Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Into the Wild

Media Credit: Craig Dobbs

Lynx Lake is situated approximately 10 miles from campus and takes, with light traffic, 20 minutes to reach. Lynx is past Costco off of Highway 69 on Walker Road. Once past the four-way stop at the entrance to the Costco gas station the area quickly turns from asphalt parking lots around you to a sparsely populated pine forest. The sounds of traffic are quickly drowned out as you progress deeper into Prescott National Forest.

The lake area is great for fishing, you can bring your own boat and launch from the south side of the lake. If you are more into a quiet day, a nice row out on the lake can be relaxing-just bring some sunscreen.

There is a path that goes from the north end of the lake to the south along the border if you feel like a nice nature hike along a paved path. For those of you who would rather hike around, you are in luck. There are multiple paths that you can take through the forest that surrounds Lynx Lake. Walking in the forest while there is a slight breeze makes for a very relaxing time as the wind whispers through the pine trees. This time of the year there is a very nice smell of pine in the air.

If walking or boating are not your forte, Lynx Lake is a wonderful place to bring a mountain bike to, there are plenty of trails scattered throughout the forest surrounding Lynx Lake. Mountain biking is prohibited on the paved paths around the perimeter of the lake, as they are reserved for pedestrian and wheelchair access only.

If none of those activities meets your needs, Lynx Lake is a wonderful place to set up camp and enjoy the outdoors for a couple of days away from civilization. While you are out there you can look for the wildlife that occupies the area, including the Bald Eagle. Because of the Bald Eagle nesting grounds, the east side of Lynx Lake is closed off to people from Dec. 1 to May 30. Camping is open Apr. 1 through Nov. 1.

Parking on Wednesdays is free all day. Any "developed" sites require a 2 dollar fee for parking. There is no fee for people who ride their bicycles or walk into the Prescott National Forest. Camping costs 10 dollars per night. There is no required reservation and there is drinking water and toilets available at the campgrounds.

Lynx Lake non-campground areas are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Apr. 1 through Sept. 30 and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. all other days of the year.

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