Lynx Lake - North Shore Picnic Site

Lynx Lake's North Shore Picnic Site offers families a perfect mountain escape just minutes from Prescott, combining lakeside relaxation with outdoor adventure. Kids can cast their first fishing lines, explore gentle hiking trails through Ponderosa pines, and enjoy classic picnicking with stunning water views at 5,500 feet elevation.

• ✓Fishing from the shore or dock,lake is stocked with rainbow trout, catfish, and bass
• ✓Easy 2.4-mile loop trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for family hikes
• ✓Paddleboat and kayak rentals available for exploring the 55-acre lake
• ✓Shaded picnic areas with grills and tables nestled among Ponderosa pines
• ✓Wildlife spotting including ducks, geese, herons, and occasional deer

1. 1.Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to snag the best picnic tables with lake views and avoid parking hassles during peak summer months
2. 2.Rent paddleboats or kayaks from the Lynx Lake Store (right on-site) for an unforgettable family water adventure without hauling your own equipment
3. 3.Bring quarters for the fish food dispensers near the shore,kids absolutely love feeding the ducks and geese
4. 4.Pack layers even in summer; the elevation means temperatures can be 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix, with afternoon breezes off the water
5. 5.The lakeside trail is stroller-friendly for the first half-mile from the picnic area, perfect for families with younger children who aren't ready for the full loop

Visit spring through fall for the best weather, with late morning on weekdays being ideal to avoid crowds. Summer weekends get busy by noon, while September and October offer gorgeous fall colors, cooler temps, and fewer visitors.

Day-use fees apply ($5-10 per vehicle). The on-site Lynx Lake Store offers snacks, drinks, fishing supplies, and boat rentals. Restrooms are available, and many picnic areas have grills and tables on a first-come basis.

Best visited April through October when weather is most pleasant. Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures perfect for water activities but draws bigger crowds. Winter months can be chilly with occasional snow, though the lake remains open; ice fishing is possible during cold snaps.

The Lynx Lake Store Café on-site serves burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream,perfect for a quick family lunch. For more options, head back to Prescott (6 miles) where you'll find family favorites like Bill's Pizza or Prescott Brewing Company with a kid-friendly patio.