Willow Lake Trail

Willow Lake is the Granite Dells’ quieter side. Its shoreline trail offers big, open views of the lake framed by granite formations, with a wide, easy path on the west side and a rockier, more adventurous stretch through the Dells on the east. It’s also one of the best birding spots in central Arizona. This is our guide to hiking at Willow Lake: which side to walk, where to park, and what to know about the water.

What to expect on the trail

How long your hike is depends on the route you choose. The path along the south and west shores runs about 3.5 miles end to end on a wide, earthen multi-use trail that’s easy for nearly anyone, including kids. Hikers who want the full loop can continue around the northeast side through the Dells, where the trail turns into granite slickrock with scrambling and steep pitches; the Highlands Center puts the full route at up to about 5.5 miles. The full loop is easier to follow when the water is low.

Shade is scarce except near the cottonwoods, so bring sun protection. The city describes it as a multi-use trail, so expect cyclists, and keep dogs leashed.

Highlights

• Birds, and lots of them. Willow and Watson lakes form an Audubon Important Bird Area. In wet years more than 5,000 waterfowl can gather at once, especially northern pintails and northern shovelers. The lake system also supports about 50 breeding pairs of wood ducks and rookeries of great blue herons and double-crested cormorants.
• A New Deal dam. Willow Creek Dam is an 85-foot concrete arch built with Public Works Administration funding, begun in 1935 and finished in 1939.
• Deep history. The City of Prescott notes the Willow Lake Archaeological Site, dating to roughly A.D. 900 to 1100.
• Paddling. Kayaks and paddleboards are allowed, and rentals are available from an outside vendor. Gas motors and swimming are not allowed.

About the water

Willow Lake has struggled with low water and water quality. In early 2026 the city reported the lake about 15 feet low, and in June 2026 it issued a water-quality advisory for algae and high pH after some fish died. The city is developing a management plan to improve the lake. None of that keeps you off the trail, but if you plan to paddle or fish, check the City of Prescott’s lake updates before you go.

Getting there, parking, and fees

The main lot is at Willow Lake Park, 1497 Heritage Park Road, with restrooms, rentable picnic ramadas, a boat launch, and a courtesy dock. A second lot is on Willow Lake Road, about 0.6 mile west of the Highway 89 roundabout. Willow Lake Park is a City of Prescott fee site: $5 per vehicle per day, free on Wednesdays. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April through October and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November through March.

Insider Tip: Bring binoculars, especially from fall through spring, when migrating waterfowl crowd the lake. Early morning on the west shore, with the sun behind you, gives the best light on both the birds and the Dells.

When to go

Fall, winter, and spring are the best seasons for birds and comfortable temperatures. In summer, go early: there’s little shade, and afternoon monsoon storms build quickly over the Dells. Avoid the granite on the east side when it’s wet.

Make a day of it

Willow is a few minutes from Watson Lake and the Constellation Trails, so you can easily sample several parts of the Dells in one day. Our Prescott lakes guide compares all four lakes.