The 19 best spots to watch the sunset in Prescott

Watson Lake is absolutely stunning and a must-visit in Prescott! The unique granite boulders surrounding the lake make for some of the most picturesque views you’ll find anywhere. It’s a great spot for hiking, kayaking, fishing, or just enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water. The trails around the lake are beautiful and offer plenty of photo opportunities. Easy to spend a whole afternoon here soaking in the scenery. A true gem in Prescott and perfect for nature lovers!

One of the most beautiful lakes I've ever visited. Tucked away just outside of Prescott Arizona it is definitely a hidden jewel. The layers of rocks surrounding the lake are absolutely gorgeous. It's almost like going back in time. The photo opportunities are many. The water reflections of the hillside's, rocks, and beautiful blue sky and clouds make for phenomenal photos. We live in San Diego but we make it a point whenever visiting Arizona or Phoenix, we make the drive up to Prescott

I almost don't want to post anything about it because I want it to remain the treasure that it is. This is a beautiful place to kayak, plus there's trails all over the place, really cool ones through riparian areas.

Went kayaking for an hour. The first time slot at 8 am I believe is the best time to go. The birds are out and you can see cows on the mountain. We saw an Eagle. Beautiful boulder of rocks and fish. Wasn't hot and a good little work out on your arms and core. Good price for the hour. You can tandem or solo.

Beautiful place to spend some time relaxing. You can rent a kayak and go kayaking in the lake just no swimming. View from up top was beautiful and the place was not that crowded. Best time to visit the lake is early morning or later in the evening. There is an entry fee for day time entry and for overnight camping. There is a designated area for the camping and recreational activities. Plenty of parking so no issue there. Hike around the lake is easy to moderate (depending on the hikers capacity) but a perfectly tracked way with easy walk. So, Enjoy !!!

The water I. The lake is filthy but the natural view of the lake is amazing. Never been to a lake surrounded by rocks. The recreational area is also very nice and comfortable. Such a good place to enjoy hiking in a beautiful day!

Great Lake and Park outside of Prescott, AZ. Great trails that run the perimeter of the lake. Great views on the trail. Peaceful no wake lake. Perfect spot to kayak. The surrounding park has picnic areas, playgrounds and open fields to play. Clean bathrooms. A well maintained park. $3 for day visit.

Beautiful lake in the mountains of "Preskitt". We went kayaking and we had the whole lake to ourselves at 10:00 a.m. on a Thursday. Lots of wildlife and beautiful hiking trails.

It was a fun evening here. It was very relaxing. We actually saw some deer too. They were eating the shrubbery.. along a nice path (Holy Grail reference). Lol

Absolutely gorgeous trail! It’s the perfect moderate hike — a nice mix of elevation changes, switchbacks, and some narrow paths that keep things interesting without being too hard. The views are stunning the entire way, with the lake beside you and plenty of wildlife to spot. We saw a deer lay down for a nap, had a bald eagle fly right over our heads (you could feel the wind from its wings!), and spent the whole hike watching tree and water birds. There are two bathrooms — one at the upper lake park and another at the lower lake, right near the crossover sub-trail behind the dam between the two lakes. Both are vaulted toilets, clean, and well-stocked, which was a nice surprise! The trail also has tons of benches spaced out frequently, perfect for resting, birdwatching, or taking in the lake views. We ended up doing the trail as a figure-8 loop to adjust for the sun later in the day, and it worked perfectly. I’m a photographer and tend to wander slowly (about 125 photos per mile 😅), so including breaks and photo stops, our full outing took around 3 hours. It’s also a beautiful place to visit in autumn when the leaves change color — the reflections on the lake are incredible. Bonus: there’s a great playground for kids and a nice spot for catch-and-release fishing, making it a fun destination for families too.

Very good place to hike! Entrance fee is only $3 to park and they have playgrounds and lots of benches around the lake to stop and rest. I highly recommend it!

