Pyramid Lake Nevada is a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan that covered much of northwestern Nevada. Located thirty-five miles northeast of Reno, this desert lake is a popular day trip from Reno, Nevada.
After what seems like a long drive through the desert, travelers are rewarded with a spectacular view of Pyramid Lake. The signature feature of the lake, a pyramid-shaped tufa island, can be seen on the lake’s southeastern shore.
The largest island on Pyramid Lake is Anaho Island. A Wildlife Refuge where thousands of white pelicans nest each year after flying from Southern and Baja California. Anaho Island and the Pyramid Rock are strictly off-limits to visitors.
The Stone Mother Pyramid Lake
Adjacent to the Pyramid Tufa Island is another unusual tufa formation called The Stone Mother. This tufa rock formation looks like a sitting mother with a basket and is a sacred place for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Other tufa formations around the lake include dog head rocks, popcorn rocks, Indian head rocks, and needles rocks.
An excellent place to start your trip is at the Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center in the nearby town of Nixon. The center provides visitors with information about Pyramid Lake Recreation. And features displays about the tribal history and culture of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Day-use permits can be purchased at the visitor center.
Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Pyramid Lake, Nevada. In 1925 a Paiute named Johnny Skimmerhorn caught the world’s record 41-pound cutthroat. Be sure you follow all the regulations and get a tribal permit before casting a line into the lake.
Cutthroat Trout Season is from October 1 through June 30. Several fishing guide services offer guided fishing trips, including boats, permits, and all fishing equipment.
Pyramid Lake Fishing
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe operates three hatcheries around the lake and provides school groups for March through May during the spawning season.
Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park in Sutcliffe have a convenience store with snacks, drinks, and ice. You can also purchase permits for fishing, boating, and camping at the Marina.
Getting to Pyramid Lake Nevada
Pyramid Lake is in a remote location. The drive to the lake is through high desert scrub, and you will wonder where the lake is at the top of each hill. Finally, the view of the lake is in front of you, and you know the trip was worth taking. Many of the roads around the lake are dirt and sand. It’s a good idea to avoid these unless you have a four-wheel drive.
Pyramid Lake Marina – Ranger Station 2500 Lakeview Drive Sutcliffe, NV. 89510 775-476-1155 A
Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center 709 State Street Nixon, NV 89424 Phone: (775) 574-1088
Pyramid Lake is 33 miles northeast of Sparks, Nevada, via Nevada Route 445 (Pyramid Way.)
Born and raised in Reno, Pyramid Lake has always been one of the greatest gifts of our area, but I believe the Pinnacles , the Stone Mother and all of the backside have been closed for the past 5 years or so, very sad but understandable.
. Hi there regarding your article on pyramid lake Nevada.
Yes it’s very easy to get stuck in the dirt and sand there.
Not all cell phones are going to work out there very few providers reach to that area.
There’s only one tow company that I recall that is allowed to go there if someone needs one there might be a little bit of a wait but they’re very professional and they do their job very well.
The local residents are helpful and keep an eye out for visitors that maybe in need of a phone call tow truck or ranger station etc.
Just a few things off the top of my head that are good to know in advance when traveling out that way.
MY FIRST VISIT TO WAS ABOUT 32 YEARS AGO & I’VE BEEN IN LOVE WITH IT SINCE.
My first visit was also about 30 years ago. And we almost got stuck, but the old Bronco pulled us through. Thanks for the comment.