Dogtown Lake Trail #44, AZ

Ground Squirrels
The reservoir was named for extensive prairie dog towns(colonies) in the area.

Williams Water
Engineer Cowdery was brought in to survey water options in 1933. By 1948 the city of Williams felt secure with four water sources totaling 0.5 billion gallons that tripled usage.

Dogtown leakage was a major issue. One dry year a $30,000 2,500-ft deep well yielded nothing. Hydrologist estimated water was 5,000-ft deep. The issue was resolved in 1969. A polyvinyl chloride lining was added and expected to last fifty years.

Hike
The Kaibab FS just has a trail map with Trail #44 looping the lake on the shoreline. There is no other information or signage. You may begin west of the picnic area. We began from the main parking lot on the east end of the lake. Either option works since the trail loops around the lake.

If you lose view of the lake over a few minutes then you are probably off-trail. We tried an old road alignment on the south. It's a nice pine forest. Most will probably prefer lake views and hike the south shore. Both options are included in the Official Route.

East and south shores are popular easy-access fishing. The west is a twin inlet fork. You might need to hike a bit further around the water depending on the level of the lake.

Fishing
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish & Channel Catfish.
Source: Wikipedia

Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout.
Source: Kaibab Forest

Boats
Kayak, canoe, and single electric boat motors only of one horsepower or less are permitted

Swimming
Not allowed

Rest Rooms
Pit toilets.

Open Season
Varies depending on weather, snowfall, and road access.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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

2020-06-25 joebartels