Arizona's Recreation Area Near Prescott Offers Scenic Views And Peaceful Trails

Just a 7-mile hop, skip, and jump from the breezy highland town of Prescott lies a forested getaway that offers an exciting escape from the hot Arizona summers. Open all year, Lynx Lake Recreation Area promises picturesque pines, mountain peak views, and plenty of hiking opportunities. Although the lake is experiencing low water levels due to maintenance work, the surrounding recreation area remains accessible and worth visiting.

This family-friendly vacation locale is just 11.6 miles from Prescott Regional Airport, which has United connections from major hubs like Los Angeles and Denver. If you're coming from the much larger Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, it could take you the best part of two hours to travel 102 miles north of Phoenix to the lake. On route, you will pass through fishing and hiking hotspot Cordes Lakes, the country town of Dewey-Humboldt, and then curve over into Prescott. From there, you can reach the blissful ambiance of Lynx Lake in just 15 minutes.

At an elevation of 5,500 feet, even summer temperatures are pleasant near the lake. The area sees around 277 days of sun per year, with July being hands-down the hottest month. If you weren't planning on avoiding July for the highs of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, then you might want to do so for the monsoon season, which brings afternoon storms. Hikers may find fall a more enjoyable time to visit, with average temperatures of 44 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in October and November, and a backdrop of burnt-orange foliage set against the stunning Bradshaw Mountains.

Keen hikers can explore Lakeshore Trail, a 2-mile loop that's wheelchair and stroller accessible, or walk the popular Lynx Lake Loop Trail — a tongue-twister to say, but a breeze to trek. AllTrails calls it "easy," and over 3,000 people have rated it 4.6 stars. At only 2.6 miles, you could finish this one in under an hour. One reviewer called it, "Easy to navigate and flat terrain most of the hike. Dog and child friendly!" For more of a challenge, start at Sevenmile Gulch Trailhead and try the tougher 13.7-mile out-and-back excursion, then refuel at Lynx Lake Cafe, where you'll find tasty breakfasts, burgers, and remarkable lake overlooks.

For a totally unique experience that will elevate your day out, head 1.8 miles north of the water to Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area. Prescott is known for its gold rush history, and since the 1880s, Lynx Lake and nearby locations have produced millions of dollars of the stuff. More recently, multiple visitors claim to have found small flakes there, so bring your lucky shovel, just in case! Gold or no gold, you'll feel like a winner by ending your day watching that world-famous Arizona sunset.

Visitors can stay the night at Lynx Campground, which welcomes over 90,000 people each year. The campground has 35 sites, each costing $18 per night for a single site with one vehicle. Enjoy picnic tables, fire rings, and grills for a fun barbecue from April 1 to October 31, or if you're traveling outside those dates, grab a room at the boutique, Mediterranean-style Forest Villas Hotel instead. It's just over 3 miles from the lake, and is rated 4.4 stars on Tripadvisor.