Point of Rocks RV Campground
Prescott, AZ
August 23, 2025
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| Sunrise over the Granite Dells at Point of Rocks |
Just a short drive from historic downtown Prescott is a one of the town's local gems. It is a small 15 acre lake surrounded by tall Ponderosa Pines in the Prescott National Forest. Goldwater Lake is named after Morris Goldwater who was the mayor of Prescott between 1879 and 1927. Water, or the lack thereof, was an issue back in his day and he led the effort to construct the dam in 1923 that resulted in the reservoir known today as Lower Goldwater Lake. Later, a second dam was built and Upper Goldwater Lake was created. |
| Senator Highway is a gentle climb with lots of fun twists and turns. |
Goldwater Lake Park, located at the Upper Lake and is maintained by the city and offers picnic tables, a playground, fishing, boating, hiking and birding. Puppies on a leash are welcomed so Lucy went too. There is a $3.00 day pass fee (credit card kiosk) per vehicle and ample parking.
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| Goldwater Lake Road is a narrow road that leads to the park. We had a heavy rain the night before and the air was wonderful... cool, crisp, and clean. |
The loop trail winds its way 2.5 miles along the banks of both lakes. It is considered easy with shade from the pine forest.
We opted for an in-out walk with Lucy...a mile which took us to the other side of the lake before we turned around.
I got photos of some of the birds we saw. Some of them I could not make a definite ID. Any help would be appreciated. My phone gave names, but when I googled All About Birds some of the characteristics did not match.  |
Phone ID had two names...Grosbeak and Western Bluebird
I could not find a good match. |
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| Dark-eyed Junco...Adult Red-backed form of the southwestern U.S. |
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| Grey headed Dark-eyed Junco |
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| Pygmy Nuthatch |
The three of us really enjoyed our walk at Goldwater Lake. Definitely on the list when we return. We arrived early and enjoyed the walk mostly to ourselves. There were several fishermen/women/children enjoying the morning sun down by the lake with lines in the water. By the time we were ready to leave, the Ramadas and picnic areas were filling up. Note to self, the weekends are for the locals so another day would probably be better if you do not go early.
Back at Belle and Point of Rocks the afternoons flew by. |
| Shrub Oak |
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| Spotted Towhee |
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| Virginia Creeper |
We celebrated Lucy's first birthday... |
| Morning playtime at Willow Creek Doggie Park and eye on the ball! |
We did make it back to the oasis in time to see the barrel cacti blooming. We drove the Cactus Loop Drive at Saguaro NP East. I love all the cactus blooms, but the glow on the barrels is my favorite.
I got a haircut and afterwards Joe and I enjoyed brunch on the patio at Teaspoon.  |
| Crab eggs Benedict with breakfast potatoes and fresh greens with a yummy vinaigrette. |
Lucy got a haircut too. No brunch for her, but she did get a screaming chick! We have enjoyed some much needed rain and the skies.
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| A haboob...a desert dust storm rolled our way. It was very windy! |
Backyard birds this week... |
| An immature female Cardinal |
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| A pair of Cactus Wrens |
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| An Oriole |
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| A Gila Woodpecker |
And wildflowers on our walk this morning...Until next time, |
| A Spotted Towhee at Goldwater Lake |
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| Goldwater Loop Trail |
HAPPY TRAILS!
Goldwater lake is now on my "list". Love the pictures, it's like being there, sans those lovely smells. I haven't seen a red pine cone, what type of tree did it come from? Happy Birthday to sweet Lucy!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Sue! I think you will like Goldwater Lake. It’s not a big lake, but the walk is really pretty and the pine trees are awesome! You sent me on a Google search and I read that red cones are immature female seed cones. They will eventually develop into brown cones that open and release the seeds. I didn’t pay attention if there were other pine trees there in addition to the ponderosa pines.
DeleteThe best walks are the ones where we can take the puppies! Lucy with her head in the water bowl is adorable and I love the photo of Lucy and Joe in your "enclosure." Water in the desert is always a draw isn't it--you showed us another spot to visit--loved your photos!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Janna, and thank you! The pups definitely add a lot to our walks don’t they? I love how curious Lucy is about everything! The site we had at P of Rs is one of the nicest sites we have ever had. And Goldwater Lake is one of those beautiful spots that we will visit whenever we go to Prescott. It might be close enough for a day trip for you…
DeleteThat first pic should be the poster for getting up early! The lighting in all the hike pics is so warm and inviting. So much to see for a "little" lake in the desert. Glorious birds and plants. I love seeing all the macro shots that I can almost feel and smell! Happy Belated Birthday Lucy - you're too dang cute. I'm glad you included a pic of the chick, I had some weird ideas in my head at the name :-) Adding Teaspoon to the list!
ReplyDeleteHi Jodee! Thank you. We really enjoyed the little lake in the desert. A nice peaceful walk and those ponderosa pines are absolutely gorgeous and smell so good. The screaming chick and Lucy are quite comical. We love Teaspoon (and Wildflower) which are both in the same complex where I get my hair cut. Teaspoon closes at 3:00 everyday.
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