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Watson Lake Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,907 Google reviews · Running trail in Prescott, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Watson Lake Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Recreational lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing & hiking, with camping & picnic facilities.
What runners say about Watson Lake Park
“Beautiful park with many offerings from hiking to kayaking to ball fields a d playgrounds and more Great for all ages Beautiful views”
“The hike was fun, varied scenery, lots of rocks to climb, well marked and moderate in intensity.”
“Beautiful park with many offerings from hiking to kayaking to ball fields a d playgrounds and more Great for all ages Beautiful views”
We actually went out to hike the five mile five Watson Lake Loop. We parked in a parking lot just off the highway near the bird sanctuary area, so we had no fee. We started our hike walking towards the dam and granite dells.
Highly recommend this place! We went for a quick Sunday trip and wish we would have had more time and energy for the full loop hike around the dam. The hike was fun, varied scenery, lots of rocks to climb, well marked and moderate in intensity.
This is such a beautiful place to play, relax, walk, hike, fish, or boat. My husband and I went for our 2nd hike out there today. The first time we hiked in the woods along the creek. Today we hiked the Dells to the back of the dam. It was stunning, and a great workout. I recommend taking trekking poles.
Watson Lake in Prescott is a hidden gem. The Granite Dells create an amazing backdrop for kayaking and hiking. The trails offer a mix of easy walks, and more difficult hikes, so it’s perfect for all skill levels. It’s a peaceful spot to picnic, fish, or just look at the views.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park with many offerings from hiking to kayaking to ball fields a d playgrounds and more Great for all ages Beautiful views”
“Plenty of parking, campsites are available, public restrooms and a very nice pavilion for picnics.”
“The hike was fun, varied scenery, lots of rocks to climb, well marked and moderate in intensity.”
“The hike was fun, varied scenery, lots of rocks to climb, well marked and moderate in intensity.”
“We went for a quick Sunday trip and wish we would have had more time and energy for the full loop hike around the dam.”
Plan your run at Watson Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteprescott-az.gov
- Phone(928) 777-1122
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Prescott
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Easter Island Trail
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Northwest Passage Trail
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Granite Gardens Trails
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Trails amid craggy rocks, popular for hiking and climbing.
Prescott Peavine Trailhead
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Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
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Vast expanse of endangered riparian (streamside) forest with cottonwood & willow trees & wildlife.
