Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area

Lynx Lake & Verde River Annual Bald Eagle Closures 12/1 - 6/30

John's Tank Trail near Lynx Lake and parts of the banks of the Verde River are closed annually from December 1 - June 30 to protect nesting bald eagles.

News releases dated 11/25/24:

This day use area is primarily used for recreational gold panning. Follow these links to find a map of the Lynx Creek Mineral Withdrawal Area and regulations governing its use.

Lynx Lake Recreation Area Brochure (1,020 KB) Brochure correction: Camping is allowed for a total of 14 days out of each 30-day period on the Prescott National Forest. including at Lynx Lake area campgrounds.

Facilities

No picnic tables
No fire pits
No drinking water
Vault toilet
No garbage service - Please pack it out

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	March 1 - April 30: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM May 1 - August 31: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM September 1 - November 30: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM December 1 - February 28 (or 29): 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fees:	Free
Open Season:	Year-round
Usage:	Medium
Closest Towns:	Prescott, AZ
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From Prescott, AZ: East on Hwy 69, pass shopping mall on right, go right (south) on Walker Rd. (by Costco). South on Walker Rd for approximately 1.5 miles. The turn off for Gold Pan (and Lynx Creek Ruins) is on the left side of Walker Rd.