Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Kayaking

when	May 23, 2023, 2023    Tuesday
	Trip Report : May 5, 2018
	Trip Report : May 14, 2016
	Trip Report : October 18, 2014
where	Willow Lake, Prescott National Forest
the kayak	This will be the Arizona Trailblazers first kayaking trip to Willow Lake. Although we’ve kayaked Watson Lake several times in the past, including just last month, this will be our first time at Willow Lake. So this will be an exploratory trip. At 400 surface acres, Willow Lake is quite a bit larger than Watson Lake, at least when its full.     Willow and Watson Lakes are both located in the spectacular Granite Dells and were created in the early 1900s when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built a dam on Granite Creek. Willow Lake is located in Willow Lake Park, about two miles northwest of Watson Lake on the opposite side of Highway 89.     From the main boat ramp on the north end of the lake, we’ll start paddling clockwise around the lake, taking our time and exploring as we go. At some point we’ll look for a good area to pull into shore for a rest and lunch/snack break and an opportunity to stretch our legs. After lunch we’ll decide to do more exploring or head back to the launch ramp.     Required: •  Life vest •  At least 2 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	5-6 miles of kayaking
time	4-5 hours, depending on how much we stop to take pictures.
EC	no elevation change
elevation	5,100 feet
type	Clockwise Loop
starting at	Willow Lake Boat Ramp on the north side of the lake (see directions and map below).
on water	100%
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$3/vehicle entry fee. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Prescott
leader	You must email the leader to confirm.
meet	9:00 AM at the Willow Lake Boat Ramp in Willow Lake Park. 1617 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, AZ, 86301
drive	•  Take I-17 north to Cordes Junction (exit 262). • Head NW and west on State Route 69 past Mayer and Dewey-Humboldt and past the Highway 169 junction. • Watch for the Walmart Supercenter on your right, and just past that, turn right onto the Prescott Lakes Parkway at the stop light. (Total driving distance from Exit 262 to the Prescott Lakes Parkway is 31.2 miles.) • Continue driving NW on the parkway for 2.2 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 89. • Turn right onto Highway 89 and continue driving NE and then north for 1.2 miles until you reach the traffic circle. • Do 180 degrees though the traffic circle turn onto Willow Lake Road. Follow Willow Lake Road around the south end of the lake for about 2 miles to the intersection with Willow Creek Road and turn right (north). • Continue driving north and then northeast on Willow Creek Road for about a mile to the intersection with Heritage Park Road and turn right (east). Within about 200 feet make another right turn (southeast) onto Heritage Park Creek. Follow Heritage Park Creek south and southeast for about a half-mile until you reach the main Willow Lake Boat Ramp. • Stop at the Entry Fee Station and pay a $3 per vehicle entry fee. • Park near the ramp to offload your kayak and gear and then park in the main lot.. • Restrooms are available in the parking lot. • See Map.

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