Goldwater Lakes Trail #396, AZ | HikeArizona
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Goldwater Lakes Trail #396, AZ

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Statistics
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Difficulty 2 of 5
Distance One Way 4.5 miles
Trailhead Elevation 5,626 feet
Elevation Gain 547 feet
Accumulated Gain 962 feet
Avg Time One Way 3 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 7.71
 Interest Seasonal Creek & Perennial Creek
 Backpack Possible & Connecting
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Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
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Page 1,  2,  3
Author
author avatar Guides 169
Routes 148
Photos 5,740
Trips 1,874 map ( 9,940 miles )
Age 45 Male Gender
Location Oro Valley, AZ
Co-Author
co-author avatarGuides 2
Routes 0
Photos 0
Trips 0 map (0 Miles)
Age 72 Male Gender
Location Tempe, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Prescott Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
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Preferred May, Jun, Sep, Oct → Early
Seasons   Early Spring to Late Autumn
Sun  6:55am - 6:29pm
Official Route
 
12 Alternative
 
 Water
Historic Fire Perimetersacres
🔥 2018 Stubbs Fire34.7 mi**
🔥 2002 Indian9.0 mi*
🔥 View (All) - over Official Route 🔥
*perimeter length in miles
**possible voids inflate figure


the roundabout way
by PrestonSands & Tgsands

 
Overview
This trail should not be confused with the other Goldwater Lake Trail within the City of Prescott's Goldwater Lake Park. Goldwater Lake Trail #396 is a new section of the Prescott Circle Trail between White Spar Campground and the Senator Highway. The new Goldwater Lake Trail #396 rambles through gentle pine-covered hills, passing both Lower and Upper Goldwater Lakes along the way. This winding trail is well marked and easy to follow.


Hike
Beginning at the White Spar Campground trailhead along U.S. Highway 89, the Goldwater Lake Trail departs next to a locked vehicle barrier gate. Initially following a road up Schoolhouse Gulch, the trail quickly breaks to the left at a fiberglass signpost for trail #396 and climbs into low hills of mixed ponderosa and oak. Along the way, trails Twist & Shout Trail #372 and Hidden Valley Trail #374 break off to the left at 0.25 and 0.7 miles, respectively.

One mile in, there is an excellent view to the west of the Sierra Prieta and Thumb Butte from the top of hill 5935'. At this point, the Goldwater Lake Trail begins a descent through tall pines to the wooded floor of Bannon Creek, turning south to follow its course upstream. The Bannon Creek stretch crosses an old road (trail #61) before coming to a seasonal pool and small cascade at 1.7 miles. This is a great place to take a break or enjoy the cool water and pleasant surroundings.


Leaving Bannon Creek behind, the trail climbs the south bank to contour around pine-covered hillsides, eventually passing near Lower Goldwater Lake, which is barely visible through the trees.

The trail reaches a low saddle at just over three miles, where it begins a lengthy u-turn descent to the broad basin where Upper Goldwater Lake lies. The Goldwater Lake Trail #396 approaches the lake from the south but does not go to it. Instead, a short bypass trail travels to the lakeshore, where it meets the shoreline route of the Goldwater Lake Trail. The bypass trail rejoins the Goldwater Lake Trail #396 within a quarter of a mile.


The Goldwater Lake Trail #396 continues east, leaving the lake area and crossing Bannon Creek once more, before ascending a bit through open forest and boulders to the east trailhead on the Senator Highway, at 4.5 miles. One can continue hiking from the east trailhead by taking the Watershed Trail #299, located directly across the highway.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2010-02-23 PrestonSands & Tgsands

    One-Way Notice
    This hike is listed as One-Way.

    When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
    WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

     Permit $$
    None

    Prescott Forest
    Prescott National Forest Pass

    Only trailheads with six "amenities" have fees. Amenities are picnic tables, trash, toilet, parking, interpretive signing and security.


     Directions
    or
    or
     Road
    Paved - Car Okay

    To hike
    WEST TRAILHEAD ON HIGHWAY 89/WHITE SPAR ROAD
    From the intersection of Gurley Street and Montezuma Street in downtown Prescott, head south on Montezuma Street for 2.9 miles (becomes White Spar Road /Highway 89) to White Spar Campground on the left. Turn left and park at the trailhead parking area, located at the entrance to the campground. The Goldwater Lake Trail begins at a locked gate here and is marked by a trail #396 signpost.

    EAST TRAILHEAD ON SENATOR HIGHWAY
    From Gurley Street, turn south onto Mount Vernon Street (becomes Senator Highway), and follow it for 4.1 miles to the trailhead on the right (west) side of the road, directly opposite of the Watershed #299 Trailhead. A fiberglass signpost for trail #396 marks the east end of the Goldwater Lake Trail. A larger parking area is available at the Watershed Trailhead.
    page created by PrestonSands on Feb 23 2010 10:28 pm
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