Watson Lake

Point of Rocks RV Campground

Prescott, AZ

August 22, 2025

Nestled among the Granite Dells is Prescott's beautiful Watson Lake.  It is a man-made lake created in 1915 when the Granite Creek Dam was completed.  The hope was to build a canal system using water from Watson Lake as a source to irrigate thousands of acres of grain crops.  In the weeks that followed, the lake filled and it was reported that wagon trails became submerged and that buildings required removal.  In the end, the unlined canals consumed the majority of the water and the irrigation project proved unsuccessful.  Hassayampa Alfalfa Company of Indiana built the dam with high hopes, but it soon went out of business.  Watson Lake was named for the president of that company.  

Today, Watson Lake is a picturesque outdoor paradise that offers boating ramps and canoe and kayak rentals, fishing for catfish, carp, and largemouth bass, birding with hundreds of varieties, and a host of walking/hiking opportunities.  It averages 70 acres with a depth of 50 feet.  It is just 4 miles from downtown Prescott and only a 10 minute walk from Point of Rock RV Park.  If you drive, there is parking along Hwy 89 or for a small fee, you can enter Watson Lake Park with facilities, picnic areas, summer dry camping and a large lawn area.  Watson Lake was our go to spot this visit for walks...sometimes with Lucy and sometimes just by ourselves.  We enjoy it for many reasons.

Birding...

Great Blue Heron

 

Greylag Goose are big and loud with an orange-bill and nest in wetlands and lakes.
 

While Greylag Geese are very rare in North America, you will likely see domestic geese descended from Greylags in parks and other human settings.  

This is the classic goose of farmlands and nursery rhymes.  

Walking Lucy...

Exploring...

Follow the white dots...

I grew up hearing "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." which was my moms way of telling me that what I think is beautiful might not be so beautiful to others. It is our life experiences, culture, and perspectives that influence what we find beautiful.  Back in the day in Moab, a woman once said, "There is nothing here but red rocks. I am going home." My inner self wanted to shout, "Good riddance!" But everyone's opinion of beauty is valid so I politely replied, "Safe travels."  

Beauty...

Amphibious Bistort

This was not our first visit to Watson Lake, but it was our most enjoyable time there.  It is nice being within walking distance.  We think early mornings are the best when it is quiet with only a few folks here and there.  Watson Lake has been described as a wonderland of rocks with beautiful shapes, colors, and sizes.  We definitely agree!

Point of Rocks RV Park has quickly moved to the list of top five favorites. 

Lucy had lots of room to play.

A male Ladder-back Woodpecker was one of many birds that we saw in the trees just outside the window when we had breakfast. I took this photo from inside.

Back at the oasis...

We enjoyed a couple of lazy, rainy days and nights.  We sure needed it...being lazy and the rain!

We saw two huge javelina...I'm not sure who surprised who the most.

We added new tiles.

We filled the birdbath and put out feed for the birds.

And enjoyed our first sunrise back home.

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Willow Lake

Point of Rocks RV Park

May 15, 2025

Willow Lake

One of the many great things about Prescott is the water.  Prescott isn't usually mentioned for its' lakes as a destination, but within minutes of downtown, one can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and birding.  We were up and out early on Thursday (5/15) to go birding and hiking at Willow Lake, a new to us hike and lake in Prescott.  The trail begins at the parking area and loops in either direction.  The geese were calling so we turned right  and headed in their direction. 

Canadian Geese are fun to photograph.

I did notice an Ibis.  It was minding its own business, but I don't think the geese wanted it there.  I waited until the light was a bit better and tried to get a picture of its shimmering colors.

White-faced Ibis 
Prescott is in the migration area for this, long-legged bird.  

The trail led us to a nice shaded area.  

We heard lots of bird songs and spotted a Summer Tanager, a Robin, and a White-breasted Nuthatch. 

The male Summer Tanager is the only completely red bird in North America.  I think it is pretty cool that the female is yellow.  

I love the Robins with their vibrant orange breast and cheerful song.  We always had lots of them in our Georgia yard.

This female White-breasted Nuthatch moves quickly at odd angles and is often vertical.  They enjoy peanuts, and sunflower seeds.  They jam the seed into the bark then whack it with their sharp bill to "hatch out the seed from inside".

