Outdoor Destinations: Lakes

Fain Lake

With a rich and storied history, Prescott Valley’s Fain Lake is a part of Fain Park and has so much to offer anyone looking for a chance to get outdoors. Take a little time to try your hand at fishing or simply enjoy a picnic lunch along the shore. Several ramadas dot the landscape of Fain Park offering the perfect spot to relax, spend some time outdoors, and enjoy the views of Fain Lake.

34.5749° N, 112.3520° W

Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/rddFpbYy34cKg6rC8

Goldwater Lake

Looking for a relaxing place to celebrate the outdoors, your special event, or simply want to try your hand at fishing? Goldwater Lake has just what you want. This 15-acre lake, located about four miles up Prescott’s Senator Highway, offers fishing docks, picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, a ceremony pad, 3 large ramadas, and a boat launch ramp for electric motor boats. This lake is also great for kayaking and canoeing.

Photo Credit: Tree Rose Photography

34.4986° N, 112.4489° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/zUiWM25Q1ihVLPQZA

Lake Pleasant

The city of Peoria is home to a scenic desert oasis - Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Surrounded by the Sonoran desert, it is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for action and adventure. With more than 23,000 acres of water and beautiful, unblemished desert landscape, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the most scenic recreation areas in the valley. There are a number of adventures to embark upon including kayaking, fishing, water skiing, boating, scuba diving, camping, and stargazing.

Photo: Courtesy City of Peoria

33.8887° N, 112.2801° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/9MeTnRq2nPL4goqq6

Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in central Arizona with more than 90,000 visitors annually. Mild weather, cool ponderosa pine forest, a serene 55-acre lake, trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, archaeological sites, and bird watching attract visitors from throughout Arizona, and brings them back again and again.

Photo Credit: Rod Hendrick

34.5188° N, 112.3852° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/mnR82e6bG82CTQYh6

Stoneman Lake

There is some debate over whether Stoneman Lake is the remains of a volcanic crater or whether it fills a deep, collapsed sinkhole. The location of this naturally occurring body of water at the bottom of a bowl-shaped valley and its nearly circular shape actually support both conclusions. The lake’s recreational value, on the other hand, is something that is easily agreed upon. Located south east of Sedona, this medium-sized body of water, surrounded by Gambel oak and Ponderosa pine covered basalt slopes is an excellent place to bird watch during yearly waterfowl migrations, or all summer long for songbirds. Stoneman Lake is the perfect destination to boat, have a nice picnic, and take beautiful photos.

34.7814° N, 111.5126° W

Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/rowdvpoSS9rYGrXTA

Upper Lake Mary

With no motor size limit and two paved boat ramps, Upper Lake Mary is especially popular with power boaters and water skiers. The lake, just southeast of Flagstaff has northern pike, channel cat, crappie, and some trout making it a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. Upper Lake Mary also offers barbecue grills, picnic areas, and great places to relax, rest, and have a great day on the water.

Photo credit: Coconino National Forest

35.0577° N, 111.4827° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/wGZnVCrfKP9gPogJA

Watson Lake

This beautiful lake, just four miles away from downtown Prescott, features fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and day picnicking - something for everyone. The scenic park allows access to Watson Woods, as well as the boulders of the Granite Dells. Showers are available for overnight campers. Canoe and kayak rentals are available.

Photo credit: Tree Rose Photography

60.0628° N, 128.7109° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/ubsEP2ghA3KVs38W6

Willow Lake

Located just a few miles from downtown Prescott, Willow Lake is a 400 hundred surface acre beauty ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and bird-watching. You can also just sit on the rocks of the Granite Dells and enjoy the views and refreshing air. Recreation includes Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

Photo Credit: Rod Hendrick

34.6099° N, 112.4393° W Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/tQ5hV7HRoxv1dsE9A