The Phoenix Traveler

During the summer, Phoenicians like to get out of the heat. One way to do that is to travel north. You’ll hear a lot of people talking about going to Flagstaff, Payson or Pinetop for the weekend. But how about Prescott? I’m working on a back roads  travel guide for Countryman Press which is taking me all over the state. So for my research, I recently drove up there.

I stopped in at a café called Sweettart for lunch and asked my waitress where she likes to hike. She recommended Lynx Lake. She said there’s a trail that goes all the way around the lake, that it’s quiet and safe. But it’s located in the Prescott National Forest, where you might run into wildlife…mountain lions and rattlesnakes, for example. Bald eagles also use the area to nest their young, and this waitress told me that every time she goes, she sees a Great Blue Heron or two.

So I went and hiked around. A camp worker told me people come here to boat, fish, hike, birdwatch and have dinner at the on-site store, where you can purchase your fishing license, trout stamp and supplies. When it’s open, which it wasn’t when I was there, the store rents kayaks and fishing boats. The park’s daily use fee is $2, but Wednesdays are free. Campsites are available for $10 a day. Summer hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Directions: From Interstate 17, travel west on State Route 69 toward Prescott. Turn left on Walker Road and

follow the sign to Lynx Lake.

Lynx Lake Store & Cafe: 928-778-0720

U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Bradshaw Ranger Station
344 South Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
Phone: 928-443-8000

(Photo credits: Jackie Dishner)

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