of its downtown area for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and relaxation. The main three are Watson Lake, Goldwater Lake, and Lynx Lake. All of these lakes prohibit swimming but make up for it in recreational activities. Some include amenities such as campgrounds, kayak rental stores, horseshoe pits, extensive hiking trails, and grills for those family get-togethers. For more information, check out our individual articles to find out which lake is perfect for your next summer adventure!
Watson Lake
Located just 4 miles from Prescott, this beautiful lake is an oasis when you are looking to escape the desert heat. This bright blue lake is surrounded by granite boulders and hiking trails. Though swimming is prohibited, there are many other fun activities to do at Watson Lake including fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The campgrounds include restrooms with showers, picnic areas, and parking. The campground is only available during the summer months.
Watson Lake Details & Location »
Lynx Lake
Located just 15 minutes Southeast of Prescott, this lake is prime for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, sailing, and canoeing. Though swimming is prohibited, there are boat rentals if you do not have one of your own at the Lynx Lake Store. They are open from late Spring to early Fall and always closed on Mondays. If you have your own boat be sure to note that only 10 horsepower or fewer engines are allowed at Lynx lake. If you are looking for a stroll, check out the Lakeshore Trail. This is a 2-mile-long trail that leads all the way around the lake. It is mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible but be cautious of a few steeper sections.
Lynx Lake Details & Location »
Goldwater Lake
Goldwater Lake is located only 4 miles from Prescott. Though a smaller sized lake at 15 acres, there are many ways to enjoy it! There are picnic areas, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Only electronic motors are allowed on the lake and there is no swimming. There is however a boat ramp for public use. If you don’t have your own kayaks or canoes, you can rent them during lake hours from Prescott Outdoors. Although Goldwater Lake is open all year long, the hours are specific to the time of year.
DIrections to Goldwater Lake »
Granite Basin Lake
Nestled among pines and boulders of Prescott's iconic Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including hiking, backpacking, horse riding, non-motorized boating, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
DIrections to Goldwater Lake »
Willlow Lake
Willow Lake's water level fluctuates throughout the year depending on the amount of rainfall each season. For that reason, this is the best lake to visit if you’re interested in riding your bike or taking a short hike. It's located on Willow Creek Road and Heritage Park Road within miles of downtown Prescott. Other activities include kayaking, paddling, and SUP or any boat recreation without gasoline motors. Other fun things to do are bird watching, trail running and playing with your pup as it is a dog-friendly area.
DIrections to Willow Lake »
Granite Mountain Guides
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Incredible Staff | Safe Environment | Beautiful Scenery | Individualized | Accommodating | Exceptional Experience | Covid-19 Precautions Taken
Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our … More
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our trip
- Bikes are in great condition
- Great way to experience ebikes
- Loved the entire experience
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
ATV Rentals in Sedona and Cottonwood
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
Guided Horseback Tour only 30 mins from Sedona
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
1.5 Hour Horseback Ride
2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Private Off Road Adventure Tours in the Prescott National Forest
Family-Friendly | Scenic Ride