In the ongoing saga I like to call “Healing from Hurricane Beau”, I’ve been driving all over Arizona looking for two things: water to paddleboard on and peace of mind that doesn’t cost $200 an hour in therapy. Which brings me to Goldwater Lake in Prescott, a shimmering little oasis nestled in the pines that delivered both. I rolled up to Goldwater on a hot summer day, paddleboard in the back, trauma in the front seat, and hope somewhere in the cupholder. The $3 entrance fee felt like a small price to pay for a shot at inner peace, especially with the friendly staff who smiled like they hadn’t just seen me sobbing in the rearview mirror five minutes prior. The upper lake had a solid crowd, enough people that it felt lively, but not so packed that I started panicking about who would film my rescue video if I accidentally drifted into the middle and capsized. (Spoiler alert: I did fall in. But I pulled myself out like the resilient, slightly damp legend I am.) The water was perfect, refreshingly cool but not frigid, like a good therapist who tells you the truth without making you cry too hard. There are little beachy pockets scattered around, perfect for pulling ashore, laying back, and pretending your ex doesn’t exist. Honestly, Goldwater Lake might be the best water day I’ve had in a while. No speedboats. No party bros with Bluetooth speakers. Just paddleboards, pine trees, and peace. 10/10 recommend if you’re looking to reset, reconnect with nature, or just float and emotionally reboot. I’ll definitely be back, emotionally lighter, SPF heavier.

Beautiful lake & recreational area. The playground for kids is perfect

Goldwater Lake takes the cake!!! I went here today with a friend. We brought our kids (1yr old and 9 month old). It was fun! We had a picnic at the park, we attempted to go 4X4 with the strollers on two trails. We didn’t get far, but it was quite the experience. 🤣 We also fed the ducks, so that was nice to see as well. We paid $3 to get into the park and the park closes at 10pm. What a time! Take a trip and go! You can Kayak, fish, BBQ, or just relax. Take your eyes and mind outside of your home and into nature. 😊

It could be the time of the year but the lake was drying up. If you zoom in the picture you can see people walk a considerable distance to get to the lake from the recreational area. I was expecting more water it looked really small from the view.

I loved the experience at Lynx lake! We had amazing hosts in H! Our family book d 3 out of 4 of the sites here! The campsite was cleaned very well, the restrooms maintained very well! Manny and wife were such great people. I can’t recall the host from Thursday, but she was great and helpful when we checked in. I would definitely recommend this loop especially if you are going with your whole family group keeps you together but separately! We will be back in years to come!

I revisited one of my favorite stops while in town and it was as beautiful as ever! Its great now that your able to use your debit or credit card instead of having to bring cash to park. The serene environment and the stunning views always make it a perfect getaway. I can't wait to go back again!

Beautiful area. Currently the lake is at its lowest level for repair to the dam. Hopefully it will fill to full capacity soon but with the current drought in Arizona who knows how long that will take

Me and my man went here and went camping and it was awesome, had a nice little. Hiked to the lake and enjoyed sleeping under the stars together .

Great looking lake with a good-looking boat launch. A lot of people on the lake today and more people getting ready to explore. Plenty of picnic tables, grilling areas and hiking trails. it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. I WOULD RECOMMEND

I did not expect to find such a beautiful place for hiking. The lake is artificial, but it looks very alpine. There is a hiking trail around it that takes an hour to circumnavigate. The scenery is gorgeous. You forget you are in Arizona 🥵

Excellent hike. Was not too muddy despite rain and hail occurring halfway through the route. Good views of the valley once halfway point is reached. Can also be a good trail run or bike ride if you're inclined.

Really cool hike! 👍

Great hiking and biking trail just outside of Prescott / Prescott valley. It can get really wet after rain or snowmelt and does require driving down a dirt road to get to the trailhead.

Beautiful trail that was pretty easy for my younger kids. Lots of butterflies this time of year. Be careful because there are also a lot of bees but we were able to walk past them unharmed.

Beautiful trail that leads to another on the loop.Views are great too

Very Unique trail, VERY limited parking. Nice narrow path. For respectful, quiet Single's and couples, it's at the end of a nice quiet neighborhood.

Beautiful, secluded, green, with elevation changes and petroglyphs. Great to hike and challenging to bike.

