Goldwater Lakes Trail (#396) - 6 mile hike

We will meet at the "Watershed Trailhead" parking lot on Senator Highway just south of Goldwater Lake at 8:00 am.

We will hike west on Goldwater Lakes Trail #396 (part of the "Prescott Circle Trail") for about 3 miles to the "Pond" where we will take a snack break. We will then hike back the way we came to the Watershed Trailhead for a total of about 6 miles.

Goldwater Lake Trail #396 is a forested trail shaded by dense stands of Ponderosa Pine that occasionally give way to Alligator Juniper and chaparral-type vegetation. There are excellent views of both Upper and Lower Goldwater Lakes, as well as the high country to the east and west. This trail traverses a landscape of hills and ridges, where the valleys are green with Gambel Oak, a variety of grasses and in some of the more significant drainages, classic riparian species such as willow and box-elder. The trail crosses Bannon Creek twice.

I would not recommend this as beginner's hike but more of an moderate + hike; we will be maintaining a brisk pace.

We will start at an elevation of about 6150' have several ups and downs, lowest elevation about 5700' before ending back at an elevation of about 6,150'.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

Recommend at least 2 liters of water, snacks, personal first aid kit, bug spray, sturdy hiking shoes - hiking poles will be helpful.

Please note the following:
• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.
• All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.