Around, over and between gigantic lakeside boulders, the Watson Lake Loop trail feels like you’re wandering in prehistoric times as you encircle this beautiful lake.
The Watson Lake Loop trail is about 4.5 miles and is considered moderate. There is a fair amount of scrambling on this hike, and it is often extremely hot. This took us about 3 hours, with tons of stops to take pictures of the ever-changing lake views. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Watson Lake Loop trail, search for the Watson Lake Park in Prescott, AZ or click here.
Directions (old school maps): If you’re coming from Sedona, take Highway 89 south. From Phoenix, get to Highway 89 north. In the middle of Prescott, it’s a quick turnoff from the highway. The turnoff is on the east side of hte highway.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody.
Time & Weather: We did this hike at the end of March. The weather was bright, sunny, and hot as the day progressed. There is very little shade on this hike so bring water.
Gear: Boots or shoes with grip is helpful since you’ll be scrambling across giant boulders. Also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Trail Navigation: The trail can be difficult to follow at times, although since it’s loops around the lake it’s hard to get completely lost. There are spray paint marks to help guide, but it’s helpful to have an offline map available so you don’t wander too far off trail.
Water & Food: Anywhere in Arizona requires bringing lots of water. This trail gets hot. Also, it’s suggested to bring some snacks because there are dozens of great spots to sit and relax lakeside as you hike the loop.
Trailhead Info: Since it’s a loop, the trail can be access from a variety of spots. Since it encircles the lake, it’s relatively easy to get started and understand the route.
Pictures of the Watson Lake Loop trail:
You can start this trail in either direction. We hiked clockwise where you get these incredible lakeside views right away.
Near a boat launch, you get right to the water level.
As you break away from the lake, most of the trail looks like this. Lots of uneven surfaces as you wander across boulders.
Boulders as far as the eye can see. This landscape is truly remarkable and unique. It looks quite similar to Joshua Tree National Park.
You can see the white spray paint marks along the trail that will help guide you.
Looking right to the lake, it looks like a landscape from another planet or prehistoric times.
Plenty of birds and wildlife around the park. This is one of the many spots to sit and enjoy a lakeside snack.
Once we finished our hike, we decided to kayak for a few hours. The lake looks like glass, and if you’re lucky you can spot a bald eagle.
Here’s a closeup of the eagle keeping an eye on the lake.
One last view from the water. This lake is a beautiful and serene spot to escape the desert heat.
Stay hydrated as you complete your loop and lake activities. And remember to re-apply sunscreen.
This hike is fun, and unique compared to a lot of the other hiking in the area. For more world-class hiking, we recommend heading up to Sedona where you have 100 more options for fun. We compiled a list of the best hikes in Sedona to help you prioritize your activities.
This hike is fun, and unique compared to a lot of the other hiking in the area. For more world-class hiking, we recommend heading up to Sedona where you have 100 more options for fun. We compiled a list of the best hikes in Sedona to help you prioritize your activities.