It has a fantastic, stroller-friendly walking path as well as some more adventurous paths with minimal scrambling and rocks. It's great for kids!

Great place with paver pathways and beautiful view of Granite Mountain. Their team of rangers enthusiastically told us about the trails, flowers and animals in the area. We hiked down to the pond (about half a mile) and viewed the cabin. We'll be back!!

UPDATE 10/23: This short trail just got better. The main central trail is covered (5' wide?) with pavers. My dogs really liked it. The dirt side trails are still available if you want to walk a long distance. There is a new pavilion with a beautiful view. ANOTHER beautiful hiking trail. Wonderful, free and close to home.

It's a really good little park with some varied scenery and hiking trails, and the only reason I omitted a star is because of the traffic noise heard on the western portion.

Fun little park/preserve in town, with loop trails of increasing difficulty. Great views, plant species are labeled, and there's a kids' play area. I stopped for a quick walk between appointments on a Friday afternoon and it was empty. I accidently wound up on the most challenging trail with limited time and got my workout in in around 15 mins. Some of the granite boulders are tough to scramble over, but the panorama of old Prescott and thumb butte are worthwhile. Enjoyable stop.

This Nature Center is very near my home and is an excellent place to hike with my Boston Terrier dog. There are trails all on one flat level as well as several trails for hiking up and down rocks and hills. There is also a small lake. Views from the top of the rocks are beautiful. Many plants and trees are labeled. They are working to keep the natural habitat. Upon entering the Nature Center, it provides doggie bags in case I left mine at home. There is a restroom. There are places throughout the Nature Center to stop and rest with places to sit. Many areas of the Nature Center seem to take one away from the city and into nature. They also have maps of the trail you are on posted along the way, which helps one know where to go next and how to get to the exit.

Great place to take a hike. You can bring your dog you can bring your kids you can bring your friends. It's an informative nature trail about energy, energy conversation, energy conservation. It's a wonderful Intown outing with plenty of benches to sit in the shade. I'm docking a star because it's not wheelchair-friendly in any of the trail area. When we went in the beginning of August the pond was dried up, and following conservation ideas perhaps the pond might've have had water? This is a nice retreat, and it's free.! You can also get a nice map of the city that shows the 54 mile bicycle route around it, and this lovely area is on it too. Well done Prescott this is a great job done well. Thank you!

The park is my absolute favorite. The people are friendly, dogs love to have fun and it’s clean, open and lots of water. What’s cool about it is that folks bring their dogs and sit to chat with eachother. My dog jumped on a couple of people and they were so nice not to scold him, despite he needing it! Lots of balls everywhere and very welcoming park!

Best dog park I've ever been to = Dog Utopia!! My 2 dogs had so many friends to play with even in the heat. My favorite was the little pool next to the hose and the dogs adored it! Will definitely visit again!

My small dog was able to fetch for 20 straight minutes on the small dog side without big dogs stealing her ball because the big dogs were all on the big dog side. Yay!! 🎉🥳 This dog park is luxurious!

Visited from Phoenix to beat the heat and this was perfect for our active canine. There was a kiddie pool to stay cool, plenty of water for drinking too. Poop bags available and lots of space and shade to run and cool off. Plenty of places to sit in the shade while the dogs play too.

First time, and my little Jack russel/Chihuahua was in HEAVEN! dogs all friendly. Within 15 min of us being there, she was off leash like the others, and chasing balls🌸will definitely be making the park a weekly hike up to Prescott... Maybe more

Love the park & the people! Very clean. Well kept. Closed on Monday's for maintenance until 11pm.

Great place for Doggy fun and training. We got our dog from a rescue about 8 months ago. She still has major trust and anxiety issues with men and other dogs. She's also a Pitbull mix. So we won't bring her in the park until she's thoroughly trained and properly socialized. My Wife, has been working on her certification to become a dog trainer. So today she's working with Winnie on trust issues with us and other dogs. TRAVEL 😁 HAPPY

This park is a hidden gem! From the bike pump track to the storybook walk for kids, there's something for everyone. The towering trees, scenic creek and bridge, volleyball court, sprawling green grass, and fun jungle gym make it a perfect spot for families. Our dogs had an absolute blast, and we had a great time too. Highly recommend!

