We were invited to a wedding here and loved it. The couple reserved a Ramada and it was enough room for 50 people. The lake itself was beautiful and clear. Lots of people were fishing. Too cold to swim in for March even though it was hot out (80s). Only $3 to park, National parks pass does not work since it's a City of Prescott lake. Overall, we loved it, very peaceful. A Prescott gem. read more

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Visited on Saturday, November 1st, and arrived around 1 PM. Parking was $3. We first stopped at the lower lake since the upper area was pretty busy, but quickly learned that the lower lake is lure fishing only--no bait allowed. So, we made our way back up to the upper lake, where bait is permitted. The upper lake was fairly crowded and a bit noisy (sound really carries there), but it's a beautiful spot overall--small, peaceful, and scenic. We stayed for about two hours, didn't catch anything, but did spot a few fish swimming around. Still a pleasant visit! read more

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Our new goto fishing spot! Trout! Well kept park Nice trails we enjoy it everytime....winter is lovely there read more

Nice, peaceful lake. You can't swim, but you can fish. They also have boat rentals. I've been here before just didn't remember its name. My wife and I had a nice, peaceful walk, saw some deer, and relaxed on a bench in the shade during a late Sunday afternoon. We both enjoyed it. They have nice bathrooms, a play area for the little ones, and a beach volleyball net. read more

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Beautiful, clean lake with zero trash in sight. It's on the smaller side--but hey, it's not about the size of the boat, right? but the motion in the ocean.. or something like that The water was still a bit chilly, but that didn't stop the dogs from diving in. The surrounding park is well-maintained, and parking was easy. From the lot, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to the water. Fun spot to hang out, explore, or rent some kayaks for a relaxing day. read more

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What a wonderful respite from the hubub of the routine and responsibility and life. Beautiful forest with a mostly shaded hike around the lake. And CLEAN everywhere, even the restroom. Great testament to those who enjoy the space, they take care of it. read more

Smaller lake, but one of the most beautiful in AZ. I come from the PNW where lakes are surrounded by trees and grass, so I love that about this AZ lake. The lush green scenery makes this such a great spot to relax, kayak, and fish (for mental health, not because we actually catch anything). The kids have fun catching crawdads along the streams. My dogs love it as well. Only downside is that it's off limits for swimming. Take a picnic, setup a spot for the day, enjoy nature. read more

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Goldwater Lake is a beautiful little spot to spend the afternoon and an easy, quick drive from Prescott. Labor Day weekend meant it was crowded but definitely less crowded than Lynx Lake which we tried first. There is an upper and lower parking area for Goldwater and the ranger at the parking station recommended we go to the further one for better fishing areas. It was just a short hike down to the water where we found our spot and enjoyed several hours of fishing. Unfortunately we didn't have our tackle set properly so all we caught in the 3 hours were 3 huge crayfish and one little baby fish which were all released back in to the lake. I really enjoyed this beautiful lake. read more

This lake is very scenic and beautiful Clean and well maintained. Lots of picnic spots and parking if you come early Great fishing when it's not busy You can rent a canoe or kayak if you make a reservation an cruise around the lake or go for a walk around it. Took off one star for the parking read more

Goldwater Lake - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

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We had a great time at this Lake. I haven't been here for at least 6 yrs. Partially bcz my Godfather had passed and I had emotional ties to the Lake. I took my lil rugrats and we had a blast! Great visit and good time! The only part that was strange was this man that showed up and started insisting we hike a certain way! Ugh yah, no thanks dude! I've seen way too many Horror movies to comply. read more

Beautiful area to go fishing, hiking, kayaking or have a picnic. Lots of wildlife and very scenic. read more

Goldwater Lake - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

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I enjoyed a nice day here while camping in Prescott. Goldwater Lake is located a little ways outside of the city. There are picnic tables and ramadas throughout the park and a trail that circles the lake. The pine trees give plenty of shade. Trails lead off in all directions, but you can easily connect with the main trail. There is plenty to do here like hiking, sand volleyball, playgrounds and canoes and kayaks that can be rented. Goldwater Lake offers both day passes and yearly passes. We enjoyed a quiet day hiking around the lake while taking in the beautiful views. I even took a nap on the grass! It's definitely worth the trip up if you live in the Valley. read more

