Goldwater Lake Loop is a moderate eight-mile hike that offers great views of both Lower and Upper Goldwater Lakes as you walk the shorelines of both.
Both lakes have restrooms and plenty of ramadas for lunching, snacking or just taking a break. Lower Goldwater is much smaller and a lot less crowded, giving those who prefer solitude a good chance at it.
The hike begins at the White Spar Trailhead off White Spar Road. If you go during the weekend you may find the parking lot full and have to park along the road, as many did on my outing. This trailhead, which connects with many other trails, is popular among hikers and groups of mountain bikers, hence the full parking lot.
Much of the hike is wooded, providing shade on hot summer days.
Signs at the trailhead warn that there have been collisions as some take the blind curves too fast. But all the mountain bikers I encountered on the trail were courteous and let us know they were approaching. The trailhead sign says this is also Schoolhouse Gulch Trail 67, connecting with other trails.
The first part that catches the hiker’s eye is the dam below Upper Goldwater, with a long staircase to the top. It would have been fun to go up those stairs, but it’s fenced off.
The forested area continues, and it’s not long before you come to Lower Goldwater, where a handful of fisherman were enjoying the spot. Flowers can be abundant near the lake.
A nice stream with a couple of small crossovers goes from the lower lake to the dam. More flowers, and then the only hard part of the trail comes on the uphill from Lower to Upper Goldwater. It only climbs about 150 feet, but it’s rocky terrain and you have to watch your footing.
Loop around the entire lake, come back down below the dam and back up this hill a second time before you make your way back to the trailhead sign and the parking lot. The gem is that on the way back you come across a stream in a beautiful little canyon.
Another trail to consider is the 14-mile Grand Canyon Rim Trail. This is an especially good walk for those who want to see the Canyon but are not up to going below the rim. There are many access points to the trail, so you can make this as long or as short a hike as you like.
Some parts of the trail are super busy with the millions of tourists who visit the park each year, but on other parts you’ll find next to no one.
Part of the trail goes to the Visitor Center, which offers lots of information about other hikes and the Canyon more generally. The Rim Trail leads to many of the major trails around and into the Canyon.
There is also a free shuttle that lets visitors off at many of the trail’s overlooks and access points, as well as restaurants and artisan buildings.
That’s a great name for a trail, right? This is a new trail off Schultz Creek Road in Flagstaff that connects with many other trails and gives hikers many more options. Mountain bikers love it so pay attention and be ready to move to the side.
Stan Bindell is always looking for a good hike. If you have one, contact him at thebluesmagician@gmail. com
