city of prescott, tourism, prescott trails, prescott, hiking, mountain biking, prescott valley outdoor summit, recreation, trails, outdoors, trail
DestinationsMountain BikingSponsor Info

City of Prescott Takes on Prescott Trails Sponsorship

Prescott is a beautiful city that allows for so many types of outdoor recreation, which is why it is perfect that the City of Prescott’s Office of Tourism will be the Prescott Trails sponsor at the 2023 Prescott Valley Outdoor Summit!

Trail Systems in Prescott

Within Prescott, there is the Mile High Trail System which consists of over 100 miles of trails! This trail system includes the Prescott Circle Trail. The Circle Trail is a group of trails that surround Prescott, and these trails are anywhere from beginner-friendly to more difficult for the experienced hiker, so there is something for everyone! Many of Prescott’s trails are accessible for different recreation types such as hiking or mountain biking. Visit https://www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/recreation-areas/trails/ to learn more about all of the trails Prescott has to offer.

city of prescott, tourism, prescott trails, prescott, hiking, mountain biking, prescott valley outdoor summit, recreation, trails, outdoors, trail

Make a Difference

The City of Prescott understands that the outdoors is important to its citizens and supports the help the volunteers have to offer to maintain the beauty of Prescott. The City and a group of volunteers known as the Over the Hill Gang work together in order to maintain and preserve the trails of Prescott. If volunteering is of interest to you, visit https://www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/recreation-areas/volunteer/trails-volunteers/

City of Prescott logo

Check out the City of Prescott and learn more about what the outdoors of Prescott has to offer at booth K17!

Photos courtesy of the City of Prescott.

fishing prescott
DestinationsFishing

The Prescott Fishing Guide, Stocking Schedule, License Info

Fishing Locations and Regulations in Prescott & Prescott Valley

Want to know more about lakes and fishing holes in the Prescott Valley region? Here you go thanks to our partners at SignalsAZ.com (by Merilee Mills) who put together this list of lakes, fishing limits, stocking schedules and more. Get ready for fishing vendors and activities during the 2022 Prescott Valley Outdoor Summit!

Fain Lake

Restrooms, fishing dock, bridge, ramadas, drinking water, historical artifacts, and free parking. There is a fishing dock and hiking trails available. This is a day-use only Park. Boats swimming, campfire, and overnight camping are not allowed.

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Catfish: 4 Bass: 2 (13″ or more)
Sunfish: 10

Location:
2215 N 5th St, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Mingus Lake, Prescott National Forest

There is one picnic table, a ramada, vault toilet, and garbage service. There is no drinking water at this location, so prepare accordingly. Although the access gate is locked after the first snow and does not reopen until spring, walk-in access is still permitted. Disperse camping, swimming, and motorized boats are not allowed. There is a $5/ day use fee.

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
On Highway 89A between Jerome and Prescott, turn on Forest Road 104. Follow dirt road for about two miles. Watch for the lake on your right.

 

Goldwater Lake

This 15-acre lake offers restrooms, fishing docks, picnic areas, ramadas, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, horseshoe pits and boat ramp. Boat with electric motors only are allowed on this lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are often available. There is a $3.00 per car parking fee and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed.

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 1; minimum size 13 inches.
Catfish: 10
Sunfish, Carp, and Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
2900 S Goldwater Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303

 

Lynx Lake, Prescott National Forest
Lynx Lake

Camping, RV facilities, hiking, restrooms, and picnic areas. There is a trail system around the lake. Small boat, kayak, and canoe rentals are sometimes available on the north shore. Those bringing their own boat can launch from the south shore. Boats with electric or 10 HP and less motors only. Swimming is not allowed. There is a $5.00 day use fee.

Hours:
March 1 – April 30: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
May 1 – September 30: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
October 1 – February 28 (or 29): 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Sunfish, Carp, and Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
Lynx Lake Store Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303

Watson Lake

Watson Lake is an ideal location for local anglers. It is located close to town and offers two boat launch areas, courtesy dock, camp sites, showers, trail system, kayak and canoe rentals, fish cleaning stations, picnic ramadas, picnic tables, barbeque grills, playground, horseshoe pits, Frisbee golf and restrooms. There is a $3.00 per car parking fee and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed. Wakeless speed only, boat restriction.

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Crappie: Unlimited
Sunfish, Carp, and Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
3101 Watson Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

Willow Lake

Boat launch ramp (no gasoline motors), courtesy dock, picnic ramadas, trails, bird watching, and restrooms. There is a $3.00 per car parking fee and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed.

