Can you kayak on Watson Lake?
Watson lake is relatively small so it makes a great place for beginners to kayak. One end of the lake is surrounded by large granite dells. Depending on the water levels you can kayak around and in between many of them. There is a $3 fee to park at Watson Lake.
Where is Granite Dells in AZ?
Prescott
The Granite Dells is a geological feature north of Prescott, Arizona. The Dells consist of exposed bedrock and large boulders of granite that have eroded into an unusual lumpy, rippled appearance. Watson Lake and Willow Lake are small man-made reservoirs in this formation.
How old are the Granite Dells?
about 1,400 million years old
Prescott is a scenic, mile-high city of pine trees and granite. Exposed in the Granite Dells just north of the city, is a coarse-grained granite that is dated at about 1,400 million years old.
How was Granite Dells formed?
Payson’s Granite Dells formed by the same process from fractured slabs of granite that cooled miles beneath the surface before being lifted into place and exposed to the relentless sculpting of water. Grains of the granite chip off along wide fractures, creating the distinctive rounded shapes.
Why is there no swimming in Watson Lake?
You can not swim in Watson lake nor its twin sister willow lake due to polution. Both lakes are down stream from old strip mining of mercury. The city is in the process of writing grant to clean both lakes in the coming years.
Is Watson Lake contaminated?
A popular reservoir in Prescott has long been plagued by accumulating pollutants on the lake bed. The lake is primarily polluted from excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste, in addition to roadway chemicals. ADEQ has listed Watson lake as impaired since 2003.
Is Watson Lake man made?
Nestled along the Granite Dells, Watson Lake makes for one of the most picturesque scenes in Prescott. Watson is a man-made lake created in April 1915 with the completion of the Granite Creek dam. Watson Lake was named for the president of the Hassayampa Alfalfa Company of Indiana.
Who owns the Granite Dells?
David Cavan
president Robert K. Swanson has purchased 15,000 acres of land in Prescott via Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving Granite Dells Ranch Holdings LLC. Granite Dells is a venture of Scottsdale real estate developer David Cavan.
What is a Dell in nature?
So, it seems straightforward; a dell is a miniature cliff. However, if you were to search for the term “dell,” you would find the following definition: “a secluded hollow or small valley usually covered with trees or turf” (Merriam-Webster).
Can you go swimming in Watson lake?
You can not swim in Watson lake nor its twin sister willow lake due to polution. Both lakes are down stream from old strip mining of mercury. These are NOT fresh water lakes. They were created by water engineers to provide a sports lake (kayaking, limited fishing) using dams.
Is Watson lake toxic?
The lake is primarily polluted from excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste, in addition to roadway chemicals. ADEQ has listed Watson lake as impaired since 2003.
Is Watson lake Prescott polluted?
Watson Lake and the Granite Dells outside of Prescott. The lake is primarily polluted from excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste, in addition to roadway chemicals. ADEQ has listed Watson lake as impaired since 2003.
Where to visit Watson Lake and the Granite Dells?
The scenic park allows access to Watson Lake, as well as the boulders of the Granite Dells. Being so close to Prescott gives you a great opportunity to get into nature without much travel time.
Where to go in the Granite Dells AZ?
The two main areas that visitors go to on a daily basis are the city parks located in the Granite Dells. Watson Lake Park and Willow Lake Park. Both parks are open year round allowing visitors to see the changing scenery through the 4 mild seasons.
What are the features of Watson Lake Park?
Watson Lake park is part of the Granite Dells. The dells are a unique area, with amazing Granite formations, boulders, and balanced rocks. Canyons, cliffs, lakes, open fields, riparian preserves, and more are all right in front of you throughout the park.
Where is Watson Lake Park in Prescott AZ?
This beautiful lake, just four miles away from downtown Prescott, features fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, camping and day picnicking – something for everyone. The scenic park allows access to Watson Woods, as well as the boulders of the Granite Dells.