Pretty trail that would be good for hiking or biking or trail running. I saw two deer about 2 miles in and another one on my way back. From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to the Cordes Junction Trails. For me, this was 17, 202 steps, and 7.48 miles, an intermediate hike.
We actually did a loop around the back of this lake under the dam.
About 50% shade so still worthwhile having sunscreen and a hat. Enjoyed walking the square with my dog. Ruddy DuckI hiked this on a Wednesday and only saw one other person hiking. The first 1/4 mile is the toughest then it steps it's way to the saddle. Good choice, nice lake with restrooms. Neotropic cormorants Then back down #396 for a great downhill but be careful going around the blind corners as this trail can get busy on the weekends. Lengthy conversation was quite nice. The whole trail is forested, although you’re sun exposed a good majority of the time.
Goldwater Lake: Goldwater Lake Hiking Trails 62 and 396 to Banning Creek - See 179 traveller reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Prescott, AZ, at Tripadvisor.
The lake was just as pretty as in all of the pictures. Good Trail. We had attempted to loop around the lake but ran into a private road so just had to double back (nbd).
Leaves falling, beautiful rocks.
Nice easy hike.
Vernon
Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Perfect fall hike. Lucy’s Warbler Also took our dog who loved it! I would agree with the easy rating.
However, the views are still beautiful. Have you been seeing these colorful patches attached to hiker packs, shirts and hats while trekking Arizona trails? The trail itself doesn’t take you down to Goldwater Lake but we took a path down to the side so we could walk along the lake for a while (and duck to the toilet there) and then it reconnected back up.
Did lose the trail back from the lake to the parking area - it’s not well marked where the “right” trail “Ts” at the lake. There’s a nice surprise of a waterfall at about mile three. 800+ TRAILS.
Long lasting. You can easily see Gold water lake from the beginning of the hike and about halfway you run into a small pond which is a nice place to take a break and enjoy the views.
We did see a RATTLER on this trail, so just be mindful with dogs and kids running ahead. Black Phoebe
The perfect easy trail for our group of 4 with varied experience levels.
The weather was perfect.
The pictures are from the trails looking down on Goldwater Lake.
North Shore (0.26 mile) and Bannon Creek Trails (0.6 miles) are two easy multi-use trails at Goldwater Lake.
Temperature was on the verge of being too hot but shady areas provided adequate relief.
After walking about a mile, the trail splits and there's a sign that tells you which trail is which. Note: if the full 8mi is too long, there's a parking section also located at the 'halfway' mark. Tall pines, nice trails, beautiful lake. Took a good nap when we got home!Just a really nice place! House Wrens a little cove Nice trail through the woods, with partial views of both lakes.
There were many very muddy places, and quite a few with slushy snow.
Fairly easy to either park a car at each entrance or call for an uber.
The views of the lake were gorgeous too.Beautiful trail! As some have pointed out, there's quite a bit of logging happening which makes the trail a bit depressing.
I’ve often seen deer early in the morning and at dawn.Brought my 3 year old on this trail. Very beautiful hike and was only 1 of 3 other hikers on the trail. Saw mom and baby deer and several very large squirrels. I sat down to enjoy it and left my hiking poles resting against a rock.
Great blue heron