Watson Lake

In between Watson Woods to the south and the Granite Dells to the north lies Watson Lake, a 70 acre reservoir in Prescott that is fed by Granite Creek and its tributaries. While various city trails circle and meander through the park's granite boulders, grasslands and forest canopy, an excursion in a kayak guarantees a unique look at both a rocky and aquatic environment.

Depending on the season, strata of discoloration are visible on countless rock surfaces, often disappearing completely when the lake is filled by runoff from winter snow melt or summer monsoons. The rounded, cracked and stacked granite boulders create an endless array of shapes and textures in themselves, conjuring a fantasy of comparisons and images. Meanwhile, vast panoramas of often cloud-filled skies and distant mountain ranges complete the surrounding landscape. Water fowl abound, and on a lucky day - like mine! - bald eagles may be hunting or roosting.

Any stop at Watson Lake, regardless of the duration or means, reminds the visitor of the importance of water to the parched western landscape, but also of how singularly beautiful a protected and nurtured environment can be.