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Great Daytime Picnic Area Lots Of Benches and Picnic Tables: Ample spots to sit and relax and watch the ducks floating by and the clouds rolling by the treetops. A big pavilion area is great for family get together but it must be reserved. Smaller lake which allows small electric motor boats or kayaking and canoeing. No speed boats as the lake is not big enough for that.... A nice little spot for sure! read more

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Prescott loop trail. We had another fabulous hike here recently. I wanted to update about the hiking loop trail it's called Prescott loop trail. We noticed that the signs were faded and hard to read, but if you follow my descriptions from my previous review it will get you back there. Some of the pine trees were being cut in the last one year due to the beetles, so you'll see along the trail, but it's still beautiful. Most of the people who come here are going for fishing or canoeing but there are very few people are on the hiking trails., which is good for us. We really enjoyed the hiking because it's very quite and peaceful. Enjoy your outdoor activities, stay safe and healthy. Namaste read more

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We have only been here once. It was a little out of the way, but oh so worth it. We decided to go fishing and we had already been fishing at Lynx Lake, Willow Lake and Watson Lake, so thought we would try Goldwater Lake. And it was so worth it! We got to see a beautiful sight of horseback riders going to the lake to water their horses, what a magnificent sight to see! read more

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I enjoy coming here with my family! They have plenty of parking, benches for picnics, a playground, & restrooms. There is a nice trail that goes around the lake, which makes for great photo ops. There are rentals for kayaks here, but I have yet to do that. It's a perfect place with plenty of shade if you want some outdoor family time! read more

Goldwater Lake - Nice view from the trail - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

Awesome lake for a get away. Took my dogs for a snow play. They had bunch of fun. They got benches and bbq grill to use for family day trip. Awesome read more

This follow on review is to highlight the amazing post monsoon wildflowers along the full loop hike starting with trail 330 headed west from Senator highway, then trail 81 south along Banning Creek, and finally Goldwater trail 396 back to the parking lot at the 330 trail head. This route is 6.5-7 miles depending on how much you want to wonder along Goldwater lake. When 330 meets up with 81 the wildflowers really start to crop up. Walk a short way north on 81 through the small stream-bed meadow to see fields of yellow and white, with orange globe mallow and several different purple flowers interspersed. To complete the loop, head south on 81. You can walk along the stream bed and the old water pipeline or just to the west is an access road, but the stream bed is more interesting. At about a half mile along 81 you will come to a nice pond with trickling water. After the pond the loop heads up hill on trail 396. 396 takes you near the ridge line and you will have views of the lake in about 20 minutes. After the lake view, the trail is mostly through forest and gets a bit drier until you reach the junction with the lake park. If you detour along the lake, you will need to walk a bit on the road just past the staffed park entry booth to get to 330, which will be on your left. It is just a short distance to the parking area on Senator highway at this point. read more

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There is upper Goldwater lake and lower Goldwater lake. Uppers is normal fishing with basic keep limits. Lowers is barbless hooks only, catch and release. They recently stocked it with brown trout & lightning trout. Both lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout year round and bass & catfish in the spring read more

Peaceful and great for bird watching! Saw some Great Blue herons and eagle. Walked around the lake. Rainbow trout under ice. read more

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What a nice little surprise. Swung by with lunch just to have a quick picnic. Nice little lake well situated in the pines. Plenty of parking and tables. Even some rentals of kayaks available. read more

Goldwater Lake - View of lake from off the many picnic benches - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

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Very nicely lit until 10pm. Everyone fishing was very friendly. The playground was nice but part of the park area smelled like human urine....gross. There were enough birds, squirrels, fish and bunnies to keep Alley pup entertained. She left right as the storm was starting. She will be back to finish exploring the trails. It's nice it's so near downtown. read more

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11/20/2020 $3 parking all day, (near parking) No camping at night, pay annual fee if you do fishing. No swimming, pet friendly, playground for kids, picnic area, bathroom available, Clean place. Music too loud not allowed. Peace & quiet place everyone so respectful. read more

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Beautiful lake perfect for families and hiking. The lush green forest makes you forget that you are in Arizona. View is just gorgeous. I hope we make a trip back here. read more

Goldwater Lake - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

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This is my favorite lake in Prescott. It is so beautiful and peaceful. The landscape is kept clean, and there are many trash cans around to throw stuff away. This lake is family and pet friendly. read more

