Prescott Lakes – Best Lakes Near Prescott AZ

If you’re searching for the best lakes near Prescott, Arizona for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and family picnics, you don’t have to travel far. Just minutes from historic downtown Prescott, you’ll find scenic escapes surrounded by towering granite boulders, ponderosa pine forests, and sparkling blue water.

Why Visit Prescott Lakes:

  • All lakes are within 15 minutes of downtown Prescott.
  • Surrounded by stunning granite formations and pine forest landscapes.
  • Activities include boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
  • Swimming is not permitted at any Prescott lakes.

Watson Lake – Iconic Granite Boulders & Kayaking Paradise

Watson Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 4 miles.
  • Best For: Photographers, paddlers, and those seeking scenic kayaking near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • Fishing (largemouth bass, catfish).
    • Boating, kayaking, canoeing.
    • Rock climbing and hiking.
    • Summer-season camping with showers and restrooms.
  • Amenities: Picnic areas, parking, restrooms, showers (summer only).
  • Scenery: Deep blue water framed by massive granite boulders.
  • Watson Lake Details & Location »


    Lynx Lake - Family-Friendly Boating & Lakeside Trail

    Lynx Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 15 minutes southeast.
  • Best For: Families, beginner paddlers, and anglers.
  • Activities:
    • Fishing and boating (max 10-horsepower motors).
    • Seasonal boat rentals from Lynx Lake Store (late spring–early fall, closed Mondays).
    • Lakeshore Trail - 2-mile loop, mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Features: Shaded trails, wildlife viewing, picnic areas.
  • Lynx Lake Details & Location »


    Goldwater Lake - Year-Round Picnic & Paddle Spot

    Goldwater Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 4 miles.
  • Best For: Day trips, small-boat paddling, and year-round picnics near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • Canoeing, kayaking, electric-motor boating only.
    • Fishing.
    • Hiking trails and picnicking.
  • Amenities:
    • Public boat ramp.
    • Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals from Prescott Outdoors.
    • Open year-round (hours vary by season).

    Directions to Goldwater Lake »


    Granite Basin Lake - Hiking & Fishing in the Pines

  • Distance from Downtown: In Granite Basin Recreation Area beneath Granite Mountain.
  • Best For: Nature lovers seeking a less crowded Prescott lake with hiking trails.
  • Activities:
    • Non-motorized boating.
    • Fishing, camping, and horseback riding.
    • Rock climbing and hiking through pine forests.
  • Scenery: Tall pines, dramatic rock formations, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • DIrections to Goldwater Lake »


    Willlow Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: Minutes away at Willow Creek Rd & Heritage Park Rd.
  • Best For: Birders, paddle boarders, and those seeking dog-friendly lakes near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • SUP, kayaking, canoeing (no gasoline motors).
    • Hiking, biking, trail running.
    • Bird watching and dog-friendly walks.
  • Notes: Water levels vary by season; shoreline changes create unique photography opportunities.
  • DIrections to Willow Lake »


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    Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours

    Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!

    Some of Our Reviews:

    Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!

    Some of Our Reviews:
    • The highlight of our trip
    • Bikes are in great condition
    • Great way to experience ebikes
    • Loved the entire experience

    Kayak Tour on the Verde River

    Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn

    Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.

  • Admire the lush scenery along the Verde River from the water’s edge
  • This small-group tour guarantees hands-on guidance and training
  • Safety gear, inflatable or hard kayaks, and shuttle transit included
  • Get out in nature and enjoy a fun and lively way to explore.

  • ATV Rentals in Sedona and Cottonwood

    Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr

    Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.

  • Fuel, goggles, and helmets will be provided
  • Decide for yourself what you want to see and do
  • Get off the beaten path in the Verde Valley
  • An exciting way to enjoy Arizona's beautiful landscapes

  • Guided Horseback Tour only 30 mins from Sedona

    Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins.

    Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.

  • Discover Arizona by horseback tour
  • Ride through scenic vineyards
  • See historic sites during the tour
  • All experience levels welcome

  • 1.5 Hour Horseback Ride

    Wilderness observation and exploration. Explore beautiful Prescott by horseback. Many trails to choose from. Rides for Riders of All Levels - 1.5 hour rides Birthdays - Proposals- Special Occasions

    PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)

    Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t

    Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.

  • Enjoy the views of the Verde River on a kayak
  • See more than you would if you explore on your own
  • All necessary kayaking equipment is provided
  • A private tour ensures a personalized experience

  • 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood

    The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t

    The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.

  • Combine two fun activities—kayaking and wine-tasting—on this guided tour
  • Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Verde River—suitable for all abilities
  • Taste wines from Arizona’s premier wine-growing region: the Verde Valley
  • Receive $20 credit to spend at the winery on tastings, snacks, or gifts

  • Private Off Road Adventure Tours in the Prescott National Forest

    Come see why thousands come to Prescott, and why we loved it so much we made it our permanent home. The beauty here is hard to describe in words, and pictures have a hard time doing it justice. On a guided tour you'll see the most scenic points and views of Prescott, and the beauty of the
    Come see why thousands come to Prescott, and why we loved it so much we made it our permanent home. The beauty here is hard to describe in words, and pictures have a hard time doing it justice. On a guided tour you'll see the most scenic points and views of Prescott, and the beauty of the surrounding area. Ride in the comfort of one of our Hummers as we take off-road trails and visit sites few have the opportunity to experience. from $110.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Check Availability

    Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood

    Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak,

    Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.

  • Go on a fun, full-day fishing trip down Arizona's Verde River
  • A perfect activity for avoiding crowds—you'll fish from your own kayak
  • A guide takes you down the river to private river runs, too
  • A kayak and all necessary fishing gear are provided for you

  • MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE PRESCOTT ON THE WATER