This is a good spot to hike and has a great view of the lake. There's always lot of beautiful scenery 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. read more

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

We came yesterday just to explore. The water level is low. I would guess down ten feet. A very quiet area. Kayaks only and electric 5 hp boats. Lake rules, no wake. Small rock islands to stop at. The kayak rental is 25.00 pp all day. Book on line. Parking admission is 3.00 cash or charge. Lots of wonderful rock formations to see. This would be a nice spot to return to for a half day. No swimming allowed. We ll see. read more

Willow Lake is full of great hiking opportunities. The east bay trail to east bay loop is a good introduction that takes you across grassy(sometimes muddy) marsh habitat, then to a hidden wildlife pond and loops across boulders for 360 views to the dam, the west mountains, the town and the granite dells. Good boots are needed to prevent slipping on the rocks for the scenic loop portion. The east bay loop, including time for photos can be done in an hour from the parking along Willow Lake road. In late October and early November the marsh area turns red-brown and when combined with the yellow cottonwoods is fabulous. read more

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Willow Lake is beautiful and not to confuse it Watson Lake, since they are next to each other!! Willow Lake is smaller in size, and has more plant life and wild life than Watson Lake! It is a nice and pretty lake to spend the day canoeing or kayaking on. They do rentals in the summer! A must-see for all locals, visitors and natives alike!! read more

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Just completed a relaxing walk about halfway around the lake. Such huge beautiful trees lining the shore. The cottonwoods were spectacular. The trail was easy, no bugs bothering us, and traffic was minimal. Wish I had seen more critters and birds, but perhaps another day. Wednesday was free parking (vs $3 day fee). There are numerous trails available, the longest being 5.7 miles. We plan on another morning walk tomorrow. read more

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we did the loop around the trail and it was beautiful. we parked on the other side which worked well because we got a bathroom break and water refill halfway through. great views, fun rocks. lots of critters and not lots of people. read more

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The lake is beautiful!!! The prehistoric site however is a waste of time and money. The man that opens the site doesn't have a clue. He tries to hide his ignorance but being rude and insulting if you ask him a question. The prehistoric site itself is just a hole in the ground. You could just dig a hole in your own back yard and call it a prehistoric site. read more

We came here with the whole clan to walk off the post-Thanksgiving bulge that had accumulated around everyone's midsection (and thighs, arms, you get the idea). It has a great loop trail around the lake that is perfect for an easy, leisurely walk on a crisp fall afternoon for walkers, runners or riders of all ability. It's flat and wide in most parts and even the 6 year old in our group was able to walk the 2-ish miles. The lake apparently has thousands of birds and was great for the birdwatcher in our group. It's beautiful in the fall when all the trees are bright yellow and the grasses have turned golden. Cool views of Granite Mountain and the Granite Dells. read more

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Super big lake, great for fishing and pattle boarding/Kiaking one little bad thing is in the water it's full of little particles of green stocky stuff but other than the lake is fun read more

Not far from home worth the one hour drive up north to see and hike these beautiful mountains. Mother Nature is so peaceful around these areas in my opinion. I can easily get lost for hours gazing at the scenery while I touch the sky. :) read more

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The path around this lake affords gorgeous views and great birdwatching opportunities. The lake itself is amazing. The rock formations are otherworldly, and the foliage is so beautiful. This is a fun place to hop around and climb on rocks, a good place for a jog (a friend noted that it is 6.25 miles around the lake on the path for you joggers out there). If you're heading to Prescott add this lake to your list of places to stop! You can spend 5 minutes or several hours around here. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching! read more

Willow is not as pretty as Watson Lake, but the hike is spectacular! We followed the loop trail by the way of the white dots. At first I thought it was dumb, but when the rain started to pour, I was glad they were there to guide us! Make sure you look at the trail map posted right before the trailhead, because it leads to many loops and a couple of dead ends. A good pair of hiking sandals are a must! Don't forget the natural mosquito spray...I got tagged, really bad! NO SWIMMING in the lake with the same caution as all the other lakes in Prescott. I brought my binoculars to do some bird watching. Saw fome finches and Blue Jays, chickadees, swallows and warblers. Being less than an amateur birder, I don't know enough about these birds field marks to know exactly what they were. My little cutie pie brought his net and terrarium for his arthropod collection. We found some of the most interesting ones such as long horned beetle, fig beetle, golden rod soldier beetles, borers, ground, etc. Yes, they are still in our terrarium at home with all the fruits and saps they could ever want. My hubby helps catch them, I just hold the collapsible net cage. They all come out during and after the rain. It was such an enjoyable hike perfect FOR KIDS! We love hiking in the rain. read more

Wanted to note that there is a charge of $3 for parking. Not free, but not outrageous either. Water level was really low when we came. Got to see some wildlife: several different types of birds and a lizard and a toad. We didn't have time for a hike but we did climb up a few rock formations to get a better view of the lake. Beautiful! My only complaint is the trash, we saw a lot of litter around the lake. read more

This place was pretty for a quick hike. A light jacket is all that was needed, as I was already sweating a lot because the sun was out. Just follow the white dots and you'll see some pretty picturesque stuff. There are benches and stuff for picnics and the trails are decently maintained, but watch the signs when you're leaving because you can get pretty turned around. read more

Great lake, though not quite as pretty as Watson Lake. Both are part of the Prescott Circle Trail, which is an amazing backpacking adventure or can be completed in segments for day hikes. http://www.choosebetterlife.com/prescott-circle-trail/ read more