Goldwater Lake Prescott Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on April 22, 2026.

Goldwater Lake. © City of Prescott

Goldwater Lake in Prescott, Arizona is a scenic small lake and park destination just a few miles from downtown Prescott, offering cool mountain-air recreation in a forested setting close to town. Known for its calm water, easy access, lakeside trail, and family-friendly day-use amenities, Goldwater Lake is a popular stop for visitors looking to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and light hiking in one of Prescott’s most convenient outdoor recreation areas.

Goldwater Lake at Goldwater Park is located just four miles from downtown Prescott. It is a small lake with 15 acres of water surface, but features tons of family fun with park recreation and picnic facilities. The lake is small but has great views and perfect waters for canoeing and kayaking and also features a great hiking trail. It is open all year.

Goldwater Lake is a popular destination because it combines natural scenery with easy access, making it ideal for a quick outdoor escape without a long drive into the backcountry. Visitors are drawn to the lake for its peaceful setting, electric-motor-only boating, stocked fishing, picnic areas, playground, hiking trail, and proximity to Prescott, giving families and travelers a simple way to enjoy water recreation and forest views in one location.

Average Prescott Weather. Check the current temperature in Prescott and see our Climate and Temperature Chart that reflects average high and low temperatures by each month. It includes average rainfall, sunrise and sunset times.

Things To Do At Goldwater Lake AZ

• Kayak or canoe on the lake, where only electric-motor boats plus kayaks and canoes are permitted.
• Fish for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish.
• Walk the easy trail that circles the lake and connects with other Prescott National Forest trails.
• Picnic at tables with grills and enjoy the park setting.
• Bring kids to the playground.
• Use the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits for casual recreation.
• Take a short scenic drive from downtown Prescott for a day-trip lake outing.

Hours of Lake Use. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the lake is open 6 AM to 10 PM. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, hours are 7 AM to Sunset. A $2.00 per vehicle applies.

Boating at Goldwater Lake. Only boats with electric motors are permitted along with kayaks and canoes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available during hours of operation. Prescott Outdoors will handle rentals. They can be reached at (928) 925-8858.

Types of Fish. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake with rainbow trout every few weeks during the summer months. Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and sunfish also occupy the lake.

Swimming. Swimming is not permitted.

Hiking at Goldwater Lake. An easy hiking trail rings around Goldwater Lake and connects with other trails in the Prescott National Forest.

Picnicking at Goldwater Lake. Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, boat ramp and a children's playground are available. There are also sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits for recreation. Picnic facilities are handicapped accessible.

Directions to Goldwater Lake.

Goldwater Lake is located about 4 miles south of downtown Prescott AZ. From Courthouse Plaza, go east on Gurley Street about a 1/4 mile and then turn south on Mount Vernon Street, which is the beginning of Senator Highway for about 4 miles to the lake's entrance.

More Goldwater Lake Information

City of Prescott Parks and Lakes
2900 South Goldwater Lake Road
Prescott, Arizona 86301
(928) 777-1122

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