United States
Arizona (AZ)
Prescott
Things to Do in Prescott
Lynx Lake Recreation Area
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Lynx Lake Recreation Area

See all things to do
See all things to do
Lynx Lake Recreation Area
4.5
512 reviews
#5 of 78 things to do in Prescott
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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About
Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas in central Arizona. Mild weather, the cool ponderosa pine forest, a serene 55-acre lake, trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archaeological sites, and bird watching attract visitors from throughout Arizona.
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Top ways to experience Lynx Lake Recreation Area and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
164 within 3 miles
Prescott Junction
214
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Gurly Street Grill
4
0.2 miAmerican • Brew Pub • Pub
Berry's Pie Pantry
94
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Koko Grill
3
0.3 miQuick Bites • Sushi
Papa's Italian Restaurant
1,149
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Sicilian • Southern-Italian
Bill's Pizza
825
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Superstition Meadery
230
0.8 mi$$ - $$$
The Peacock Dining Room
514
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Murphy's Restaurant
1,119
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Waffle Iron
140
0.6 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
65 within 6 miles
Museum of Indigenous People
123
0.2 miHistory Museums
Ken Lindley Park
4
0.2 miParks
Prescott Farmers Market
12
0.2 miFarmers Markets
Yavapai College Performing Arts Center
18
0.3 miTheaters
Yavapai County Courthouse Square
241
0.7 miHistoric Sites • Monuments & Statues
Yavapai College Art Gallery
4
0.3 miArt Galleries
Sharlot Hall Museum
650
1 miHistory Museums
Whiskey Row
720
0.8 miNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Thumb Butte Trail 33
175
0.8 miHiking Trails
Thumb Butte Distillery
36
0.4 miDistilleries
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See what other travelers are saying
  • K C
    24 contributions
    Great hiking and picnicking
    Lynx Lake Is where I take my dog for a long hike. She loves to play in the water. It’s a great place for children and a great place for family picnics and get together’s. There are even camp sites for those who would like to bring their RV or throw up a tent. You can also rent canoes and go out on the lake however there is no fishing. For a small five dollar fee you can have a wonderful day outing!
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written March 5, 2020
  • Ishpudejko
    Goodyear, Arizona409 contributions
    Challenging and rocky
    Somehow someone forgot to tell us how rocky and challenging the trail around the lake was near one of the ends. We literally had to use our hands and slide on our butt a few times. I think most people just go forward and back on the same trail without going all the way around. Overall, a scenic and enjoyable hike. I think we did close to 3 miles.
    Visited July 2020
    Written July 9, 2020
  • Sue F
    Phoenix, Arizona23 contributions
    Picturesque lake
    Easy drive from the Valley, this small lake is quiet and picturesque. Lots of trails around. The one that goes around the lake is paved nicely on one side. The south entrance had good accessibility for me with my walker after having recently broken my leg. You really can’t swim in any of the lakes in Prescott because of water issues, but kayaking on this lake would seem very peaceful. Worth the trip from the Valley.
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
512 reviews
Excellent
337
Very good
141
Average
28
Poor
1
Terrible
5
K C
Prescott24 contributions
Great hiking and picnicking
Mar 2020 • Solo
Lynx Lake Is where I take my dog for a long hike. She loves to play in the water. It’s a great place for children and a great place for family picnics and get together’s. There are even camp sites for those who would like to bring their RV or throw up a tent. You can also rent canoes and go out on the lake however there is no fishing. For a small five dollar fee you can have a wonderful day outing!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ishpudejko
Goodyear, AZ409 contributions
Challenging and rocky
Jul 2020
Somehow someone forgot to tell us how rocky and challenging the trail around the lake was near one of the ends. We literally had to use our hands and slide on our butt a few times. I think most people just go forward and back on the same trail without going all the way around. Overall, a scenic and enjoyable hike. I think we did close to 3 miles.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue F
Phoenix, AZ23 contributions
Picturesque lake
Aug 2020 • Couples
Easy drive from the Valley, this small lake is quiet and picturesque. Lots of trails around. The one that goes around the lake is paved nicely on one side. The south entrance had good accessibility for me with my walker after having recently broken my leg. You really can’t swim in any of the lakes in Prescott because of water issues, but kayaking on this lake would seem very peaceful. Worth the trip from the Valley.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Modernmagi
Sedona, AZ75 contributions
Beautiful views but sad you can't swim
Aug 2020
Really nice views at this lake on both sides of access area, is nice that it's so quiet and just a few paddlers and kayakers. No kayaking going on now with Covid the business that does that is avoiding it and good for them, nice to see SOME businesses in Prescott being safe. Disappointing that swimming isn't allowed.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbcaao
37 contributions
Pretty area/not worth the rental fee
Jul 2023 • Family
Beautiful area. Nice path around the lake.some pic is spots under trees. We went to the north side where there is a ramp to the lake, or stairs. Not for someone who is hindered physically.

The lower eating is for the canoe/paddle bird/paddle boat rental at the bottom the ramp. They advertise boats with coverings but when we arrived they told us they don’t put them on. It was 94 degrees and sunny. We had a six year old that we did t think would last for an hour at $35-hour. We asked if we could just rent for 1/2 hour and really not leave the Cove, and we were told no, we would pay full price and just bring it back early.. they also ask for tips for handing you a life vest and point to your paddleboat. Pretty area but we will avoid rentals from now on.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WDCUeberau
Phoenix, AZ60 contributions
Pleasant day kyaking
Sep 2021
Enjoyable small lake, very clean, well maintained. We brought our own kayaks, but apparently there is small boat rental available - check in advance for that. Hiking and camping on site also.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
188virginias
Coolidge, AZ3 contributions
Peaceful paved path lake view
Sep 2022 • Friends
Thewater level of the lake was full. It was peaceful with lots of people fishing. We walked half way counter clockwise from the north and had shade at 4pm. Several non motorized boots on the lake and for rent.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wrldtraveler
Big Sky, MT91 contributions
Hike/paddle
Oct 2020 • Couples
We hiked around near Lynx Lake for 2+ hours. Very nice trail. The 2nd time we went we walked around the lake then paddled. I would go back, but avoid weekends as they are busy.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
792burtg
Arizona99 contributions
Enjoyable experience
Jul 2023 • Family
Temperature was about 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix. The nights were down in the 60s. The campsites are clean and level. The fire pit worked great. It is an easy walk down to the lake. The campsites are set in a beautiful pine forest.
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort730957
1 contribution
Nature close to town
Feb 2020
Just a few miles out from Prescott, and Prescott Valley. Thearea arounf Lynx lake was wonderful. Easy access and well maintained by volunteers from the National Forest Service. Great free nature center near by on the road there.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Lynx Lake Recreation Area - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Lynx Lake Recreation Area
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Lynx Lake Recreation Area Information

Excellent Reviews

337

Very Good Reviews

141

Lynx Lake Recreation Area Photos

248