Watson Lake Rock Climbing

About 3 1/2 miles north of Prescott along HWY 89 there is a new traffic circle where the highway intersects Willow Lake Rd. On the east side of the circle is the entrance to Watson Lake Park. There is day use fee if you plan to park inside the park (an annual pass is available from the city's Rec. Dept.) Or you can park along the highway and then walk in to avoid the day use fee. The City of Prescott parks and recreation department has excellent trail maps online. prescott-az.gov/recreation-…

Northshore Trail  - To access the West Shore Areas, begin in Watson Lake Park and pick up the Northshore Trail at the north boat ramp and hike north above the lake's west shoreline. To reach the climbing, work your way up into the canyon's that lie between the long rock formations stretching west from the trail or to the few climbs that are right on the lake's edge.

Quartz Trail - Another, less traveled route that takes you to the West Shore formations begins at the parking area for the north boat ramp. A trail from this lot leads north over a ridge and then down to an unused dirt road, when the road curves left (west) but continue north over rock through some narrow slots along the western end of the ridges described above. From either trail it's possible to continue north and down to the climbing below the dam, but using the Flume Trail to reach this area is easier.

The East Shore Areas are accessed by boat or via the Peavine Trailhead from a trailhead on Sundog Ranch Road (fee). The trail follows an old railroad bed and is pretty much level the whole way. Hiking north about 30-40 minute to reach the main areas. You can also bike in 10 -15 minutes. The Lakeshore Trail system off the Peavine Trail also helps you get to some of the climbing walls.