Attraction of the Week: Lynx Lake in Central Arizona
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It may come as a surprise to those who have never ventured beyond the Phoenix metro area that Arizona is home to many lakes – over 100 in fact. However, only 2 of these lakes (Mormon Lake in Flagstaff and Stoneman Lake near Sedona) are natural.
Prescott, a beautiful small town in North Central Arizona with a rare-for-Arizona 4 season climate, is home to 4 scenic lakes which are popular for all sorts of summer recreational activities. With the cooler-than-Phoenix summer temperatures, pretty mountain scenery, and abundance of towering ponderosa pines, this city is a great escape from the heat of the Sonoran. I make frequent daytrips here from Flagstaff. It’s a quick hour and a half drive and there is a lot here to make the city feel really unique.
The city’s 4 lakes include: Willow, Watson, Goldwater, and Lynx. All of these lakes are great for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. I love kayaking, however, I usually end up hiking or biking instead as rentals are a hassle. I figured we would do something a bit different as we have been hiking pretty much every weekend since moving to Northern Arizona. With convenient onsite rentals, this made our choice much easier.
The gem of the Prescott National Forest
Lynx is the most beautiful lake of the city’s 4 options due to its’ peaceful setting amidst the gorgeous ponderosa pines. The Prescott National Forest, like the Coconino in Flagstaff, is also home to beautiful rare ponderosa pines. I love how the scenery in these areas is so different than southern Arizona. I can see why so many Phoenix locals come up here to enjoy the cool summer air.
Due to the high elevation (5500 feet), temps are usually pretty comfortable in the summer, meaning that these Phoenix locals are really getting a big break. Mid 80’s sure beats 110+. It’s crazy to think I can drive 2 hours south and be in the palm trees.
Boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking are all popular summer activities at this lake. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited.
The hiking trail is also a great destination for wildlife and bird watching. I’ve heard you may see a javelina or mountain lion early in the morning and possibly even a bald eagle. You will also see warning signs for black bears, although sightings are rare here. To this day, I have (thankfully) never come across a bear on a trail anywhere in Northern Arizona! I actually get nervous anytime I see a sign for bear activity in the area – sometimes I even think twice about completing the trail.
The gorgeous Lakeshore trail
I definitely recommend the 2 mile stroll around the lake. This scenic path features a walk around a ponderosa forest with unending views of the lake. Because it is heavily treed, it is shady enough for a quick summer walk. The trail is easy with no hills or elevation changes, making it a perfect pick for casual walkers simply looking for a picturesque place to stroll. It’s a nice summer walk. We usually go all out in Flagstaff, so we enjoy the opportunity to soak in some nature without wrecking our body.
Waterfront sports
When the weather is much too hot to do intense exercise, boating is a great alternative. If you do not have your own boat, the Lynx Lake Cafe offers a variety of rentals by the hour. This is one of the reasons we decided to kayak here – for the convenience. It’s so nice that they rent the boats on-site as we don’t have the type of car to transport a kayak.
Asides from enjoying the peaceful scenery, our upper body got in a nice little workout. It’s nice to work out our arms and backs as opposed to the strong leg workout we get hiking each weekend. If you prefer to take it a little easier, electric row boats are available. Paddleboat rentals are another fun activity for kids and anyone who wants to bring back the great memories of summertime camp.
Views are spectacular no matter the choice of boat as you take in the incredible scenery of the pines and mountains surrounding the bright blue lake. I really enjoyed our kayaking experience here and would love to return again sometime soon. It’s always nice to change up our workout routine every now and then to keep our body guessing.
More lakeside fun
You can also fish here. Rainbow trout and catfish are the most commonly caught fish. Limits are 6 trout, 6 bass, and 10 catfish. Sunfish, Carp and Bullheads are unlimited.
If you have a bit of extra time and would like to extend your trip longer than a day, camping is a great option. 39 campsites are available from April-October.
After working up a sweat, you can treat yourself to a German inspired meal at the Lynx Lake Cafe, which overlooks the lake. Try out the German pancakes if visiting during breakfast hours. Highlights of the week include an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays and German dinner specials on Saturday night.
The perfect cool escape from the low desert
This lake (and any other in the area) is a great escape for those who seek a day away from the summer heat of areas like Phoenix and Tucson. The vibe is quite unusual for Arizona: cooler summer temperatures, lots of pretty pine trees, and a beautiful lake. I also recommend a visit to anyone residing in Flagstaff and Sedona looking for a different form of recreation. While both these cities are gorgeous, there really is no opportunity for any water sports.
In my opinion, it’s worth the drive to be able to enjoy some summer recreation without sweltering. Despite the popularity (over 125,000 visitors annually according to the park sign), the lake does not feel all that crowded and if you can get out on a weekday, it will be an even more peaceful experience.
Address
This lake is located at: Lynx Lake Store Rd. in Prescott The parking fee is $5 or use your annual National Parks Pass. Wednesdays are free days. In addition, those entering by foot or bike are free. Pricing current as of 2025- please check for updates.
Prescott is actually a pretty cool small town. I’ve found a lot of fun things to do here. It’s a great daytrip from pretty much anywhere in the state. Check out my visitor guide for a bucket list of the best things to do.
Notes
- Electric motors or 10 HP or less gas-powered motors only
- Pets must be leashed
- Trailhead/day use hours: 7am-7pm (March 1-April 30), 6am-8pm (May 1-Sept. 30), 7am-5pm (Oct. 1-Feb. 28)
