Located near Prescott, Arizona is Watson Lake Park, a hidden wonderland of the Granite Dells, a picturesque lake, a historic old dam, & plentiful trails. This spectacular location is a must-see destination of Arizona's finest. Arizona may be thought of as nothing but dry desert but located near Prescott is a manmade lake named Watson Lake. Situated in the Granite Dells, hiking trails weave through and over large granite boulders and a fascinating landscape that feels like a playground for those wanting a weekend day trip from the Phoenix valley. Creating the lake is the Granite Creek dam which was completed in 1915. The lake was created with the intent of bringing irrigation to the surrounding valleys where crops and orchards resided. Unfortunately, the canals and flumes built to transfer the water did not work out, however, the lake still stands today. Popular activities in Watson Lake Park include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Swimming is not allowed. Camping is available during the summer months.

During the long hot summers of Phoenix, getting outdoors in the higher elevation can be amazing. Yavapai Campground in Prescott National Forest provides a chance to cool off with amazing views and absolute serenity. Yavapai Campground has 19 single occupancy campsites and two double occupancy campsites. Campsites number 4, 16, and 21 are walk-in only and cannot be reserved. Each campsite has a picnic table, steel fire ring, and established tent pad(s). Four accessible campsites have small pedestal fire grills. All campsite driveways are back-in and have asphalt surfaces. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit (RV or tow vehicle and trailer) and an extra vehicle quite easily, but others do not. Campsites number 3 and 4 are limited to a trailer length of 15 feet maximum or an RV length of 25 feet maximum. Campsite 9 has a 50 amp available. Campsite 10 can accommodate a trailer length of 10 feet maximum (i.e., pop-up) or a cab-over camper, or an RV that is a maximum length of 25 feet. Services include two composting restrooms, trash dumpsters, and water faucets. There is no dump station at the campground.

Sharlot Hall might be a name not heard often In Arizona history, however, it is one that should be known. A woman who broke barriers and advocated for the preservation of Arizona's history, she built a museum dedicated to this amazing collection. Sharlot Hall lived a full life defying gender barriers and advocating for the preservation of Arizona’s rich history. Born in Kansas in November of 1870, Sharlot was no stranger to frontier life. At the age of 12, Sharlot and her family packed up and headed west to Arizona territory along the Santa Fe Trail. Upon landing around the Prescott area, her family set up home at a place they named Orchard Ranch where Sharlot set to work as a ranch woman, tending to animals and the orchard, while attending school. It is during these years that Sharlot would demonstrate a gift for poetry and interest in Native American and pioneer history of Arizona. Sharlot saw the need to preserve these stories, artifacts, and relics as they were getting lost to time and looting so she began her collection with plans of eventually opening a museum to display them. This collection eventually grew to become the Sharlot Hall Museum. In addition to preserving history in the state of Arizona, Sharlot was also the first woman to hold office in the state of Arizona - she served as territorial historian from 1909 to 1912. It is said she also had a hand in defeating a bill that would have brought Arizona and New Mexico territories into the Union as one state. In 1925, Sharlot served as a state elector and delivered Arizona’s three electoral votes for Calvin Coolidge to Washington D.C. dressed in a custom copper overdress. Until her death in 1943, Sharlot continued to lecture about Arizona’s history and resources, write many volumes of poetry, and expand her museum. A historical society continues her efforts today.

The Constellation Trails are some of the most beautiful trails in the Prescott area but the area got its name from a rather tragic story. Today we hike the trails and visit the wreckage of the US Air Force C-121G Super Constellation plane. Back on February 28, 1959, an explosion was heard in the hills of Prescott, Arizona. A US Air Force C-121G Super Constellation lost control and went into a vertical dive crashing into the ground, killing all 5 passengers. Though the reason for the loss of control was never determined, the area was named in memory of the plane and its passengers as a result - the Constellation Trails. Today the Constellation Trails, just south of State Route 89, wind around and through the famed Granite Dells. Scrub oaks and large boulders surround the trails marked for both hiking and mountain biking. Trails are marked with white spray painted dots and a $3 fee is required to enter and park.

We did it! The drive from Prescott to Crown King on the Senator Highway spans 37 miles, offering scenic views and a rugged, adventurous offroad experience through the Arizona landscape. It's some lost footage fun! The Senator Highway holds a rich history that dates back to 1866. It was named after the Senator Mine, which was one of the prominent mines in the area. The road was initially established as a toll road, serving as a crucial transportation route for miners and settlers in the region. Over time, the Senator Highway expanded and became an important link between Crown King and Prescott, Arizona. The oldest section of the Senator Highway was built in 1866, and it has since undergone various improvements and modifications. Today, the highway stretches approximately 37 miles, offering a scenic and adventurous journey for travelers. Along the way, you'll pass by the remnants of the Senator Mine, a reminder of the area's mining history. As for the route from Prescott to Crown King, it is an exciting and challenging trail that spans about 37 miles. The journey begins in Prescott and takes you through picturesque landscapes, including ponderosa pine forests. The route offers a little bit of everything, from scenic views to historical landmarks. The Senator Highway has become popular among off-road enthusiasts and regular travelers alike. It provides an opportunity to explore the rugged terrain and experience the beauty of Arizona's natural landscapes. Whether you're interested in the history of mining or simply looking for an adventurous drive, the Senator Highway and its route from Prescott to Crown King offer a unique and memorable experience.

Just west of I-17 in the Bradshaw Mountains are many offroad adventures and living ghost towns hidden away for exploring. Today we visit and examine the towns of Bumble Bee, Cleator, and Crown King to see what history remains. The route follows the line of a historic railroad from Arizona's early mining era. Along the way, we make many stops and enjoy backroads Arizona, even enjoying a tasty burger at a historic saloon hidden away in the mountains. This is not your average Arizona tourist adventure!