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Description
Willow Lake is a reservoir surrounded by the Granite Dells, boulder formations that make the shoreline distinctive. The lake covers about 400 acres and is popular for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Gasoline motors aren’t allowed, which keeps the water calm and quiet. This makes it perfect for spotting herons, ducks, and other waterfowl. Around the lake, you’ll find multi‑use trails that loop through the Granite Dells, offering both easy strolls and more rugged hikes.
Viewpoints from Willow Lake Road on the south end are good for shallow-water species, and the grasslands there often have raptors in winter. Willow Lake Park on the north end provides access to deeper water, along with some riparian habitat that has sparrows and other songbirds.
Birds you can observe include many species of geese, ducks, herons, gulls, grebes, waders and birds of prey and also Gambel's Quail, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Phainopepla, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Cassin's Kingbird, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Vermilion Flycatcher, Lincoln's Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, Bullock's Oriole, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager and Blue Grosbeak.
Details
Access
Willow Lake is located just a few miles from downtown Prescott, along Willow Lake Rd. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking spot. Opening hours vary seasonally: Spring: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Summer: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Winter: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There’s a small parking fee (around $3). Facilities include boat launches, picnic ramadas and restrooms.
There is a 5.7-mile loop path around the lake which consists of great sweeping views, technical rock hopping, steep steps, and prolific bird watching.