With over 400 acres of crystal-blue water surrounded by colossal rock formations, Prescott’s Willow Lake is a picturesque oasis in the mountains of Arizona. Just a short drive from the heart of downtown, the easily accessible lake is the ideal setting for a day on the water or the trail without a long trek. Whether fishing for bass and trout, paddling across calm waters, or spotting birds along the trails, this peaceful retreat offers outdoor fun for everyone. Discover your next adventure at Willow Lake.
Hit the Road: Willow Lake Awaits
Often overshadowed by busier Watson Lake, Willow Lake is a true hidden gem only minutes from Prescott and Chino Valley. Its most striking features are the majestic Granite Dells, enormous boulders that line the shore, creating an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Arizona. The area surrounding the lake is home to a variety of bird species and local wildlife, with a scenic trail that winds through the landscape and offers multiple viewpoints of the Dells reflected in the lake’s shimmering surface. This scenic spot is especially popular among watersports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and some of the best fishing in the area.
To reach the lake, take a scenic drive north from Prescott or Chino Valley along Highway 89 to Willow Creek Road. Willow Lake is easily accessible and open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer and from 7 a.m. to dusk during winter hours. Amenities include restroom facilities, covered waterside picnic tables, a children’s playground, a fee-free boat launch, bike and kayak rentals available, and all-day parking for $3.
Best Fishing Spots & What You’ll Catch
Home to vibrant rainbow and tiger trout, largemouth bass, and black bullhead catfish, the lake offers some of the best fishing in Arizona for anglers of all skill levels. If fishing by boat, the fee-free boat launch is located on the north side, and the western side provides ample room for maneuvering the lake’s deeper waters. Head toward the eastern side of the lake for the best shoreline access and plenty of spots to cast your line. Seek out quiet coves and shaded spots beneath granite boulders and fallen trees, especially when fish are most active at dawn and dusk. Both worms and topwater lures are recommended for trout and bass fishing, while cut bait is best if you’re hoping for a catfish on the end of your reel.
Whether you’re line fishing by boat or from the shore, an Arizona fishing license is required for all anglers aged ten and older. Boats up to 10HP are allowed on the lake, and no swimming is permitted. Before your trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with the current fish limits and rules governing Willow Lake Park to protect its natural resources.
Hike the Willow Lake Trail
To get a close-up look at the Granite Dells, hit the dog-friendly trail that circles the lake. Following along the shore, through patches of Ponderosa pine, and even across the surface of some of the Dells, the hiking trail can be completed in under two hours and spans over five scenic miles. Willow Lake Trail is open all year for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, with bike rentals available in the park. Designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society, Willow Creek Trail also provides some of the finest birdwatching in the state and is home to peregrine falcon and numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds year-round.
Willow Lake is the perfect weekend escape for outdoor lovers seeking a day on the water or the trail without venturing far from home. With its striking landscape and numerous recreational activities, this lesser-known natural gem just north of Prescott offers something for every family member, from fishing and kayaking to peaceful hiking and birdwatching. Plan your trip today and enjoy the quiet beauty and exciting experiences waiting for you.