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Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 546 Google reviews · Running trail in Prescott, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Watson Woods Riparian Preserve'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.
Vast expanse of endangered riparian (streamside) forest with cottonwood & willow trees & wildlife.
What runners say about Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
“I only had a few minutes to explore this beautiful place, but considering that it and I share a name, I had to check it out.”
“It's a nice easy hike and you're just surrounded by this gorgeous water and trees and wildlife.”
Great hike, takes about 2.5 hours to go all the way around Lake Watson. If you only have time for one hike this is the one to do. It has three distinct ecosystems, rocky, woods, and lake.
We did the Watson Lake Loop Trail. 5.6 miles You follow the path and white dots sprayed on to the rocks to make your way. It is a Prescott City Park you pay $3 for the day. You can go to another location in town that charges too as long as it is the same day.
It's a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery Prescott has to offer. Parts of the trail are very accessible to those looking for a leisure walk. It's also a great place if you're looking to climb on some of the boulders as well.
What an adventure! If you go hiking, make sure to pack more than you think you'll need because my boyfriend ended up running out of water while hiking (due to our own inexperience) Luckily, we ran into a fellow hiker who gave us some water. Thank you guy! You saved us!
Trail conditions & character
“I only had a few minutes to explore this beautiful place, but considering that it and I share a name, I had to check it out.”
“If not for the $130 fine we paid for failing to purchase a $5 parking permit at the Peavine trailhead, the rating would have been a “5”.”
“If you’re feeling energetic and can hike the 7- mile loop, difficult in portions, continue from the flat river past and around the lake.”
“We walked our 4 dogs here on thanksgiving and only ran into one person in the hour or so we spent there.”
“Easy hike with options for more technical hikes off the main route.”
“If you’re feeling energetic and can hike the 7- mile loop, difficult in portions, continue from the flat river past and around the lake.”
“Parts of the trail are very accessible to those looking for a leisure walk.”
Plan your run at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteprescottcreeks.org
- Phone(928) 445-5669
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
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