Watson Lake

The aboriginal term “walkabout” means just that. When the mood strikes, you get up and go until the feeling leaves.

May I present the first ever “Walkabout of the Month.”

I’ve read elsewhere that a trail does exist that circumscribes Watson Lake. We did not find this trail.

Instead, we found what looked like a spider web of trails. One led to another and that one circled back up to where we started.

Thanks to the breathtaking surroundings, we weren’t disappointed.

Watson Lake is about four miles northeast of downtown Prescott along Highway 89. The lake is on the southern end of the Granite Dells, a striking area of time-weathered boulders standing upon each other.

The area is picturesque. National magazines have featured photos of the area. Actually, a camera is almost required gear for a visit.

In 1998, the residents of Prescott approved a $15 million general obligation bond to purchase Watson Lake and nearby Willow Lake from the Chino Valley Irrigation District.

Next time you meet a Prescott resident, thank him or her.

The vote ensured that the 350 acres of lakes and surrounding lands would remain open, recreational space.

The area is also now a safe haven for all kinds of animals. We saw large cranes standing on boulder islands, keeping careful eyes on the water for any dinner that might swim by. In a small cove, a gray squirrel bounding around, dashing and playing from rock to rock.

And there were ants. Lots of ants.

If you go, you’ll want to stand and take it all in. But before you do that, look down at your feet. If you’re standing near a busy anthill (you’ll know because the ground appears to be moving), you might want to find a different sightseeing spot.

Our hike started around the western shore of Watson Lake. Heading north, we found a small network of trails that crisscrossed up the side of a hill.

This provided the best exercise of the day.

Once on top, we were greeted with an outstanding bird’s eye view of the lake and its dam to the north. To the side of the lake were granite formations – curvy boulders resting precariously atop each other, steep canyons and smooth mesas – as far as the eye could see.

Rock climbers, I was told, love this area.

We ambled around the area for about an hour, satisfied with our walkabout despite never finding a true trail.

And as an added bonus, the area features open grassy fields and play equipment for kids.

To get there, take Interstate 17 north to the Prescott exit (Highway 69). Just before entering downtown Prescott, turn right onto Highway 89. The Watson Lake recreational area is about four miles from the turn.

There is no charge to enter (unless you’re camping) and restroom facilities and picnic tables are available.

This hike was first featured August 2002 and revised February 2007.