This is one of our most favorite parks in the area. In the summer the splash pad is amazing and packed with kiddos. In the fall it’s wonderful and a nice place to relax and let my little one play. I love the theme of the park, the train play area is incredible. Really well thought out and lots of different play activities for both younger and older kiddos. Currently the city wants to pave this park, which would be an incredible loss to the community.

We had quite a good time having our work picnic here! Plenty of space and the weather was beautiful that day. The only thing I would suggest is getting the bathrooms on the far side of the park fixed. It’s a bit of a far walk to the bathroom and we had to take several trips because we also had lots of kids.

Fun place to take kids and has hiking trails. But be warned and keep yours eyes open as there can be some weirdos. Plenty of friendly people visit here regularly. Also a lot of people bring their dogs. Overall a nice park to visit and explore. You can take the trail to a splash just off Whiskey Row.

It looks like a nice park but.... I took a lunch to enjoy beautiful weather. Upon arriving the parking was rather full and not many people on the grounds. I parked my car and was hit with a putrid smell, it turns out the parking lot was full of homeless people living in their vehicles! I wasn't able to breathe the fresh and clean air of Prescott in a park because of un-showered homeless, very sad and depressing.

The park is huge admist lush greenery. We sat on the picnic mat . The weather was perfect,we had late picnic lunches gane of Frisbee. Our year old baby enjoyed crawling. It's nice and peaceful.

The city needs to maintain the park better. The "sand" in the volleyball court is an injury waiting to happen. The light near the court is drowned by the overgrown tree. The horseshoe pit is trash. Absolutely zero respect put into this public park, yet your tax dollars are being taken.

Great place to walk the dog. I am traveling all across the USA as a full time house / pet / farm sitter, currently I am in Prescott for a dog. The house I am sitting is just a few blicks away from the Acker Park, so we go there hiking often. I think it would be a nice place during the summer months, with the picnic areas, benches, toilets etc. Now in November, the trail is still nice, as are the vistas, but the park seems winterized. No water is coming out of the water drinking fountains, so I assume it has been winterized. A few more waste bins on tne trail would be appreciated, though! When going up, I have to bring fluids with me, due to the extremely dry air in Arizona (that I am not used to). I have to keep carrying it all with me, as the only option to discard the empty containers is at the entrance of the park.

For a place of beauty like Prescott, the town has very few parks and trails. This is the city’s best. While only a mile of loop trail and hemmed in by houses, there is a nice view of the valley from here. There is no gravel on the trails so after rains and snows definitely be prepared to get muddy.

So this is my go to bike ride when I don't have too much time or just want a quick hill climb. Recently the rain has removed a lot of the topsoil and and made a slightly more sus decent at least if you are doing the loop counter clockwise. I took some friends on a minor hike if only so they did it while in Az and they seemed to enjoy it as well. The peak let's you know the other major formations around town if you want to use it to scout other hiking or biking locations. I believe if you head east you can also meet up with the loop trail but I have yet to. Also there is a small little children's center with a gym and playground seems nice to take a couple little ones if you have it.

Beautiful little park on a giant hill! Great for viewing the sunset and picnics! Several benches throughout. It is a big hill so hiking it requires going up it to get to the good areas, but the trails are flat and easy. Dogs MUST be on leash. Please do NOT litter! Note: Visiting during the day is the safest as this park becomes quite wild at night...plenty of Coyotes, Javelinas, Cougars, Bob Cats, Deer, Snakes, various bugs such as Tarantulas & Butterflies, Squirrels, Rats, and Bunnies frequent this area! I've seen them all here! Be aware and stay safe. Respect the wildlife!

We walked the trail. Very nice, don't think I'd recommend it in summer.

This was a fun smaller local park. We did a short 1.5 mile loop but it had some amazing views. It is very close to downtown Prescott and connect's to other local trails.

Nice views and convenient in town hike or trail run. It appears there are several entry points. I am not sure how convenient they are for parking. Or how well the others are marked. We climbed the hill from S. Washington ST. I Believe you could usually find street parking if you drive there.

