This is a fun lake to explore because there is so much to do here. We came over here to Watson Lake…read morebecause Lynx Lake had to be drained and we couldn't kayak over there. Watson Lake is great for boating, hiking, fishing and day picnicking. Rock climbers like to climb on the large rugged granite rock formations known as Granite Dells. These rock formations make this lake very picturesque. I used to see pictures of Watson Lake all over social media before coming here. Watson Lake is located a few miles from Downtown Prescott. It is a reservoir that was formed in the early 1900s when a dam was built on Granite Creek. There are two boat launches for canoeing and kayaking. The Prescott Peavine Trail is the area's most popular trail if you want to hike around the lake. You cannot swim in Watson Lake because water quality and algae concerns. Before coming here, just know that there is a small daily fee to park your vehicle at Watson Lake. We enjoyed kayaking here. There were a lot of areas to explore at this lake. The rock formations are fun to kayak around and make for pretty photographs. If you are into bird watching, this is a great place to go because the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve is nearby.

This stunning lake is just outside of Prescott. The scenery is spectacular, with amazing rock…read moreformations around and in the lake. There are several hiking trails around it. There is some boating/kayaking allowed. Boat ramps, some playground equipment, picnic tables. It costs to get in, but you can buy an annual pass which gets you into other parks in the area. We love coming here when we're in the area.

Super cool place to go hang out!…read more Moving here from a desert where all parks were the same, except for maybe a change in color of the playgrounds, it was cool to see a park where you can go hiking and fishing in addition to the usual park activities.

Nice, quaint lake and park combo. They just need more seating areas with shade as well. We found…read morea free bench but the full exposure to the sun was killing us after a while Lol. You can fish here for bass, trout, catfish, and sunfish. There's a cool little waterfall type effect over the dam. Some small buildings nearby too where the gold miners probably used to work had a couple signs with some information. Also some people had memories of their family posted on some benches which was nice. All in all it's a nice little place that's hidden behind some small streets. Thank you.

Let me first dispel the mischaracterization of this park as a drug and miscreant riddled cesspol -…read moreidea you might get from reading a couple of the reviews... if you've never been here before. This is a nice, popular little park full of family and friends, grillin' and chillin, kid's playing, mountain bike riding, dog walking, volleyball, frisbee, yoga meditation, private and public events, and yes... a few people with their backpack-n-bedroll homes napping or relaxing usually toward the edges of the park in quite shaded spots. Apparently some folks are rattled by this - "first world problems" if you ask me. But enough of that soap box. This park can get packed at the busy times of the year because it's pretty darn nice. There is a ton of room plenty of shade plenty of sunshine plenty of picnic tables and chairs a few very large grassy areas or you can put together little game of t-ball or touch football, or whatever. It can get noisy over by the play areas and gazebo where families often gather. That's on the Southeast side of the park but take a walk over to the Northwest part of the park and you can't hear any of it. The only sound there is the sound of the traffic on Montezuma Street which borders the west side. Bridge if you walk under the bridge at Montezuma Street you are connected to the network of trails along Granite Creek that Meander through the downtown area. It's a fun little walk or bike area. If you're having a picnic and you run short on ice or charcoal or anything else you can take a short walk to the south side of the park up a little path and through a gate and you're right there in the Sprouts shopping center. No need to get in your car to drive for supplies. The park is pretty well kept up, but after the monsoon seasons you will see some weeds and overgrowth along the edges and around some of the feature. But this is not Scottsdale, so... I've been many happy times here with friends families and co-workers. The part doesnt deserve to be represented in a bad light. It's close to downtown, where there is a push against the homeless an street people, so this is the closest place they can get some respite. That's just life in modern America.

5 stars if the bathrooms and water fountains were upgraded. It's a lush great park with plenty of…read moreshady spots and open grass.

We were invited to a wedding here and loved it. The couple reserved a Ramada and it was enough room…read morefor 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.

Visited on Saturday, November 1st, and arrived around 1 PM. Parking was $3. We first stopped at the…read morelower 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!

80 acre Acker Park offers: 1. Excellent views…read more2. Three miles of walking/biking trails 3. Activities for children 4. Star Talks in warmer weather 5. Wildlife viewing, you are likely to see deer, javalina, rabbits, horny toads etc. 6. High Desert woody Plant identification, learn your local natural plants 7. Many convertable benches to rest and contemplate the views 8. A good way to meet your neighbors 9. One of the best dog walking areas in our area, dogs love the park 10. A plethora of volunteer activities, join Friends of Acker Park

Acker park has something for everyone and this neighborhood park is usually not too crowded. There…read moreare picnic tables, lots of benches and several interwinding trails with the best views from the 1 mile loop trail which gives you expansive views of the west, north and east. One of the trails passes through an area with several bird houses while another trail has historical plaques commemorating important woman scientists. There are also a number of poetry plaques scattered along the trails and an interesting bridge over a water catchment area. The trails are partially shaded if you go in the morning.

Water was a little cold but grounds were clean and was not too crowded. Bathrooms were clean…read more Little parking area. Will return.

Great new addition to Prescott's downtown! Very clean and fun for the family. Bathrooms are a huge…read moreplus! Parking is in the rear behind the Hilton

Amazing hike! All incline! Over 600 feet in elevation I…read moreenjoyed it very much! The views are absolutely breathtaking and I loved the options for the hike down as well.

OK. This is a super short and super easy hike. It is slightly challenging if you take the direct…read moreroute straight up. Going this direction, it is paved all the way to the base of the rock formation forming the top. Going this direction is also steeper than going the opposite direction (CCW). From here, you're climbing, not hiking. But that part is pretty easy too...just be careful and stay within your limits. Perigrin falcons nest on the top rock section and this section does have a nesting closure period which I believe is summer through fall...but you should research the exact range as I'm not sure. If you keep your eyes open, you can see them most times of the year...but they're fast! You can also get to the base of the rock section forming the top, by a dirt path. The grade is easier, but the path there is longer. You'll occasionally see mountain bikes on this path, so heads up. Regardless of which path you use to get to the top, keep your eyes open (& ears a listening) for rattlesnake. I've seen them multiple times hiking this area. I've also seen numerous hikers that let their dogs run free (against park rule). It would not be a good day for your dog if it gets bitten.

We were visiting the area and found this indoor park. Staff was very friendly and love that they…read morehad sugar free options at the coffee bar and had a food bank. I love supporting places that help the community and don't pressure you to join the church. Definitely coming back next time we are in town.

Hard pass for kids with special needs. Not much flexibility for my youngest or another kid who was…read more"too tall" for the littles section despite being on the spectrum. Staff is far too "letter of the law" rather than spirit of the law. If you enjoy getting scolded by someone who seems like they should be working for an HOA, this is your spot. Seems unreasonably strict for a place that is/was run by the Heights Church. Maybe they forgot what grace is.

Nice sports complex with community pool area. We were visiting for a baseball game and the fields…read morewere in very good condition, there are spectator bleachers and clean restrooms. The event we were at had food trucks in the parking lot so not sure if that's always an option or just for this event. There is a lot of room to bring your own chairs as well. Down side we saw several people almost get hit by older kids riding bikes and scooters quickly on the main walk area and even on the field after the game.

Great place for an early morning walk! Two separate dog parks depending on the size of your dog!read more

This is a good spot to hike and has a great view of the lake. There's always lot of beautiful…read morescenery here to see from the rocks, the lake, the trees etc. It is such a good spot to go to when you need air or just a taste of fresh air and quiet.

Here's my review in a nutshell from August 30, 2025. The Lake is gone. There was a malfunction in…read moretheir valves and the lake is dried up.