Watson Lake, Granite Mountain, Prescott 2004
This photo courtesy of bajataco.com
Date: 5/21-23/2004
Trail Time: N/A
Location: Prescott National Forest, Granite Dells, Granite Mountain
Mapping / GPS / Waypoint File: .gif Map Image (OHV area) / .GIF Map (Watson Lake)/ .MPS (Mapsource) Track File for OHV area.
Trail Rating (1-5 scale): 2.5. The Alto Pit OHV area has mixed trails and requires a $3.00 fee
Major Obstacle: N/A
Brush (minor, moderate, severe): Moderate
Scenic Value (1-5 scale): 5: Watson Lake is most impressive, and the Granite Mountain area and Mountain Bike trails rate as some of the most beautiful I have seen.
Attendees:
Scott Brady- 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Double Cab
BajaTaco- Toyota Tacoma Extra-Cab
This area can be described as an outdoors paradise, with beautiful trails, lakes and scenery. There is not much to say in this report, as the pictures will do most of the talking...
Watson Lake
Watson Lake is located on Hwy 89, North of Prescott. The complex has campsites, and a picnic area. Crappie and Large Mouth Bass can be caught in its waters. This is a no swimming, no wake lake, making it perfect for canoeing and kayaking. We canoed and kayaked most of the northern shoreline, enjoying the small side canyons, rock features and wildlife. We docked the boats and hiked to an overlook, facing west towards Granite Mountain and the Prescott National Forest. The weather was perfect in late May.
This was a fantastic 9 mile loop trail, with fast downhill's and technical rock obstacles. The erosion mounds allowed for great "air", and we all got to try out our new Specialized Epic FRS full suspension bike. The trail winds through the Prescott National Forest, with views of Granite Mountain. Most of the trail is moderate singletrack with heavy horse and hiking traffic. Remember that equine always have the right of way, dismount and move off the trail to let them pass. There was one downhill section into Mint Creek that has to be ridden to fully appreciate. It was an Eticket!
Stock Flex
Modified Flex
Small Rock Challenge
Alto Pit OHV Area (Photo Courtesy of BajaTaco.com)
We also spent some time in the new Prescott Farmer's Market. Stephanie took some nice pictures, lots of color!
