After a long uphill hike yesterday on Granite Mountain Trail, I planned a short 4.5 mile loop on the Watson Lake and Flume Trail. Watson Lake is located at Watson Park right off Highway 89 which is a scenic drive to Sedona.
Both Watson and Willow lakes were created as reservoirs by the Chino Valley Irrigation District. Each resulted after the damming of Granite and Willow creeks, in 1916 and 1935, respectively.
The City of Prescott purchased the lakes and the surrounding land in 1998 for $15 million in a widely supported bond election.
The Watson Lake is popular among hikers, camper, wake free boaters, and bird watchers. Additionally, the ecosystem attracts many waterfowl and shorebirds migrating in the winter.
HAPPY HIKING!