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Willow Creek Reservoir - 2 members in 8 triplogs have rated this an average 2.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
8 triplogs
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Apr 07 2026
avatar

 Guides 42
 Routes 1,799
 Photos 15,483
 Triplogs 2,925

70 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Watson - Willow Loops, AZ 
Watson - Willow Loops, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 07 2026
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,925
Hiking12.92 Miles 1,355 AEG
Hiking12.92 Miles   6 Hrs   17 Mns   2.38 mph
1,355 ft AEG      51 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   12 linked trail guides
Watson Lake Loop
Peavine National Recreation Trail
Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake
Northshore Trail - Watson Lake
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Willow Dells Loop
Willow Creek Reservoir
Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake
Discovery Trail - Watson Lake
Flume Trail - Watson Lake
Secret Cove - Watson Lake
Over The Hill Trail
Partners partners
LindaAnn
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
l, k and i headed out for a tour of watson and willow lakes.
a 7:20 start and low 40's felt great.
from the parking lot, we did the obligatory road walk to get to watson and start our ccw loop around the lake.

my favorite portions are once you get off of the peavine trail and on the lakeshore trail.
this trail begins the massive boulder maze.
we took a stop at the watson dam area to check the strong water flow.
to complete the watson loop, we hopped on the north shore trail.

next up was our ccw loop of willow lake.
after a short flat walk through what is sometimes a lake, we hit the boulder maze.
fun times.

after a relaxing lunch by the boat ramp, we did some more flatish walking to get to l's birding area.
this area features some of the largest cottonwoods i've ever seen.
a bit more bouldering, and we finished our loops.

good to get out with k and l again, in some cooler temps.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Greater Roadrunner
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Watson Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
Looked almost full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Willow Creek Reservoir 51-75% full 51-75% full
Looked to be 15'+ below full pool
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
230460
Apr 07 2026
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 712
 Photos 7,648
 Triplogs 4,885

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Watson - Willow Loops, AZ 
Watson - Willow Loops, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 07 2026
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,885
Hiking12.87 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking12.87 Miles   6 Hrs   18 Mns   2.35 mph
1,100 ft AEG      50 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   8 linked trail guides
Watson Lake Loop
Peavine National Recreation Trail
Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake
Northshore Trail - Watson Lake
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Willow Dells Loop
Willow Creek Reservoir
Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake
Partners partners
LindaAnn
The_Eagle
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
bruce and linda invited me to hike the watson and willow lake loops in prescott
we got going around 0715 with temps in the 40s
a short road walk to watson lake, then the loop trail counterclockwise
the route included parts of the peavine trail, lakeshore and northshore trail
nice to be around water
the east and north side trails wound through spectacular boulder terrain
we explored a few nooks & crannies, and checked out the dam
back on the road and across the dry willow lakebed
counterclockwise on this loop too
more of the boulders on the eastern part, with unique formations and striations
took a break near the boat dock and finished out the loop
a section of open flat terrain, then a more riparian environment under a canopy of cottonwoods
one more short bouldering section that topped out with a nice view
90% of this hike was new to me
was here most recently in 2013 to climb time zone wall with johnr1
missed the approach along the west side of watson lake
thanks for the invite!
nice to get out of phoenix for great weather, new terrain and good company :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
230466
Apr 07 2026
avatar

 Guides 119
 Routes 2,502
 Photos 9,787
 Triplogs 2,845

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Watson - Willow Lakes loops, AZ 
Watson - Willow Lakes loops, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 07 2026
LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,845
Hiking12.73 Miles 1,113 AEG
Hiking12.73 Miles   6 Hrs   22 Mns   2.30 mph
1,113 ft AEG      50 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   12 linked trail guides
Watson Lake Loop
Discovery Trail - Watson Lake
Northshore Trail - Watson Lake
Flume Trail - Watson Lake
Secret Cove - Watson Lake
Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake
Peavine National Recreation Trail
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Willow Dells Loop
Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake
Willow Creek Reservoir
Over The Hill Trail
Partners partners
The_Eagle
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
B, K, and I felt like hiking in some slightly cooler temps and Prescott fit the bill. Got to the trailhead before 0730 and first headed towards Watson Lake. Short road walk to get there, then we looped counter-clockwise around the lake.

Hiking thru the boulders was fun, and we made a few short exploratory side trips. The Flume Trail to the base of the dam was fun, although the water had a strong sulfur-type scent. After the dam, the trail got busier as we approached the main parking areas.

Once done with Watson, we headed over to Willow. While Watson Lake had been nearly full, Willow looked to be about half empty. We again looped counter-clockwise, walking in areas that obviously used to be submerged. The boulders were fun. Less people at Willow. We had lunch near the boat ramp. After that, we were mostly out of the boulders. Much warmer. We passed thru a section of huge cottonwood trees, then one more small area of boulders before finishing the loop.

Fun hike with a lot to see. Good day!

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Watson Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
Nearly full

dry Willow Creek Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Willow Creek Reservoir 51-75% full 51-75% full
About half full
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
230467
May 28 2016
avatar

 Guides 42
 Routes 1,799
 Photos 15,483
 Triplogs 2,925

70 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Constellation Willow Lake Loop, AZ 
Constellation Willow Lake Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 28 2016
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,925
Hiking9.35 Miles 1,040 AEG
Hiking9.35 Miles   5 Hrs   5 Mns   2.29 mph
1,040 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break14 LBS Pack
 
Linked   11 linked trail guides
Prescott Constellation Trails
Phippen Recon - Constellation
North 40 - Constellation
Rock Wall - Constellation
Ham n Cheese - Constellation
Hole in the Wall - Constellation
Ron James Approach - Prescott
Willow Dells Loop
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake
Willow Creek Reservoir
Partners partners
Ladyeagle
The convocation of Deb and I spent, a portion of the day playin' in the bolder wonderland of The Constellation Trail System and Willow Lake.