Summer Hours (Memorial day– Labor day):
6:00am – 10:00pm
Winter Hours:
7:00am – Sunset

Bag Limits:
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Crappie: Unlimited
Sunfish, Carp and Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
1497 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

Granite Basin Lake, Prescott National Forest

There are restrooms, water, camping, and picnic areas at the site. Hiking trails radiate out from this location. Non-motorized boating is allowed. There is a $5.00 day use fee.

Hours:
March 1 – April 30: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
May 1 – September 30: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
October 1 – February 28 (or 29): 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bag Limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 4
Sunfish, Carp and Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:

Stocking Schedules

Check out Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2022 Spring Summer Trout Stocking Calendar.

Trout produced and stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department are significantly below the state standard for mercury based on testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are no restrictions on the number of meals that can be consumed.

Purchase a Fishing License

A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. The licensee shall carry the license when participating in hunting or fishing or other form of take. Take means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring, or netting wildlife. Wildlife includes all wild mammals, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and fish. The licensee is reminded to practice safe, responsible recreation when hunting or fishing. When using or crossing private lands the licensee is a guest, and this access is a privilege, not a right.

Fishing License – A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.

Purchase your license online today: www.azgfd.com

Local Fishing License Vendors

Prescott

Wal-Mart
1280 Gail Gardner Way
Prescott, AZ
(928) 541-0071
CAL Ranch
1048 Willow Creek Rd
Prescott, AZ
(928) 717-5408
J&G Sales Ltd
440 Miller Valley Rd
Prescott AZ
928-445-9650
Wal-Mart
3050 Arizona 69
Prescott, AZ
(928) 445-1113
High Country Guns
555 White Spar Rd
Prescott, AZ
928-445-7704

Prescott Valley

Wal-Mart
3450 Glassford Hill Rd
Prescott Valley, AZ
(928) 499-3152
Dick’s Sporting Goods
5715 Arizona 69
Prescott Valley, AZ
(928) 776-0499
Big Five Sporting Goods
6106 Arizona 69
Prescott Valley, AZ
(928) 759-0013

Local Fishing Recommendations

Prescott National Forest has entered Stage II Fire Restrictions, please be aware and cautious when camping in the Prescott area.

Prescott Valley Outdoor Summit

Granite Basin Lake
Destinations

Killer Destinations in Prescott Valley Region

Originally published in Summer Edition of TG Magazine

Northern Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders. From Sedona’s red rocks to the iconic Grand Canyon, Arizona is no stranger to extreme vistas. But did you know the Prescott Valley region is home to some beautiful outdoor locations?

Check out these six must-see outdoor wonders in the Prescott Valley region –

Wolf Creek

Location: SE of Prescott, AZ near Groom Creek
Special Features: Seasonal waterfalls
Activities: Hiking
Amenities: Limited Parking on Wolf Creek Road

Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek. Photo credit Michael Wilson. Originally published in TG Magazine. Check out Michael’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWilsonAZ

 

Goldwater Lake

Location: S of Prescott, AZ at 2900 S Goldwater Lake Road
Special Features: Sand Volleyball Court, Horseshoe Pits, Playground
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Electric-only Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Restrooms

Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake. Photo credit Michael Wilson. Originally published in TG Magazine. Check out Michael’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWilsonAZ

 

Granite Basin Lake

Location: NW of Prescott, AZ off Williamson Valley Road
Special Features: Horse Trails, Campground, RV Camping
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking

Granite Basin Lake

Granite Basin Lake. Photo credit Michael Wilson. Originally published in TG Magazine. Check out Michael’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWilsonAZ

 

Lynx Lake

Location: 5 mi E of Prescott, AZ
Special Features: Gold Panning, Boat Ramp, Campground
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Store/Marina with café, Parking, Restrooms

Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake. Photo credit Michael Wilson. Originally published in TG Magazine. Check out Michael’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWilsonAZ

 

Fain Park

Special Features: Historic Artifacts, Walking Path
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms

Fain Park

Fain Park. Photo Credit: TreeRose Photography. Check out her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/treerosephotography

Verde River

Location: Verde River Greenway State Natural Area near Cottonwood, AZ
Special Features: Tubing, Horse Riding, Boat Ramp
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking

Verde River

Photo Credit: Blushing Cactus Photography. Check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/blushingcactus

All content and media originally published in the Air Land Water edition TG Magazine of Prescott Valley, AZ.