Watson Lake Tours

Photo by ‎Lia Morrow
Photo by Don Jackson
Photo by Dana Jones
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography


Watson Lake is a popular place to escape from the fast pace of daily life. Check if any water activities are available here, or simply soak up the peaceful ambiance.

This Prescott body of water is an ideal spot to begin your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to see and do in the vicinity, such as Whiskey Row, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Yavapai College. Wander around at your leisure at Watson Lake before heading to these other fine sights.

Plan a trip to see Watson Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Prescott Resort
Hassayampa Inn
Zebra Rustic Retreat 3BR Home on Zebra Ranch

Reviews of Watson Lake

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
135
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
62
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If hiking in winter, keep in mind the wayfinders are white dots painted on the rock surface. We made it quite a game with our 6 year old to find the white dots! Beautiful hike until the last stretch which is pretty much open road.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quick easy hike with beautiful scenery! Also easy to venture off trail to get a higher up view

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very Pretty and easy walking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wear sunscreen...higher elevation means you sunburn easier even when it is overcast.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Follow the dots! It's 5 miles and it's not the easiest, but doable hike. Wish we had more time to kayak.

4/5 - Good

sheryl

use riparian area and south east entrances for birding and hiking. park itself was great for dogs and family.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Watson Lake

Quaint Cabin With Spectacular Views Of The Granite Dells, Great Hiking/Kayaking!

Quaint Cabin With Spectacular Views Of The Granite Dells, Great Hiking/Kayaking!

Prescott
Quaint Cabin With Spectacular Views Of The Granite Dells, Great Hiking/Kayaking!
Forest Villas Hotel - Prescott

Forest Villas Hotel - Prescott

3 out of 5
3645 Lee Cir, Prescott, AZ
Forest Villas Hotel - Prescott
6 bedroom spacious cabin near Watson Lake, sleeps 14

6 bedroom spacious cabin near Watson Lake, sleeps 14

Prescott
6 bedroom spacious cabin near Watson Lake, sleeps 14
Prescott Resort

Prescott Resort

3.5 out of 5
1500 State Route 69, Prescott, AZ
Prescott Resort
Lakeside, Dog friendly, Spectacular views,  RV/ Trailer parking

Lakeside, Dog friendly, Spectacular views, RV/ Trailer parking

Prescott
Lakeside, Dog friendly, Spectacular views, RV/ Trailer parking
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Wildly Spectacular Cave Castle in the Granite Dells

Heaven on Earth Retreat's Wildly Spectacular Cave Castle in the Granite Dells

Prescott
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Wildly Spectacular Cave Castle in the Granite Dells
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Sun Studio in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells

Heaven on Earth Retreat's Sun Studio in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells

Prescott
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Sun Studio in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Spectacular Suite in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells

Heaven on Earth Retreat's Spectacular Suite in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells

Prescott
Heaven on Earth Retreat's Spectacular Suite in Prescott's Gorgeous Granite Dells
Hassayampa Inn

Hassayampa Inn

3 out of 5
122 E Gurley St, Prescott, AZ
Hassayampa Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Watson Lake

Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets, explore the area's wildlife, and take part in various outdoor experiences. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the lake, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque setting.

Shopping

The Frontier Village Shopping Center, located 2 miles away, offers a blend of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. For more options, head to Prescott Gateway Mall, just 3 miles from Watson Lake, featuring various shops and dining. If you're up for a drive, check out Burning Tree Cellars, 25 miles away.

Recreation

At Prescott Lakes Golf & Country Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Antelope Hills Golf Course offers another exciting golf experience nearby. For a serene escape, visit Thumb Butte, where you can relax and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.

Adventure

The Prescott Peavine Trailhead offers a thrilling outdoor experience with scenic views, located 0.8 miles from Watson Lake. For a longer hike, explore the Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail, 3 miles away, known for its breathtaking scenery. If camping is your passion, Fairgrounds RV Park, 9 miles away, is perfect for family adventures.

Nightlife

In Watson Lake, Harkins Theatre offers a cozy cinematic experience, ideal for a romantic night out. Just 5 miles away, you can enjoy the latest films in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Watson Lake

Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona, offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including scenic urban parks, educational colleges, and stunning natural features. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, travelers can enjoy activities such as exploring the beautiful Watson Lake itself or planning a memorable trip to the area's captivating landscapes. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Watson Lake has something for everyone.

  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Located 3 miles from Watson Lake, this university is a hub for aviation and aerospace studies. Experience the vibrant campus life and modern facilities while soaking in the city vibes that inspire innovation and learning.
  • Fort Whipple Museum: Just 0.4 miles away, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the military history of the region. Explore exhibits that highlight local culture and heritage, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
  • Granite Dells: Situated 2 miles from Watson Lake, this stunning natural feature showcases unique rock formations and serene waters. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and photography amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Best time to go to Watson Lake

The best time to visit Watson Lake is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March47.7°F (8.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October58.5°F (14.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Watson Lake

To save money during your trip to Watson Lake, consider visiting in January, February, or November when prices are lower. Try to book your stay on a Monday, the least expensive day. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly hotels, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, take advantage of free outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the scenic beauty of Watson Lake.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Watson Lake are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Watson Lake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Watson Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Watson Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia