Arizona scenic drive: Lynx Lake-Goldwater Lake loop
A fairly short loop drive southeast of Prescott is packed with all sorts of interesting sights, including ancient ruins, remnants of old mining operations and the headwaters of the Hassayampa River.
The drive, which starts on Walker Road (County Road 57), gains a fair amount of elevation, taking you from towering ponderosa pines and scrubby oak trees up past thickets of spruce, fir and aspen.
It ends on Prescott's historical Mount Vernon Street, with its tidy yards, white picket fences and Victorian-style homes, many sporting American flags or bunting.
Things to note along the way:
Walker: This historical town site was named after Joseph R. Walker, who discovered gold in the area in 1863. It's hard to imagine now, but at its peak, the settlement had a population of 3,000.
Details: www.walkerfire.org.
Groom Creek Loop Trail: Although vistas are fairly limited throughout much of the hike, you'll find stunning views from the summit of Spruce Mountain, the high point of this trek. The long, moderately strenuous hike climbs past stands of white firs (mistaken for spruce, hence the mountain's name). Allow about five hours to hike the 9-mile loop.
Details: 928-443-8000, www.fs.usda.gov/prescott.
Goldwater Lake: This lovely little lake, set among the pines, was named for Morris Goldwater, longtime mayor of Prescott (and Barry's uncle). The lake provides a host of recreational opportunities, including boating (no gas motors), picnicking and hiking. Playground equipment, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits also are available. Anglers can cast for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish. The entry fee is $2 per vehicle.
Details: 928-777-1122, www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks.
Don't miss: Lynx Lake Recreation Area. The 55-acre reservoir, nestled in the rolling green hills of the northern Bradshaw Mountains, was created in the early 1960s. It's a terrific place to spend a day boating, fishing, picnicking or hiking. You can pan for gold at a designated area near the Salida Gulch Trailhead; explore Lynx Lake Ruin, a pueblo about a mile north of the lake; or just amble along the easy, 2-mile-long Lakeshore Trail. The lake is open year-round, but the campgrounds are closed during winter. No gas-powered boats are permitted. $5 day-use fee (free on Wednesdays). You can rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks and an electric-powered rowboat at the Lynx Lake Cafe and Boat Rentals, 928-778-0720, www.lynxlakerestaurantprescottaz.com.
Details: 928-443-8000, www.fs.usda.gov/prescott.
Total miles:
About 225, round trip. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Cordes Junction. Take Exit 262 and follow State Route 69 northwest 38 miles to Prescott. Turn south onto Walker Road and go 12 miles, passing Lynx Lake, Walker and Potato Patch. At the stop sign, make a hard right onto County Road 56 and go north 12 miles back to State Route 69. About 7.5 miles of the route are unpaved. Although it's possible to make the drive in a sedan, you'll feel more comfortable in a high-clearance vehicle. Some sections are so narrow that if you meet another vehicle, one of you will have to back up.