Cities

Goldwater Lake

Take a pleasant walk in the woods in Prescott National Forest.

This local gem offers the ultimate forest getaway with hiking, boating and fishing surrounded by pine-scented air. Getting there is easy. From Highway 69 near downtown Prescott, head south on Mt. Vernon Street for just 4 miles through prideful neighborhoods to reach this refreshing lake. Families like this pretty little lake for its playground, sand volleyball courts and picnic ramadas. Watson Lake and the Granite Dells draw many visitors to the north side of Prescott, but Goldwater Lake offers a splashy retreat with many more pine trees.

Hike Around the Lake

The Goldwater Lake Loop Trail winds 2.5 miles along the banks of both the upper and lower lakes. On this easy trail, pass by two dams under the shade of the old-growth pine forest. Multiple connector trails are hard to resist in this mile-high outdoor playground. Mountain bikers get on the 50-mile Prescott Circle Trail for white-knuckle singletrack. The roller-coaster trail features steep ups and downs notched into mountainsides as well as natural rock obstacles and fast stretches with curved banks.

Cast a Line

Prescott Outdoors sets up shop in the main parking lot of Goldwater Lake to rent kayaks and canoes from April to October. Visitors can also pull in their own water toys and small boats with electric motors to head out to deep waters to fish for largemouth bass and channel catfish. Anglers can also fish from the floating fishing pier and the lake’s banks year-round. Stroll the loop trail to find an isolated beach to land rainbow trout and Gila trout, a species found only in Arizona and New Mexico.

Visit Prescott

After a day at the lake, head into Prescott to explore the historic courthouse square and visit the restaurants, bars and shops along Whiskey Row. Be prepared, locals pronounce it “press kit.” Stay the night in historic downtown hotels that range from opulent old beauties to quirky motor lodges. Or turn the trip into a campout at multiple sites in Prescott National Forest. On day two, check out another popular lake in the area. Watson Lake is known for its bewildering stacked boulders and refreshing water activities.

Visit Destination Website

More to Explore Near Goldwater Lake

Cities

Prescott

Whether you love hiking through large stands of ponderosa pines or appreciate historic places, Prescott offers things to do and places to see...

Cities

Sedona

Explore iconic red-rock formations in one of Arizona’s top visitor destinations.

Watson Lake and the Granite Dells

Explore a jumble of boulders surrounding a cool lake just four miles northeast of Prescott.

Granite Dells of Payson

The Mogollon Rim area near Payson sets the backdrop for sensational outdoor excursions.

Search Filters

Search Results

Horseback Riding

360 Adventures

Arizona adventure tours by 360 Adventures take the worry out of exploring so you can focus on having fun. While Arizona features some of...

Spas & Luxury

A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa

A Spa for You, Sedona's premier boutique day spa, offers Sedona’s original, all-inclusive, individually custom-designed massages, signature...

Wineries

Alcantara Vineyard

What started as a dream venture created by Barbara and husband Bob, Alcantara Vineyards has grown to over 20,000 vines and an offering of...

Family Activities

American Gold Prospecting Adventures

We have a great team of gold prospecting guides to make your experience one to remember. We provide all the equipment and teach you...

Galleries & Museums

Arcosanti & Cosanti Foundation

Arcosanti is an urban laboratory focused on innovative design, community, and environmental accountability. Our goal is to actively pursue...

Hiking & Trails

Arizona Backcountry Llamas

We would love for you to join us on a 2-hour, 4-hour, or an all-day hike. Lead one of our llamas to a beautiful destination for a tasty...

Boating & Water

Arizona Boat Rentals

At Arizona boat rentals we work hard to offer the best quality boat and jet ski rentals on the market at any lake in the state. Enjoy the...

Arts & Culture

Arizona Fiber Festival

The Arizona Federation of Weavers and Spinners Guilds was chartered and incorporated to promote weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketry and...

Wineries

Arizona Stronghold

Our wines showcase the originality of the southwest highlands and accent the terrain, which can be enjoyed in each glass of Arizona...

Hiking & Trails

Arizona Trail Expeditions

Arizona Trail Expeditions is a division of Hermosa Tours located in Sedona, Arizona. AZT Expeditions is a new program offered in...

Wineries

Arizona Winery Tours

Arizona Winery Tours offers an all-inclusive enjoyable and elegant way to experience Arizona's premier wineries.Our regularly scheduled...

Wineries

AZ Wine Wagon

The AZ Wine Wagon believes that getting there is half the fun, which is why we created a unique AZ winery shuttle experience from start to...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.