A Lazy Day at Goldwater Lake

Not every day has to be a summit push. Some days are for a cooler full of sandwiches, a slow paddle, and a shady picnic table, and that’s exactly what Goldwater Lake is for.

A mellow lake in the pines

Tucked into the ponderosas just a few miles south of downtown (on the way out to Groom Creek), Goldwater is a pair of small reservoirs ringed by forest. It’s calm, pretty, and refreshingly low-key, a local favorite for an easy afternoon rather than a big adventure.

What to do

• Get on the water. The lake is kept quiet, non-motorized and electric craft only, which makes it lovely for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Seasonal rentals are usually available, or bring your own.
• Fish. Anglers pull trout, bass, and catfish from the water; bring a valid Arizona license.
• Picnic. Shaded ramadas and tables make it easy to make an afternoon of it.
• Stroll. Short, gentle trails wander around the shoreline and into the trees, easy enough for little ones.

Upper and lower

Goldwater is actually two small reservoirs, an upper and a lower lake, tucked into the same forested canyon. The upper lake is the main draw for paddling and the shaded picnic ramadas, and a short path links the two. The whole area is compact and easy to get around, which is part of what makes it such a low-effort outing.

Good to know

There’s typically a small day-use/parking fee, and mornings are the calmest and coolest time to go. It’s family-friendly and genuinely relaxing, the antidote to an over-scheduled trip.

How it stacks up against Prescott’s other lakes

Prescott is a lake town, and each one has its own personality. Goldwater is the closest and most laid-back, perfect for a quiet paddle and a picnic. Lynx Lake is a little bigger, with a cafe and an easy loop trail. Watson Lake is the showstopper, all granite boulders and postcard views. If you want to make a day of getting on the water, our guide to kayaking Prescott’s lakes rounds up the best of them.

Because it’s right between town and Groom Creek, Goldwater is five easy minutes from our cabins. Pair it with a morning on the trails and you’ve got a perfect Prescott day. See open dates and plan yours.