This is a great skatepark but I only gave 3 stars because there are NO WALLS in the bathroom. Girls were so scared to go in that I had to watch the doors for them. Everything else is great.

Nice gazebo, would be better without graffiti. Restroom and playground are outdated. Skatepark itself is an asset to the community.

Skateboarding enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Today, we embark on an exhilarating ride through the vibrant world of the beloved skate park. Nestled in the heart of the city, this skate park has captured the hearts of skateboarders of all ages. In this review, we will explore the key features, atmosphere, and overall experience that make this skate park an absolute delight for both beginners and seasoned riders. Location and Design: Situated in a prime location easily accessible to skateboarders and spectators alike, the beloved skate park boasts a well-thought-out design that caters to a variety of skateboarding styles. The park features a diverse range of ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls, providing an extensive playground for skaters to showcase their skills. The layout of the park ensures a smooth flow between different sections, allowing riders to effortlessly transition from one area to another. Safety and Maintenance: One of the standout aspects of the beloved skate park is its commitment to safety and maintenance. The park is equipped with top-notch safety measures, including well-maintained surfaces, proper lighting, and clearly marked boundaries. Helmets and protective gear are strongly encouraged, with some areas even requiring their use. The staff diligently maintains the park, ensuring any repairs or improvements are swiftly addressed. The dedication to safety and maintenance creates a secure and enjoyable environment for skateboarders of all levels. Atmosphere and Community: The vibrant atmosphere at the beloved skate park is infectious. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the energy and camaraderie among the skaters. Whether it's cheering on fellow riders, exchanging tips and tricks, or simply soaking up the lively ambiance, the park fosters a strong sense of community. Skaters of all ages and backgrounds come together, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. The positive vibes and supportive environment make this skate park more than just a recreational facility—it's a hub for forging lasting connections. Facilities and Amenities: The beloved skate park goes above and beyond in providing amenities that enhance the overall experience. The park offers well-maintained restrooms, water stations, and shaded areas for breaks and relaxation. Ample seating and observation areas allow friends and family to cheer on their loved ones while enjoying the action. The park also hosts occasional events and competitions, further contributing to the dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Conclusion: In conclusion, the beloved skate park is a testament to the spirit and passion of skateboarding. With its well-designed layout, emphasis on safety, vibrant community, and excellent facilities, this skate park has rightfully earned its adoration among skaters. Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned rider seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience, the beloved skate park offers a haven for all. So grab your board, head to this skateboarding paradise, and prepare to create unforgettable memories in a truly remarkable setting.

The Vintage baseball team plays here. It's such a fun and unique experience. A food truck parked on the street and we had some great food while we watched. The field is keep up really nice. I wish there was more parking.

The swings here are great for littles and if you or your kids are nneurodivergent, it’s a calm chill atmosphere

The park was clean. The baseball field was very nice along with the gazebo. There are BBQs to use. The play equipment could use some maintenance. The skate park was big but we did not use it. Street parking for our travel trailer and parking lot for vehicles. Overall I'd say 7/10.

Kids enjoyed it and setup was nice. Seemed like the other kids there were cool.

I'm sure I would rate the park better during the right season, but we went mid-August, and there was no running water. Mostly mosquito filled holes. It's also a bit of a challenging hike. The trail is well marked, but you end up scaling up and down slanted granite cliffs. Definitely bring good hiking shoes/boots. It's pretty scenery, but right off of Highway 89, so you still get vehicle noise.

We had the best time here! We rocked climbed on some 5.7 to 5.9 sport routes. It was the perfect climb. The routes were easy to get to. Spectacular views! The trail system is amazing. I want to go back just to hike. So much to do here!

I love this area. Nice trail that is on the backside of Watson Lake which is beautiful and really one of a kind. Lots of great photo opportunities.

Such a great spot for a family hike. Their is a cool cave, a old abandoned room with a door. Hiking on top of the rocks is almost other worldly. A good spot for repelling. A beautiful little creek with a small bridge. Kid and dog friendly.

Beautiful views, easy trail

What an awesome hiking trail this park has! Definitely worth visiting!

