Pyramid Lake
A bright blue saline lake in the desert. The pyramid-shaped tufa island in the lake gives it its name. It is part of the Paiute reservation and is famous for giant trout fishing.
Pyramid Lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan. It is about 50 km long and surrounded by bare desert hills. The pyramid-shaped tufa island in the lake was named by the explorer John C. Frémont in 1844, and the "Needles" rock formations on the east shore are unusual. The lake area is part of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation. Entry requires a day pass of about US$20, and fishing requires a separate license. Anaho Island in the middle of the lake is a breeding ground for American white pelicans, and landing on the island is prohibited. It is about 55 km from Reno and about 50 minutes' drive. There is no shade along the lakeshore, so bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
Open all day; reserve permit required
Nearby sights
- Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
- Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center
- Rancho San Rafael Park & Wilbur D. May Center
- National Automobile Museum (Harrah Collection)
- Reno Arch & Downtown Casinos
- Truckee River Walk & Wingfield Park
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Virginia City