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Watson Lake
Until the late 1990’s Watson Lake oscillated between extremely full of water or nearly dry. Watson Lake was built during the early 20th century to provide irrigation water for agriculture in the Chino Valley area to the north. In 1997, the City of Prescott purchased Watson and Willow Lakes from the Chino Valley Irrigation District and now they stay full most of the year. Watson Lake fluctuates more than Willow as water is drawn off of it in the mid to late summer in an attempt to keep alive the cottonwood and willow forest at its head (Watson Woods). From the park at Watson Lake visitors can launch boats (check with the City for motor restrictions), climb about in the Granite Dells, enjoy the Ramada and picnic facilities, or during low water times of year, visitors can hike around the head of the lake and access the Prescott Peavine Trial (a converted railway that continues five miles to the north).

Directions
Watson Lake is located approximately four miles north of Prescott on Hwy. 89 North. You can stop at the Watson Lake Overlook along the highway, or continue to the Park entrance at the traffic light at the intersection of Hwy. 89 North and Willow Lake Rd.