I love this little area. No fees for parking and you can rest beneath the cool trees and have a picnic or go through a fun walk through the beautiful granite dells. One of the paths leads you through a crevice that would definitely be challenging to traverse if you're overweight or overloaded with equipment! Lots of vantage points to look out over the surrounding area and marvel at nature.

We attended a birthday party there. The parents had a water slide brought in where the kids played.

Nice, little park. It has a little of everything including a bathroom and a basketball court.

Awesome park for young and old alike! Ramada, bathrooms, basketball hoop, playground and ball field. :)

Just fabulous Picnicking with my Church Family 🤩

Nice neighborhood playground with public bathrooms and ample field space for running around. Free parking and there is a picnic table under some shade from a tree. Besides the one picnic table there are No other benches for adults to sit on while watching the kids play on the playground, so if you plan on staying long you might want to bring a chair of your own. There is a reservable pavilion with picnic tables behind the basketball quart that would be great for parties, but you can’t see the playground from that Pavilion.

Cool play ground, swings, and my daughter loves to go up the hill and climb on the rocks behind the playground. Tables to have lunch. Don't know if the bathrooms arw open. They haven't been when we've gone before. Also a large grass field.

Great little park tucked away in the mile high neighborhood. It has a couple picnic tables, a small court for hoops, kids swings and climbing bars, rocks for climbing, and a small baseball diamond. It's great for birthdays or anything else.

I just discovered this park today. On my walk, I discovered a beautiful lake, an old historic house and lots of trees. It looks like there is better access to the lake on the other side. There are plenty of hiking trails!

Great trail and local park. We loved the views from the trail and the abundance of wildlife. So much exploring to do still. :) Great family trail. We took a hike with Rootbeer our mini horse and the birthday girl. 🎂

You can get lost on the trails that good means u stop looking at the time and start enjoying nature

Cute little park, perfect for my toddler swings slides, dog park near by.

Beautiful hike with beautiful panoramic views! The Bald Eagle was an added surprise on the new trail!

Excellent place to find children enjoying themselves. It's always an inspiration to see the joy on they're young, supple faces as they swing on the monkey bars and get real dirty in the mud. It seems that there is a regular group of neighborhood kids who show on the weekends to play "war" I like to think that they need my supervision, especially when they get too rough with the younger ones and I step in.

I love this Dog Park. My dog has a blast there and I get to socialize as well. 2 different parks. One for big dogs and one for smaller dogs. In the summer it has water activities for the doggies. There is always balls to throw around for your pup. There is also places for you to sit and relax while your little paw child enjoys their time.

Cutest park with views! Lovely and a place for introspection or play, if you are a child!!

Local park, small but well maintained!

Cute little neighborhood park! It's a little playground area, with two slides and a little rock wall like thing with two tricky ladders on the other two sides. No swings but there are benches and a charcoal grill and trash can. The playground area has wood chips and then there is grass surrounding the rest of the park.

Small little park, kids playground doesn't have swings, one table to sit at and grill, nice place to sit in the grass though. Sadly, the playset was set on fire by an arsonist and the city has yet to replace it.

The playground is a little small. Books that are in the bin are a great addition to this park!

There's grass, trees, and OH some slides!

Small neighborhood park used mostly for dog walking

Nice 👍 place to just chill and watch traffic!!

I love that there is a fruit tree. More of this please. It's a nice place to stop for a moment. You see all your people out doing their life.

Calling this a park is a complete misnomer. It's just a statue, with a small area surrounding it to honor those who served our country. It's definitely not a destination. It's also hard to get to the parking spaces because of the triangle It's located on, if you're not coming from the right direction. I will say this. It's a great Pokémon Go location , because there's a gym and 3 stops right in one tiny area, and it'sclose to Yavapai College if you're doing community day with a group. If you're with a group though, be forewarned parking is limited to about 5 cars.

It's beautiful

(Translated by Google) A small park in front of Apache Lodge. It has parking. (Original) Un pequeño parque enfrente de Apache Lodge. Cuenta con estacionamiento.

Small, only one picnic table.

Got to see deer! Ya!