Pyramid Lake, The Largest Natural Lakes in the State of Nevada

Pyramid Lake is the geographic sink of the Truckee River Basin, fed by the Truckee River, which is mostly the outflow from Lake Tahoe, almost 64 km northeast of Reno. The Truckee River enters Pyramid Lake at its southern end and has no outlet, with water leaving only by evaporation, or sub-surface seepage. The lake name comes from the inspiring cone or pyramid shaped tufa formations found in the lake and along the shores. The stunning Pyramid Lake covers 125,000 acres, actually one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada, in fact making it biggest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, the colossal inland sea that once covered most of Nevada. The Pyramid Lake has about 10% of the area of the Great Salt Lake, but it has about 25% more volume. The rainbow colors of Pyramid lake changes from blue to grey depending on the skies above. The Pyramid lake scenery is remarkable, surrounded by rare rock formations, have important role in the history of the Paiute Indian tribe also adds to its mystique and many myths and tales surrounding it.

These days, Pyramid Lake is part of the “National Scenic Byways Program” and the only byway in the country located completely within a tribal reservation. Tourists can get a sense of the Pyramid Lake’s significance to the tribe with a trip to the area of Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center. Therefore, the multi-purpose museum features more than a few exhibits and displays about the tribe’s culture and history. In 2010, Pyramid Lake designated as the first Preserve America Tribal Community in Nevada, which inspires and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy priceless cultural and natural heritage. Although, Pyramid Lake is widely acclaimed as North America’s most beautiful desert lake, it’s in fact the world class fishery that has brought Pyramid Lake worldwide fame. The pyramid lake salinity is about 1/6 that of sea water. Although clear Lake Tahoe forms the headwaters that drain to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River delivers more turbid waters to Pyramid Lake after traversing the steep Sierra terrain and collecting moderately high silt-loaded surface runoff.

Pyramid Lake is one of the most valued assets of the Tribe and is entirely enclosed within the boundaries of the Reservation. Moreover, there’s lot of fun activities there, includes camping, boating, picnicking, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Moreover, fishing is a popular hunting ground at the Pyramid Lake even in wintery weather, where they can catch fish such as large & small-mouth striped bass trout, catfish, blue gill, and crappie. Most of Pyramid Lake's beaches are accessible only by boat because of the steep shoreline. Moreover, Pyramid Lake water levels vary every day because it’s provides regulatory storage for Castaic Power-plant. In the canyons where numerous canoes and rafts are seen, however, boating speed limits vary in parts of the lake, and limited to low speeds. Though, higher speeds for waterskiing are permissible on the lake's main body. In 1843, a gold discovery was made near Pyramid Lake and in the Santa Feliciana Canyon, just south of what is now Pyramid Dam. In 1973, Pyramid Lake and Dam completed. Pyramid Lake is part of the California Aqueduct, which is part of the California State Water Project.  A beautiful “Pramid Rock” is still standing just adjacent to the dam.Source: Charismatic Planet