Goldwater Lake Near Prescott Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 7, 2026

Goldwater Lake near Prescott, Arizona is a scenic recreation area surrounded by ponderosa pine forest about four miles south of downtown Prescott. Upper Goldwater Lake is the developed 15-acre recreation lake, offering fishing, kayaking, canoeing, electric-motor boating, hiking, picnicking and family activities. Nearby Lower Goldwater Lake provides a quieter setting with more restrictive fishing and water-access rules. Together, the lakes offer an easy mountain escape with paved access, developed amenities and trails connecting to the surrounding Prescott trail system.

• Goldwater Lake Overview
• Things To Do At Goldwater Lake
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Boating & Kayaking
• Lower Goldwater Lake
• Hiking & Trails
• Picnicking & Amenities
• Hours & Parking
• Best Time To Visit
• Visitor Tips
• Directions
• FAQ

Goldwater Lake Overview

Goldwater Lake is part of a small lake system in the pine-covered hills south of Prescott. Upper Goldwater Lake is the developed recreation lake, with fishing docks, a boat ramp, picnic areas, playground, restrooms and trail access. Its compact size and protected setting make it particularly well suited to kayaking, canoeing and relaxed shoreline recreation.

Goldwater Lake is open year-round, although operating hours vary between summer and winter. Swimming is not permitted, so the lake is best enjoyed from shore, from the trails or from an approved watercraft.

Prescott's higher elevation gives Goldwater Lake cooler conditions than Arizona's lower desert areas, although temperatures vary considerably by season. See the Prescott climate and temperature chart for average monthly high and low temperatures, rainfall, and sunrise and sunset information when planning your visit.

Things To Do At Goldwater Lake

• Fishing: Fish from shore or the developed fishing docks for stocked and resident fish.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Paddle the calm waters of Upper Goldwater Lake in a scenic pine-covered setting.
• Electric-Motor Boating: Launch small boats equipped with electric motors from the public boat ramp.
• Hiking: Walk trails around the lake and connect with additional trails in the surrounding Prescott trail system.
• Picnicking: Use picnic tables, grills and large ramadas overlooking the recreation area.
• Family Recreation: Enjoy the children's playground, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
• Photography: Photograph lake scenery, forest reflections, wildlife and seasonal color.

Fishing At Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake is a convenient Prescott-area fishing destination with both stocked and resident fish. Arizona Game and Fish manages fishing opportunities at the lake, including trout and other sportfish, and Goldwater Lake is also one of the Arizona waters where Gila trout may currently be caught year-round. Stocking schedules vary according to season, water conditions and fish availability.

Fishing docks and shoreline access make Upper Goldwater Lake suitable for beginning anglers and families as well as more experienced fishermen. A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is currently required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older fishing public waters.

Because stocking schedules and fishing regulations can change, check current Arizona Game and Fish information before your trip rather than relying on fixed stocking dates or bag limits.

Fish Species In Goldwater Lake

Anglers commonly target rainbow trout and Gila trout along with warm-water species such as largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and other sunfish. Fishing success varies seasonally, and stocked species and stocking frequency can change from year to year.

Goldwater Lake Hours And Parking

• April 1 through October 31: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• November 1 through March 31: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Daily parking: $5 per vehicle
• Wednesdays: Parking is currently free

Hours and parking fees can change, so check current City of Prescott Recreation Services information before traveling.

Boating, Kayaking And Canoeing

Upper Goldwater Lake allows kayaks, canoes and boats powered by electric motors. Gasoline motors are not permitted. A public boat-launch ramp is available for visitors bringing their own approved watercraft.

Kayak and canoe rentals may also be available during lake operating hours through the current concession operator. Rental availability can vary by weather, season and operating schedule, so confirm availability before planning a trip specifically around a rental.

Can You Swim At Goldwater Lake?

No. Swimming is prohibited at both Upper Goldwater Lake and Lower Goldwater Lake. Visitors should enjoy the water through permitted boating and fishing activities rather than entering the lake to swim.

Hiking At Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake is surrounded by hiking trails that provide views of the water, pine forest and surrounding hills. Trails in the recreation area connect with additional routes beyond the developed lake, allowing visitors to extend a short lakeside walk into a longer Prescott-area hike.

Trail conditions can vary with weather and season. Wear appropriate footwear, carry water and use extra caution when trails are wet, icy or snow-covered.

Lower Goldwater Lake

Lower Goldwater Lake offers a quieter experience than the developed upper lake and has different recreation rules. Watercraft are not permitted on Lower Goldwater Lake, including kayaks and paddleboards. Float tubes propelled solely by foot-operated flippers are currently permitted.

