Goldwater Lake Park
Rate this placeNearby: Watson Lake Park Fain Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Goldwater Lake Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Prescott, Arizona.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, or solo travelers.
One of the main reasons to visit Goldwater Lake Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is home to a pristine lake surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking while taking in the breathtaking views.
There are several points of interest to see in the park, such as the Goldwater Lake Dam, which was built in the early 1900s and provides water to the city of Prescott. The park also features a playground for kids, a picnic area with barbecue grills, and several hiking trails that offer varying levels of difficulty.
Interesting facts about the area include its unique geological history. The park is located in the Bradshaw Mountains, which were formed over 1.7 billion years ago due to volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. Visitors can also learn about the park's wildlife, which includes bald eagles, deer, and a variety of fish species.
The best time of year to visit Goldwater Lake Park is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. The park is open year-round, but summers can be hot and crowded, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Overall, Goldwater Lake Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Prescott area. With its natural beauty, recreational activities, and fascinating history, the park offers something for every type of traveler.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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