Arizona Places: The Granite Dells

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Four miles north of the downtown area of the city of Prescott, at 3101 Watson Lake Rd, this beautiful park allows access to Watson Lake and the boulders of the Granite Dells.

In the 1800s, a party of successful prospectors were returning from the Big Sandy River to Prescott with a load of gold dust and nuggets held in several canvas bags. Taking a rest and water break at Granite Dells, about four miles north of Prescott, they were soon attacked by Indians.  Quickly, the prospectors buried the gold near near the spring as the attack ensued.  All but one of the prospectors were killed by the Indians.  Later, the lone survivor would return to the site with a search party on several occasions.  However, they never found any signs of the buried gold.  Some have speculated that the Indians dug up the treasure and reburied it somewhere else in the same area. In any case the treasure remains somewhere in the Granite Dells waiting for discovery. 

Massive boulders of ancient rock have weathered into delicately balanced forms and fanciful shapes, reflected in the surface of Watson Lake. Ruins and artifacts indicate that Native Americans used to live here. The scenic Dells offer a great place for boating, picnicking, or a stroll. Rock climbers tackle the challenging granite formations. Watson Lake Park, four miles north of town on AZ 89, offers year-round day use and summer weekend camping.

Bicycle rentals at Watson Lake allow southbound connection to the Discovery Trail and Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail (i.e., the former Santa Fe Railroad) that connect to the scenic Granite Dells region.

It is possible to explore the historical charms of Prescott and never realize that the Granite Dells, otherworldly rock formations that have been there for eons, are just a few miles outside of town. Watson Lake puts you in the heart of it all. The Peavine Trail loops around the lake and through the dells and is popular with bikers, walkers, joggers and equestrians.

Insider tip: Open Year Round; rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around the lake for an hour or an afternoon. Single kayaks cost $15 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour. Canoes and double kayaks cost $20 for the first hour, $15 for each additional hour.

Park Admission: $2 per vehicle.

Details: Kayak rentals, 928-925-1410, http://prescottoutdoors.com. 
Watson Lake Park, 928-777-1121, http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks.

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