Gonzales Lake

Nestled among sun-dappled ponderosa pines and sweeping open meadows, this extraordinary landscape, which is home to Gonzales Lake and bordered by 1.5 miles of the Tonto National Forest, offers a rare chance to experience the very best of northern Arizona’s natural beauty. Through the efforts of Trust for Public Land and our partners, this special place will be preserved and thoughtfully cared for as a public open space. Visitors will be welcomed into a setting designed for discovery and connection, with plans for scenic trails that link into the surrounding national forest, along with opportunities for camping, outdoor learning, and peaceful moments of wildlife and nature watching. At the heart of the property, Gonzales Lake offers the potential for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing in a tranquil, breathtaking setting.

Located near Flagstaff and the beloved City of Williams—proudly known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”—this new public space builds upon a rich tradition of outdoor recreation and exploration. Previously proposed for use as an amusement park, the property will instead remain intact as a natural landscape; an outcome strongly supported by both Coconino County and the City of Williams and reflecting a shared commitment to preserving the region’s character while expanding access to its natural wonders. It’s an open invitation to residents and visitors alike: come explore, recharge, and create lasting memories in a place that will inspire joy, curiosity, and connection for generations to come.

The County intends to leverage the value of the land donation to secure additional outside funding for recreation improvements, including potential support from a grant application to Arizona State Parks & Trails for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. What was once envisioned as a high-impact development will instead flourish as a vibrant community treasure—an inspiring example of what’s possible when conservation and community come together with purpose and vision.