Our plan started simply enough—drive up to Prescott, AZ for a visit with our friend Katherine, stroll down Peavine National Recreation Trail and grab lunch. Katherine, however, had other ideas. Forget Peavine—we opted for the Flume/Watson Dam Trail. Our stroll became a hike.
We drove to the small trailhead (that held about ten cars) on Granite Dells Road, just off Hwy 89. Dave nabbed the last spot. I recommend a mid-week hike to avoid crowds, as this hike is quite popular.
Did you know that in 1911, this land was home to the largest peach orchard in Arizona? Rancher John Bianconi made it happen by constructing a wooden flume that carried water from Willow and Granite Creeks to his orchards. His creation also fed a small human-made lake that Bianconi charged fisherman a dollar to use. Innovation = Award-winning peaches plus extra cash. Nice.
The short trail (1.5 miles) took us through towering granite and lush riparian habitat. The trail can be hard to follow at times, so look for the white dots along the way—and read the sign at the trailhead (which Dave missed).
Katherine soaking up the scenery.
Although the elevation gain was minimal, we did have to scramble a few times.
The trail ended at the base of the dam and was somewhat anti-climactic. Low water level made the turnaround point slightly overgrown, muddy and dank.
Watson Dam ahead.
Near the base of the dam.
Dam.
In hindsight, it might have been fun to take the junction to the Over the Hill Trail, which follows Boulder Creek to the lakefront and beyond. However, we would have missed our chance to feast upon buckwheat waffles at the Waffle Iron—and that was not gonna happen.