From The Wave to our beloved Grand Canyon, otherworldly landscapes are just par for the course here in Arizona. Watson Lake in Prescott is an equally extraterrestrial destination, with ancient rocks jutting out from the water far as the eye can see. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet when you hike the 4.5-mile Watson Lake and Flume Trail, which skirts right along the waterfront and even lets you climb out onto the rocks. Come see why this trail might be the most beautiful lakeside trail in Arizona:

Paralleling the waterfront, the Watson Lake and Flume Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that showcases the lake's otherworldly landscape unlike you've ever seen it before.
AllTrails/Megan Fitzgerald-McGowan
You'll find the trail at Watson Lake Park in Prescott.
The trail is rated as moderate, featuring an elevation gain of just under 400 feet.
AllTrails/Roger Sherwood
It connects to several other trails in the park, so you can complete the entire loop or branch off and create your own adventure.
You'll be led around the entirety of the lake, reveling in the unique opportunity to view it from all angles.
AllTrails/Alien Torres
Benches are set up along the way, so the chance to rest your legs and fuel up with a hearty snack is never far away.

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One of the coolest things about this trail is how much the terrain varies.
AllTrails/Roger Sherwood
In the span of just a few miles, you'll stroll through lush greenery on fairytale footbridges, scramble up and down craggy rock faces, and marvel at crystal-clear natural pools.
There are several spots where you can actually climb out onto the rocks, much like jetties on a beach.
AllTrails/Cheyenne Wood
Expect a fair amount of climbing, but the incredible views and once-in-a-lifetime experience are so worth the effort. And if you stray from the trail at any point, just follow the white dots to get back on track.
You'll even see a waterfall (okay, it's just the overflow from the dam, but still lovely nonetheless).
AllTrails/AllTrails User
The soft, yet powerful cascade spills into a sea-green reservoir below, making for a picture-perfect sight.
No matter what season it is, the trail is absolutely gorgeous year-round.
AllTrails/Herb Hutchinson
Snow covers the rocks in the winter, and it's one of the most magical sights you'll ever bear witness to. Springtime brings beautiful wildflowers in all colors of the rainbow, and during summer, the earth comes alive with bold, vibrant vegetation. Visit in the fall, and you'll see the foliage take on beautiful amber, golden, and deep red hues whose warmth can be felt emanating from the leaves.

This is one amazing hiking trail in Arizona you cannot afford to miss.

Have you ever hiked the Watson Lake and Flume Trail? What’s your favorite waterfront trail in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out our previous article for one of our top picks.

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More to Explore

Beautiful Lakeside Trail in Arizona

Tori Jane | May 08, 2022

Where is the flume Arizona trail?  

Flume Arizona – also known as the Flume Road Trail - is a stunning hike in Arizona’s woods leading to the famed Fossil Creek. It’s outrageously beautiful and perfect for a warm day, though its extraordinary popularity ensures that a weekend visit will be plenty crowded. It can be found within Tonto National Forest and extends for nine miles. The closest town to flume Arizona is the delightful little town of Pine, which is one of our favorite small towns in Arizona to explore.  

What is the most unique hike in Arizona?  

Well, considering there are literally thousands of hiking trails in Arizona to choose from, it’s almost impossible to nail down just one as the single most unique hike in Arizona. For example, the incredible Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park is easily the most famous hike in Arizona thanks to its extraordinary uniqueness; there are no other hiking trails like it, and though it’s quite difficult to do, it’s incredibly rewarding. You may also want to consider hiking trails in Sedona or Flagstaff, as well as some of the truly stunning trails down at Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona (we’re pretty sure the landscape doesn’t get more unique than at Saguaro National Park).  

What’s the best lakeside trail in Arizona for a summer hike?  

We’re pretty sure that every lakeside trail in Arizona is the best trail for a summer hike, but we could be biased. Some of our favorite lake hikes in Arizona include the amazing Butcher Jones Trail, which is nearby Saguaro Lake, which is absolutely gorgeous year-round, but especially in summer when the wildflowers in Arizona are at their peak. Also, be sure to check out the Lynx Lake Loop Trail, near Prescott, and Yavapai Point Trail at Lake Pleasant. Believe it or not, there are more than 125 amazing lakes all over Arizona to explore. Many are man-made, but don’t let that distract you from just how amazingly beautiful they are!  

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3101 Watson Lake Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA