Goldwater Lakes Trail #396, AZ

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.

2010-02-23 PrestonSands & Tgsands