From there we found ourselves at the boulders...better known as the Granite Dells.

The Granite Dells are described as stunning granite formations including massive boulders.  I read that these dells are 1.4 billion years old and were formed by the action of rivers, streams, and/or flooding.  The dells are continuing to change both naturally due to the weather and due to human activity. Today, Save the Dells is an on-going initiative to protect/save this unique wonderland of rocks.   

 

Up and over...

It got really messy from here. My left foot sank, with my shoe on, up to above my ankle and it took awhile to get it out.   

The area around the lake was not dry even though it appeared to be.  A big gooey mess !  But also fun !

We saw Mallards...

and Killdeer...

and followed the raccoon tracks back to the trail.

We crossed Willow Creek, saw a sweet little Sparrow foraging for breakfast and admired the bold color of the Indian Paintbrush.

By this time we were starving,  Berry's Pie Pantry was on the list for breakfast. 

Berry's is a quaint and charming All-American diner serving up fresh and delicious meals.  The service is super friendly, the atmosphere is cozy and feels like a throwback to simpler times.  Joe and I both chose breakfast...eggs over easy with hash browns, crispy bacon, and biscuits with gravy.  Joe says the gravy is the best he has ever had.

Breakfast was yummy, but pie is the highlight of the pantry.  We were not leaving empty handed.  

Rhubarb and Dutch Apple are the listed favorites on google, but I wanted a step back in time and have a slice of Coconut pie with fresh flaked coconut in a creamy cooked custard topped with meringue just like my grandma made.  Joe chose a slice of German Chocolate pie.  Perfect for a mid afternoon treat. 

Friday (5/16) we did some shopping.  I have a high arch and my right foot is/was giving me fits so we headed to REI.  I have worn TOPO walkers for a long time...three pairs worth.  So this visit I asked about high arches and plantar fasciitis.  Without hesitation, HOKA Clifton 10 was suggested.  I am hooked !  It is just like walking on air and my foot doesn't hurt anymore.  

There are lots of yummy places to eat in Prescott.  We had not had Italian in a long time and made reservations at Papa's Uptown...a family-owned business for over 30 years.  

Fine wine, homemade pasta, slow-cooked homemade sauces, and grandma's minestrone soup recipe was enough to help us decide.  Even before we entered the warmth and friendly hospitality of this small cafe, we could smell the deliciousness.  Recipes and traditions of yesterday are served with bright smiles, and excellent service.   

It is a small cafe with an old world Tuscan decor,  a casual elegance, and the sounds of Frank and Dean.  

I had Manicotti with creamy ricotta and delicate seasonings topped with meat sauce. Joe had meat lasagna.

 Dessert !

An old family recipe...tiramisu also known as "Tuscan Trifle" for me.

Joe chose Papa's Cheesecake...made from scratch daily and topped with strawberries.

Our last adventure in Prescott on Saturday (5/17) had the three of us traversing Arizona Scenic Highway 69.  The route takes you through rolling hills and grasslands, with a background of distant mountains.  

SR 69 was once a major route connecting Prescott and Phoenix before I-17.    

 

We drove through the "ghost town" of Walker.  Once a boom town sustained for over 80 years by the mines, is now home to summer cottages.  As many as 3,000 residents were reported to have lived here.  Walker was named after Capt. Joseph R. Walker who discovered gold there in 1863.

 

We made a stop at Lynx Lake, a new to us lake to take Lucy for a walk.  I had read there is a 2 mile trail that goes all the way around the lake and it is puppy friendly.  

But, when we pulled in and parked, there wasn't much lake !  I later googled that it was drained to allow for necessary repairs to the outlet valve in the dam...damn!  

Lynx Lake will now refill naturally with rainwater and snowmelts. 

We stretched our legs and walked to the water.  There is camping at Lynx with water and electric and really nice sites.  I was surprised at the folks fishing, children playing, and the picnic tables were busy with families grilling and picnicking under the ponderosa pines. 

I snapped a few photos of the mallards and then spotted a great blue heron.

And that wraps up our week in Prescott.  We really enjoyed being at Point of Rocks RV Park and exploring the area.

Sunrise at Point of Rocks Saturday morning. 

 

Until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !