Advertise Lake Vacation Rentals
Pyramid Lake is a true natural wonder located in the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation in western Nevada. One of the last remaining salt lakes in the US, it is in fact, the third largest. It is the lowest part, and thus last remnant, of Lake Lahontan, an ancient lake that covered most of northern Nevada. It is not nearly as large as the Great Salt Lake, nor is it as salty as seawater.
Pyramid Lake gets its name from the interesting Tufa rock formations found around the lake. One of the most prominent of these is a pyramid shaped formation. The largest is an island that is home to a large flock of pelicans: Anaho Island. Tufas are large calcite rock deposits formed in sometimes odd shapes.
On the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake sits a large stone Tufa called Stonemother. According to Paiute legend, she is the mother of their people, and all other Native Americans. Her husband, the father of her children, separated all of them into different tribes when they would not stop bickering. The mother was so sad that she sat and wept, creating Pyramid Lake. She sat so long that she turned to stone, and sits by the lake still.
The local Paiute Indians control the lake, but it is open to the public for fishing and recreation. Camping, fishing, boating and hiking are all allowed, but a permit is required. We encourage you to be respectful of the Paiute and purchase a permit, even if just stopping for an afternoon.
Several species of fish call Pyramid Lake home, one is unique to this lake, and two others are endangered. The Paiute maintain the local fish hatchery which breeds the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Unfortunately, the Cutthroat have not spawned naturally in nearly 80 years. The Cui-Cui is an endemic fish, and as such, cannot be kept if caught. Other species include Perch, Cutthroat Trout (not the Lahontan variety), and the Tui Chub. The fishing season lasts from the beginning of October through the end of May every year.
In nearby Black Rock City, the yearly Burning Man Festival is held. Tent camping is encouraged by the festival, and people camp in and around Pyramid Lake while they are in town. For nearly a month the entire area becomes filled with this experiment in community and resourcefulness. But, make no mistake about it, even with all of this water around, it is still a desert. Little to no vegetation grows here at all, and the temperatures soar in the summer.
Pyramid Lake is an amazing place. Its history and geology are so ancient it's unbelievable, and the people who are the caretakers are tied to its history. The Pyramid Lake Visitor Center and Museum is the perfect place to brush up on the past, and to get a pass to spend time at the lake. Anyone who visits should be sure to have plenty of water for hydration. It is easy to over-extend oneself in this environment.
Copyright © 2007-2012 Lakelubbers LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Please LINK to this web page by using this HTML code:
<a href="http://www.Lakelubbers.com/pyramid-lake-500/">
Pyramid Lake Vacation Info</a> - Lakelubbers
Your link to this web page should look like this on your web page:
Pyramid Lake Vacation Info - Lakelubbers
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake
