Watson Lake
via the Iron King and Prescott, Peavine Trails
By James LaJocies
It has been ten months since I have stepped out onto the trails and all this time,I've been itching to do so. Life has brought about some changes for me in my early years of retirement. The biggest being, uprooting myself from the Northwest and planting new roots in the Southwest. Yes indeed, that is quite a change. But no regrets here as I look forward to exploring the diversity of a new environment.
So for this trek, I needed something to warm me up and get into shape and the Iron King, Prescott, Peavine Trails to Watson Lake were just the prescription I needed. So I packed up my pack and stepped onto the 'Rails to Trails' path to Watson Lake.
I started my trek on flat terrain of the high desert of Northern Arizona (5100 feet approx.) and headed westward along what used to be the Prescott & Eastern Railroad Line, now known as the Iron King Trail. The trail meanders through a high desert environment for about two and a half miles, void of any Natural Wonders to soak up in awe, with the exception of a picture perfect bright blue sky. Finally you start to approach a series of granite dells similar to the rock formations of the 'Pinnacles' just outside of Hollister, California.
These crags and dells of balancing rock formations own there distinctiveness from long term weathering of the natural cracks in the granite. Geologist call then 'Joints or Planar Fractures'. These precariously perched boulders have resisted all that Mother Nature has given them, but weather will eventually cause their downfall. But today, it is not to be.
For the first four miles there are exhibits of railcars through out the trail, which provide an opportunity for a shady rest spot. These railcars are called 'Speeders' and were used to carry maintenance crews to a section of rail that was in need of repair. Frankly, they look to be a bit
of fun to drive.
After a while the trail closes in and cuts through a granite countryside with Juniper, Oak, Cottonwood and Pinon Pines offering up contrasts of varying greens to please the eyes. In addition to this, strange 'out of this world' rock formations stand guard in monolith and phallic fashion.
As I continued along the trail beneath these granite formations, I finally reach the Prescott - Peavine trail junction at four miles. Continuing westward and deeper into the watchful eyes of the Granite Dells, information placards were posted along the way giving up stories of the Dells geology and history. Interesting reading and a worthwhile rest from the pounding of hard packed gravel.
In the early twentieth century, the part of the Dells was developed into a recreation area offering swimming. boating, baseball and picnic areas under the cooling shade of cottonwoods. Later, a swimming pool, rental cabins, dance hall had been added, making this a very popular spot for summertime fun. During this time the railroad ran special summer excursion trains to the Dells.
But the Dells was not just a 'Local' favorite spot to hang out and learn to swim. The Granite Dells also attracted Hollywood movie makers and films staring Tom Mix, Buck Jones and Cornell Wilde to mention a few. "Leave it to Heaven" (1945), was filmed at the Granite Dells Resort. Monogram Pictures had a western town in the Dells by 1940 and cranked out "B" Westerns such as Rainbow Over the Range, Arizona Bound, and Dynamite Canyon. It is easy to imagine where these movie action shots took place while standing among these granite giants; listening to the director yell out "Action" through his megaphone. There goes Tom Mix at a full gallop, picking up the heroine and riding off together into the sunset. There was non better way to end a "B" Western.
So I continued along under a brilliant blue sky and a soft cooling breeze. Then suddenly before me was my first view of Watson Lake. An out cove through a small gorge of the Dells with inviting deep blue waters. Further up the trail, the lake opens up to expose her imposing beauty and invite you to her shorelines. At this point there are various access trails to the lake in which to explore. The Eastern Accesss and Picnic Trail are easy to find and maneuver about. The Picnic Trail will meander up onto huge granite boulders offering views of the breath of the lake and a nice area to settle down and enjoy a picnic.
So at this point I settled down atop a giant boulder and slipped off my pack and boots. So if your are a hiker, mountain biker or just like to ride horses, the Iron King, Prescott - Peavine Trail to Watson Lake, offers a good time under a radiant sun and bright blue sky. So fill this prescription and indulged yourself into the beauty of Mother Natures Southwest Wonderland.