Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
White Spar to Goldwater Lake Trail Day Hike
| when |
October 28, 2026 Wednesday
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| |
Trip Report :
April 14, 2018
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| |
Trip Report : May 13, 2017 |
| |
Trip Report :
November 1, 2014 |
| |
Trip Report :
August 31, 2013
|
| where? |
Prescott.
|
| the hike |
Beginning at the White Spar CG trailhead along US HWY 89 S/O Prescott, The Goldwater Lake trail departs next to a locked gate to vehicles.
Trail follows a road up Schoolhouse Gulch. The trail quickly breaks to the left at a fiberglass sign post for trail #396, then climbs into
low hills with ponderosa pines and Oak trees. Along the way trails #372 and #374 break left at mile points 0.25 and 0.75.
One mile in there is a great view to west of the Sierra Prieta and Thumb Butte from top of a hill at 5935'. At this point the trail begins a
descent through tall Pines to the wooded floor of Bannon Creek, turning south to follow its course upstream. This Bannon Creek stretch crosses
an old road (trail #61) before coming to a seasonal pool and small cascade at 1.7 miles.
Leaving Bannon Creek behind the trail climbs the south bank to contour around pine covered hillsides, eventually passing near lower
Goldwater Lake, which is barely visible through the trees.
At just over 3 miles the trail reaches a low saddle, where the trail begins a lengthy U-turn descent to the broad basin where upper
Goldwater Lake lies. The Goldwater Lake Trail #396 approaches Goldwater Lake from the south but doesn't actually go to it. Instead a
short by-pass trail travels to the lake shore where it meets the shore line route of Trail #396. The by-pass trail rejoins the route of
trail #396 within a ¼ mile. Take a break at a Ramada or bench by the lake. Return by same route. Restrooms at the Campground near TH
and also by the lake.
REMEMBER: Each hike is an individual effort. Hikers assume any and all liability. Cold morning, warm afternoon with sun, recommend to
dress in layers.
|
| distance |
9 - 10 miles |
| time |
5-6 hours plus travel time and lunch after the hike. |
| EC |
+-700' elevation change |
| elevations |
5367' to 6180' |
| type |
Out and back. |
| starting at |
| White Spar Campground |
34° 30.550' N, 112° 28.548'
W [NAD27] |
|
| on trail |
100% — Goldwater Lake Trail #396 |
| rating |
"B"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Prescott
|
| leader |
.
You must email the leader to confirm.
Please include your
cell phone number in case we need to contact you the day of the hike.
|
| meet |
6:15 AM in the
McDonald’s carefree off I -17 at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
|
| drive |
| From I-17 take exit 262 onto Hwy 69 west to Prescott.
Turn slight right onto E Gurley Street. Turn South (left) onto Montezuma St in downtown Prescott.
Head south 2.9 miles to White Spar CG on left. Montezuma St becomes Hwy 89/White Spar Rd.
Park at the TH parking at entrance to the CG.. |
|