Fishing at Lower Goldwater Lake is catch-and-release only. Anglers must use artificial flies or lures, and fishing bait is prohibited. Visitors should pay careful attention to which lake they are using because Upper and Lower Goldwater have different boating and fishing regulations.

Picnicking And Goldwater Lake Amenities

Goldwater Lake is well suited to family outings and picnics. Developed amenities at Upper Goldwater include picnic tables, grills, large ramadas, restrooms, a children's playground, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks and accessible picnic sites.

Large ramadas and other reservable facilities may have separate reservation requirements or fees. Check current City of Prescott recreation information when planning a group gathering or special event.

Best Time To Visit Goldwater Lake

• Spring: Mild temperatures and active fishing make spring a comfortable time for hiking, paddling and picnicking.
• Summer: Long operating hours and Prescott's higher elevation make Goldwater Lake popular for kayaking, fishing and family recreation.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures and changing foliage create excellent conditions for hiking, photography and lake scenery.
• Winter: The recreation area remains open, but visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures, snow or icy trail conditions.

Goldwater Lake Visitor Tips

• Check current lake hours before visiting because summer and winter schedules differ.
• Remember that swimming is prohibited.
• Use only electric motors on Upper Goldwater Lake.
• Do not take kayaks, paddleboards or other watercraft onto Lower Goldwater Lake.
• Review current Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
• Bring layers because Prescott mountain weather can change quickly.
• Arrive earlier on busy weekends when parking and picnic areas may fill.
• Keep wildlife wild and pack out trash after your visit.

Other Lakes Near Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake is one of several recreation lakes in the Prescott area. Visitors planning a longer stay can also explore Lynx Lake, a forested fishing and recreation destination southeast of Prescott, as well as Watson Lake and Willow Lake in the Granite Dells. Each lake has a different setting, recreation opportunities and boating rules, making it worthwhile to compare the Prescott area lakes when planning a trip.

Directions To Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake is located about four miles south of downtown Prescott at 2900 South Goldwater Lake Road. From central Prescott, travel south toward Senator Highway and follow signs for Goldwater Lake and Goldwater Lake Road.

The recreation area is close enough to Prescott for a short day trip while still providing a forested mountain setting away from downtown traffic. Check current road conditions during winter weather or active construction.

Goldwater Lake Contact Information

Goldwater Lake
2900 South Goldwater Lake Road
Prescott, Arizona 86301

Goldwater Lake is managed by the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department. Check the official City of Prescott website for current hours, parking fees, facility information, closures and recreation rules.

Goldwater Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Goldwater Lake Arizona?

Goldwater Lake is located approximately four miles south of downtown Prescott, Arizona, at 2900 South Goldwater Lake Road.

Can you swim in Goldwater Lake?

No. Swimming is prohibited at both Upper Goldwater Lake and Lower Goldwater Lake.

Can you kayak at Goldwater Lake?

Yes. Kayaks and canoes are permitted on Upper Goldwater Lake. Watercraft are not permitted on Lower Goldwater Lake.

Can you use a motorboat on Goldwater Lake?

Upper Goldwater Lake allows boats powered by electric motors. Gasoline motors are not permitted.

Is Goldwater Lake good for fishing?

Yes. Goldwater Lake provides shoreline and dock fishing for trout and warm-water species, and Arizona Game and Fish manages stocking and fishing opportunities at the lake. Fishing conditions and stocking schedules vary by season.

Do you need an Arizona fishing license at Goldwater Lake?

Arizona currently requires a valid fishing or combination license for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older fishing public waters.

What are the fishing rules at Lower Goldwater Lake?

Lower Goldwater Lake is currently catch-and-release only. Anglers must use artificial flies or lures, and bait is prohibited.

What is the difference between Upper and Lower Goldwater Lake?

Upper Goldwater Lake is the developed recreation lake with fishing docks, boating access, picnic areas and other visitor facilities. Lower Goldwater Lake is quieter and has more restrictive fishing and water-access rules, including a prohibition on kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft.

Is Goldwater Lake open year-round?

Yes. Goldwater Lake is open year-round, although operating hours differ between the summer and winter seasons.

How much is parking at Goldwater Lake?

Daily parking is currently $5 per vehicle, while Wednesday parking is free. Fees can change, so verify current City of Prescott information before visiting.

Does Goldwater Lake have hiking trails?

Yes. Hiking trails surround the recreation area and connect with additional trails in the surrounding Prescott trail system.

What other lakes are near Goldwater Lake?

Other Prescott-area recreation lakes include Lynx Lake, Watson Lake and Willow Lake, each offering a different combination of fishing, boating, hiking and scenery.

Lodging and Accommodations

Prescott Bed and Breakfasts
Prescott AZ Cabin Rentals
Prescott AZ Campgrounds

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