Nevada has an abundance of intriguing - and even eerie - places. Even the most picturesque locale can have a spooky and sinister past in some situations. It is the situation with this one-of-a-kind lake: Pyramid Lake.
Pyramid Lake is in southern Washoe County, and it is incredibly stunning. The enormous tufa boulders around the waters, especially the Large pyramid-shaped center, gave the lake its title. But visitors should not be fooled by the lake's allure and majesty; this peculiar lake in Nevada is host to various scary and ghostly tales.
The History And Myth Of Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is approximately 900 feet deep and is the remaining remains of the Paleocene Lake Lahontan, which formerly spanned much of Nevada. No one knows what dwells in the layers beneath Pyramid Lake because it was the deepest area of that ancient lake.
- Furthermore, at least one fisherman perishes each spring when he slips into the lake. Some claim these sad people drop to the depths of the deep lake, whereas others claim the Water Babies consume them.
- Another myth at this peculiar Nevada lake includes bodies that inexplicably emerged in Lake Tahoe, 61 miles distant, after disappearing from Pyramid Lake.
- According to legend, there are hidden tunnels that link the two streams, and corpses are sucked into these passages and transferred between the two bodies of water.
Things To Do Around The Lake
The landscape surrounding Pyramid Lake is breathtaking. According to the sky overhead, the lake's hue shifts between blue and gray.
The Stone Mother is one of the remarkable rock structures that surround the lake.
Hike The Trails
The Terraced Hill Trail
Except until the last climb to the summit, the Terraced Hills track follows well-groomed horse tracks. Most hikers are unfamiliar with this track, and it receives few tourists, so if visitors seek privacy, this is an excursion for them.
If visitors want to stamp their presence, there is a peak logbook. Pyramid Lakeside, the Smoke Creek Basin, the Virginia Rockies, and the Lake Range can all be seen from the top.
Pyramid Lake South Trail
Pyramid Lake is a route for people who enjoy the mystery and is shrouded in Native American and regional folklore. This walk will take visitors around Pyramid Lake's southern bank, providing spectacular views of the lake's Pyramid-shaped Anaho Isle.
Visitors should keep an eye out for arrowheads, which natives believe may be discovered all along the lake's beaches and amid the rocks.
Camping Near The Lakeside
Pyramid Lake's Marina Campground is a modest RV campsite located close to the shore. The campsite has 44 spots available. There are no picnic benches or bonfire pits, but visitors may carry their own.
Among the campground's attractions are a laundry, hot baths, a small camp shop, a horseshoe ring, and a tetherball area.
Except where signs forbid it, camping is allowed entirely along the west side of Pyramid Lake. A tribe camping pass, which can be acquired at any of the shops near the lake, is required for all campers.
- Permit Cost for Camping for the Night - $32
- Permit Cost for Overnight Camping for 3 Days - $82
Fishing
The world's biggest cutthroat trout can be found in Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Hunters will find hundreds and miles of conveniently navigable waterways to fish on the water.
Pyramid Lake is also host to the world's oldest fish, the Cui-Ui, which has been around for almost two millennia. Visitors require a tribe fishing license for fishing in Pyramid Lake. However, a state of Nevada fishing license is not required.
Permit charges are as follows:
- Daily Fishing Permit - $24
- 3-day Fishing Permit - $62
- Daily Youth (12-18 years) Permit - $12
- 3-day Youth Permit - $32
Boating
Pyramid Lake is replenished by the Truckee River. The lake has no outlet and is solely depleted by evaporation. The lake is approximately 200 square miles in size and is 350 feet deep.
It is a large area for boaters who live in harsh high desert environments. Every vehicle to use on Pyramid Lake, such as boats and jet skis, requires a day license.
Boat Permits are:
- Daily Boating Permit - $26
- 3-day Boating Permit - $66
- Daily Jet Ski Permit - $54
- 3-day Jet Ski Permit - $136
Visit The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum And Tribe Center
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center is a great place to discover the history and culture of the Native Americans. The Museum is located in the area's most distinctive rock formation and features several displays featuring Paiute women, indigenous members who have enlisted in the armed services, archeological items from Nevada locations, natural course, strategic planning, and Pyramid Lake tourism.
Traditional handicrafts, modern artwork, and souvenirs are also available in the Museum's gift store.
- The Museum is accessible from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Getting To Pyramid Lake
- Visitors should follow I-80 east for roughly 32 miles.
- Then, exit on #43 for Pyramid Lake and pursue indications into town.
- Drive 16 miles to Nixon by turning left onto Nevada 447.
- Continue north on 447 to reach Pyramid Lake's west bank, or turn left on 446 to the lake's east side.
Pyramid Lake in Nevada is a remarkable jewel that has escaped the ravages of time. Visitors are blessed with a beautiful vista of Pyramid Lake after what appears to be a long journey through the desert. The location is known not just for its natural magnificence and majesty but also for the mystery and spooky legends that surround it. The Pyramid Lake is a must-see for everyone interested in exploring a gorgeous, enigmatic location.