Lynx Lake in Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest encompasses the highest peaks and mountain ranges that surround the population centers in the heart of Yavapai County.   But unique in this environment lies a serene body of water, Lynx Lake.

At 55 acres, it's not as big as Phoenix's reservoirs or the damned lakes along the Colorado River, or for that matter even nearby Watson and Willow Lakes.  But ringed with ponderosa pines and offering miles-wide views of the nearby Bradshaw Mountains, it's a cool and scenic recreational escape for heat-weary desert dwellers living just an hour south.

Boating, camping, hiking and fishing are just a few of the activities that Lynx Lake offers.  Bird watching is especially good, as various water birds, including cormorants, ducks and grebes call the area home.  On a lucky day, bald eagles and ospreys can be spied fishing along with human anglers.  Near a German-themed seasonal restaurant, wooden boxes house nesting western bluebirds while hummingbirds buzz amply supplied feeders.  Along the trails throughout the lake's surrounding pine forests, woodpeckers, titmice and various wrens chatter noisily.

Lynx Lake may not be the areas biggest body of water, but it's a jewel nonetheless - a nearby mountain retreat for many parched Arizonans, both man and beast.

Summer view of Lynx Lake looking toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

Recent autumn view of Lynx Lake looking toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

Another recent autumn view of Lynx Lake looking toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

Lakeside trail along Lynx Lake.

Boaters on Lynx Lake.

Sailboat on Lynx Lake.

Autumn gold along Lynx Lake's lakeside trails.

Perching cormorants along Lynx Lake.

Pied-bill grebe on Lynx Lake.

Goose living along Lynx Lake.  I suspect she's an escapee from a farm.

Western bluebird near Lynx Lake.

House wren near Lynx Lake.

Male hairy woodpecker near Lynx Lake.

Gopher snake along the lakeside trail near Lynx Lake.  He's big, but harmless.  Nonetheless he's an intimidating and scary encounter in the wild.  And he's just in time for a Halloween fright!