The Gentle Splendor of Watson Lake

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

When drifting upon the clear, still waters of Watson Lake, one cannot help but feel worlds away. It is early morning, and our canoe seems to know which way to go, my paddle splashing ever so gently. The Earth is quiet. We glide smoothly across the surface of the water, and for a moment I feel graceful. I feel alive.

My wife and I have visited Watson Lake many times in recent months. The views are stunning, and yes, perhaps other-worldly. The granite dells, sculpted by the elements of ions, stand like great lions, gargoyles guarding over the lake. We are but guests here.




I am especially fond of the many coves and beaches, ideal for kayaks and canoes. There are no motorized watercraft allowed, reducing noise and wake potential. This may be a disappointment for some. For them, I recommend Lake Pleasant,
north of Phx…(more on this later).

I cannot imagine a more inviting locale for a morning canoe adventure, or afternoon picnic. Once upon the water, we seldom encounter other boaters. It’s like the world belongs to us, and perhaps for this brief moment, it does.

Once ashore, the adjoining park provides countless hiking and biking opportunities. Just be sure to pay the fee at the gate when you enter. There’s a reason this park appears so clean.
In 1998, residents of Prescott approved a fifteen million dollar bond, allowing the city to purchase Watson Lake and nearby Willow Lake from the Chino Valley Irrigation District.

Watson Lake lies near the center of Arizona, just four miles north of Prescott, along Route 89. From Phoenix, the drive averages about ninety minutes.
You’ll probably want to take Interstate 17, although the traffic northbound tends to be anything but graceful. Although the freeway itself is in pretty good condition, it could obviously use another lane or two to account for recent growth in the area.





Heading south from Flagstaff, you may also wish to catch I-17. From either direction, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Prescott exit. There are of course, other routes leading to Prescott, each providing a unique experience.

Prescott offers countless lodging and recreational possibilities, depending on personal taste. At over a mile in elevation, the weather is usually much cooler than in other parts of the state, and with so much to see and do, I would recommend Prescott and nearby Watson Lake to anyone in search of Arizona adventure.

Oh, and be sure to bring your camera.

Authors Note: If you are interested in viewing or downloading high resolution photos taken by myself at Watson Lake and around the Prescott area, they are available
here.

Destination Arizona 2006