Beautiful small lake with nice hiking trails. The lake is occasionally stocked with fish, but fishing is just about impossible. Kayaking is very popular there, so popular that they are everywhere. I took my grandkids fishing. We set up on a nice place and started fishing. We got there early, before many people were out on kayaks. Soon more kayaker were on the lake and were running over our fishing lines. They could have easily paddled another 20 feet out. One lady sat floating right in front of us so close we couldn't cast out. Her family was fishing down the shore, but she wasn't blocking them. When we asked her to move her family yelled as us to share the lake. To summarize, forget fishing. The kayaking crowd is too rude to respect any fishing space. read more

Wonderful scenery! Made for some great photos with the family. The park has benches lined around the lake so you get get great lighting for photos or just enjoy a nice sunset along the shore of the lake. read more

Goldwater Lake - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

located just south of Prescott, Goldwater Lake is a day-use only lake. Hours: -from Memorial Day-Labor Day hours are 6AM-10PM -from Labor Day-Memorial Day, hours are 7AM-dusk Fee: -$2 per vehicle for parking Activities: -hiking: easy walking/hiking trail runs 4/5 the circumference of the lake (does NOT go all the way around, ends near dam on both sides). -picnicking: picnic sites with tables and grills available. Can reserve the large ramada for special events. -sand volleyball court -horseshoe pits -children's playground -fishing: stocked with rainbow trout, also home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and sunfish. -boating: electric motors only, no wake. Boat launch ramp available. Canoes, kayaking and paddleboats OK, rentals offered through Prescott Outdoors (on-site, or call (928) 925-8858). -NO SWIMMING -bathrooms are "outhouses"-- prepare for a stench in the summer and plan events at the Ramada accordingly. Hiking Trail: -well kept, clean, very little overhang or footfalls -weatherproof benches along the trail -trash cans available near the picnic areas -leashed dogs OK -easy walk, minimal exertion required Great place for a day trip, bring a picnic lunch to eat after you walk around the lake. read more

Goldwater Lake - Goldwater lake - Lakes Near Me - Prescott, Arizona

We drove up from the hotel to this place, for my grandson to run off some energy .it had two playgrounds ,picnic area and benches right on the edge of the water. which was very nice had trails around the lake which was very nice .we had a good time here taking pictures and checking it out .if I was in the area again I would stop here most definitely .very clean very friendly place. read more

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I recently went hiking here with my husband and father in law, and we loved it! The weather was great (mid November) and the trails were beautiful and peaceful. I would definitely recommend hiking here if you're in the area. We only saw a few people there, a couple of which were fishing so it seems to be a great spot for that as well if it's something you're interested in! read more

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We recently did a mountain bike ride from the trailhead at White Spar Campground. The ride was awesome and coming up on the lake from the north side was beautiful. I am looking forward to going back and bringing the kayaks next time. As far as the trail itself goes, it is a single track and a good workout with the climbing. As a biker, you need to be cautious as the trail tends to get busy on the weekends with other bikers, hikers and horseback riders and there is not a lot of shoulder for someone to move over quickly. read more

So beautiful! With trails, ramadas, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. Get there for sunrise and enjoy the peaceful solitude, or have a picnic later in the day. You won't want to leave. It's part of the larger Prescott Circle Trail now, which is an amazing way to explore the area around Prescott. http://www.choosebetterlife.com/prescott-circle-trail/ read more

Went last week and had a blast! Even though there was a lot of people there it was still so quiet and peaceful! Just what my husband and I needed to get away from civilization and enjoy some nature! We considered using the rental service to get out on the water. However, they only had some canoes and a couple of single kayaks available. The single kayaks did not have any padding or seat backs. Their website advertised paddleboarding but they did not offer paddle boards for rent. The gentleman running the rental Shaq did not seem overly concerned that he didn't have what was advertised. He skipped right over us and went on to the next couple waiting when we stop to discuss it for a moment. But this is a fantastic place to hike or fish! I take my daughter there all the time. We went for a family day and it was kind of a bust because we couldn't get out on the water unless we wanted to use a canoe. read more

Such a beautiful and serene place to relax and have a picnic. We saw kayakers, boaters and fishing even thought it was quite a scorcher of a day. No swimming. Easy access and nice to stroll around the lake. read more

I visited mid morning on a Saturday and easily found parking. There is a easy difficulty trail which goes most of the way around the perimeter and is a good walk. I did almost get hit by a small group on bicycles so watch for that. I enjoyed myself and was impressed by the facilities there. Looks like a very nice group picnic area which is available for rent. Very nice all around. read more