Water Activities

Water is a precious resource—especially in the desert.  Prescott National Forest’s rugged topography provides important watersheds: large areas of land that collect rain water and send it to the Verde and Agua Fria Rivers.  Within these watersheds are many continuously or seasonally flowing streams and drainages—important aquifer recharge areas that supply clean water to neighboring communities. The forest’s lakes and rivers support a wide variety of vegetation, fish, and wildlife. 

Tubing the Verde River: Tubing the Verde River is free for those who have their own inner tubes.  For those who don't, Sedona Adventures rents tubes during the summer for 2-hour floats from Skidmore River Access Point (RAP) to Bignotti RAP.

Boating - Motorized

On Granite Basin Lake, visitors may use a boat with an electric motor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  On Lynx Lake, boats are allowed to use a single electric motor or single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  Non-motorized boating only is allowed at Horsethief and Mingus Lakes and the Verde River.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Non-motorized boating is allowed at Horsethief and Mingus Lakes and the Verde River. On Granite Basin Lake, visitors may use non-motorized craft or a boat with an electric motor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  On Lynx Lake, visitors may use non-motorized craft or boats with a single electric motor or single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  

Swimming

Swimming is allowed in the Prescott's four lakes: Lynx, Granite Basin, and Horsethief Basin Lakes on the Bradshaw Ranger District and Mingus Lake on the Verde Ranger District. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (5)

Boating - Non-Motorized (16)

Swimming (11)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 19 results

Beasley Flat Picnic Site

The Verde River is the only river in Arizona with a Wild and Scenic designation. Beasley Flat is the beginning of the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River.  It is also the most popular…

Bignotti Picnic Site

Bignottie is a lovely place to fish, bird watch, or picnic by the Verde River.  Canoers and kayakers who put in for a short, smooth water float from Black Canyon River Access Point end their float…

Black Canyon Fishing Site

Black Canyon Fishing Site provides access to the Verde River where visitors enjoy fishing, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and floating on inner tubes.   For more information about…

Bradshaw Ranger District

The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, have long been known for being one of the most mineralized mountain ranges in the world. As early as the mid-1800's, mining first brought settlers…

Clear Creek Fishing Site

Clear Creek is a popular spot for fishing.  Non-motorized boaters sometimes put in here for a trip to Beasley Flat, or take out here after floating from White Bridge, but this site is not a very…

Granite Basin Boating Site

Granite Basin Lake is a small (5 acre) lake. It is not stocked with fish, but patient anglers may catch bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.A valid fishing or combination license is required for…

Granite Basin Recreation Area

Nestled among pines and boulders of Prescott's iconic Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including: hiking, backpacking, horse…

Horsethief Basin

Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is…

Horsethief Boating Site / Day Use Area

***Use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin. Fish Consumption Advisory: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality…

Lynx Lake - North Shore Picnic Site

At 55-acres, Lynx Lake is the largest--and busiest--lake on the Prescott National Forest.  Lynx Lake North Shore Day-use Area provides lake-side recreation, fishing, picnic tables and grills, a…