Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Kayaking

when	Trip Report : May 18, 2022
	Trip Report : May 19, 2021
where	Watson Lake, Prescott National Forest
the kayak	This will be the Arizona Trailblazers’ first Watson Lake kayaking trip this year. At just 70 surface acres, Watson Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Arizona. Watson and Willow Lakes are located in the spectacular Granite Dells and were created in the early 1900s when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built a dam on Granite Creek.     From the South Ramp we’ll start paddling northeast until we reach the Granite Dells at the far end of the lake and spend most of our time exploring this scenic and unusual area. At some point we’ll look for a good area to paddle to shore for a rest and lunch/snack break and an opportunity to stretch our legs.     Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the South Ramp launch area, 928 499-5621. Required: •  Life vest •  At least 2 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	5-6 miles of kayaking
time	4-5 hours, depending on how much we stop to take pictures.
EC	no elevation change
elevation	5,100 feet
type	Clockwise Loop
starting at	Watson Lake South Ramp launch area.
on water	100%
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$3/vehicle entry fee. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Prescott
meet	8:00 AM at Watson Lake South Ramp launch area. 3101 N. State Route E. 89, Prescott, AZ, 86301
drive	•  Take I-17 north to Cordes Junction (exit 262). • Head NW and west on State Route 69 past Mayer and Dewey-Humboldt and past the Highway 169 junction. • Watch for the Walmart Supercenter on your right, and just past that, turn right onto the Prescott Lakes Parkway at the stop light. (Total driving distance from Exit 262 to the Prescott Lakes Parkway is 31.2 miles.) • Continue driving NW on the parkway for 2.2 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 89. • Turn right onto Highway 89 and continue driving NE and then north for 1.2 miles until you reach the traffic circle. • Turn right at the traffic circle onto Watson Lake Park Road. • Stop at the Entry Fee Station and pay $3 per vehicle. • Make the first right turn after the fee station and continue driving south past the restrooms and the parking lot to the South Ramp to drop off your kayak and gear. • Then go back to the parking lot and park as close as possible to the ramp. • Restrooms are available at the top of the parking lot. • See Map.

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updated May 21, 2022	© Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.