I was surprised to still see the Cormorants in the Huge Cottonwood tree, on the Cottonwood Spur trail. I counted at least 8 nests in that tree with 16+. The roosting noises they make are a cross between the oinking of a pig and the noises penguins make. Kind of eerie actually.

There are endless possibilities out here, with the two lakes in close proximity to each other and all the bolder exploring you could do.

It got a little warmer than the forecast high I believe, but the breezes kept it tolerable.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Willow Creek Reservoir 51-75% full 51-75% full
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
131631
Apr 16 2016
avatar

 Guides 42
 Routes 1,799
 Photos 15,483
 Triplogs 2,925

70 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Constellation Willow-Watson Loop, AZ 
Constellation Willow-Watson Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 16 2016
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,925
Hiking16.19 Miles 1,756 AEG
Hiking16.19 Miles   7 Hrs   38 Mns   2.54 mph
1,756 ft AEG   1 Hour   15 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   17 linked trail guides
Prescott Constellation Trails
Phippen Recon - Constellation
North 40 - Constellation
Lost Wall - Constellation
Ron James Approach - Prescott
Willow Dells Loop
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Dam Trail - Watson Lake
Watson Lake Loop
Over The Hill Trail
Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake
Northshore Trail - Watson Lake
Flume Trail - Watson Lake
Willow Creek Reservoir
Peavine National Recreation Trail
Rock Wall - Constellation
Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake
Partners partners
joebartels
rayhuston
Joe through a dart at the Constellation Trail system and said, come up with something. I didn't know anything about this "Little Gem" so I started downloading stuff. There are 11 trails in the Constellation Trail system, totaling less than 5 miles. So that wasn't going to make the drive to Prescott worth it. I'd looped Watson lake before and enjoyed the heck out of it. I'd always wanted to loop Willow Lake also, so it was on.

The Constellation Trail System is a wonderful group of of short trails through a boulder wonderland. Officially it's a self-enclosed system. But as we found on the way back, there is a trail that connects this with the Willow Dells system and Willow Lake. The Ron James Approach Trail does not show to connect on the maps, but it does. There is no signage and it's not obvious though.

All but the east side of Willow Lake looked like just a means to connect the loop, but then we stumbled on the Cottonwood Spur. Some of the biggest Cottonwood stands I've seen. `

Willow Lake Video :next: https://youtube.com ... YbKg
Back on the Jan Alfano Trail and then we jumped over to Watson Lake, to do the loop there.

Watson Lake Video :next: https://youtube.com ... CTBU

The highlight on this loop is the Lakeshore Trail and the Over The Hill Trail, taking you to the Granite Creek Dam.

Granite Creek Dam, Watson Lake Video :next: https://youtube.com ... nVp0
A little road walk got us back over to the Willow Dells Trails.

Once again the hiking was great, except for 1/2 hour bug storm we ran through.

I really enjoyed looping these two Granite infested lakes, and the weather was perfect!

A great time out with the Squad.

On the day....A Gopher snake, Squirrels, Cottontail rabbits, Cormorants, all sorts of Ducks, Bluejays, Blue Herons, A hawk diving out of the sky right in front of us snagging a bird.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Granite Creek Dam  Granite Dells  Granite Mountain  Watson Lake  Willow Creek Reservoir  Willow Lake Park
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Watson Lake 51-75% full 51-75% full

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Willow Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Willow Creek Reservoir 51-75% full 51-75% full
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
130202
Oct 07 2015
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,677
 Triplogs 1,389

68 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Watson & Willow, AZ 
Watson & Willow, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 07 2015
mazatzal • Triplogs 1,389
Hiking12.00 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking12.00 Miles   5 Hrs   5 Mns   2.53 mph
1,100 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   14 linked trail guides
Watson Lake Loop
Northshore Trail - Watson Lake
Dam Trail - Watson Lake
Flume Trail - Watson Lake
Over The Hill Trail
Discovery Trail - Watson Lake
Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake
Secret Cove - Watson Lake
Tree House Loop - Watson Lake
Peavine National Recreation Trail
Willow Lake Loop Trail
Willow Dells Loop
Embry-Riddle & Jan Alfano Trails - PCT
Willow Creek Reservoir
Partners none no partners
Watson Lake Circle Trail should be renamed “Links (not Lynx) Lake Circle Trail” :lol: :roll:

I did Watson clockwise and Willow counterclockwise. These loops are okay but in both cases the part in the Granite Dells is very cool while the rest is a bit monotonous. I saw very few people on either loop. Weather was great, a bit cool at the beginning but very pleasant later.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
_____________________
  3 archives
122687
Sep 26 2008
avatar

 Routes 35
 Photos 136
 Triplogs 70

62 male
 Joined Aug 28 2008
 Prescott, AZ
Willow Creek ReservoirPrescott, AZ
Willow Creek Reservoir
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 26 2008
TwoWeims • Triplogs 70
Hiking3.50 Miles
Hiking3.50 Miles   2 Hrs      1.75 mph
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This hike was to map the North portion of the Willow Lake trail between Willow Creek and Willow Lake Parks.
_____________________
 
39125
Sep 25 2008
avatar

 Routes 35
 Photos 136
 Triplogs 70

62 male
 Joined Aug 28 2008
 Prescott, AZ
Willow Creek ReservoirPrescott, AZ
Willow Creek Reservoir
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2008
TwoWeims • Triplogs 70
Hiking1.50 Miles
Hiking1.50 Miles      40 Mns   2.25 mph
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A quick hike after work. Tomorrow we will map the entire trail and post the GPS Route.
_____________________
 
39117
average hiking speed 2.3 mph

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.

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