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Pyramid Lake

© Kathleen M. Brune

A remnant of Lake Lahontan, which was formed some 2,000,000 years ago, Pyramid Lake is considered a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Nevada.

I woke up a few weeks ago on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. As it was the middle of winter, the spring-like day beckoned those of us who were weary of the cold and ice. My family and I answered that call, and took advantage of the day to drive out along Pyramid Highway to see where it would take us.

One of the reasons we chose this route was because we intended to take a look at Pyramid Lake. I had read several articles on the internet, and had heard also from friends, about how unusual the lake is and I wanted to see it for myself.

Although I had found pictures of the lake and had a pretty good idea of its location and so forth, it was a surprise when we finally drove over the last hill and saw it sprawled out below us.

Located on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, the lake is about 35 minutes north of Reno. The drive is just long enough to allow visitors to feel the monotony of the rugged desert stretched out for miles along either side of the road. The sudden sight of the lake once you come over the last rise is almost a shock. The beauty of the bright blue water against the pink, gray and white rock and sand is a pleasant surprise after the miles of sagebrush.

If you take the trip and plan to spend some time along the shore, a permit is required. Because the lake is a refuge and also on a reservation, access is allowed but controlled. Permits can be obtained in the small community on the lake's western shore, Sutcliffe. Signs along the highway will direct you.

In 1844, John C. Fremont became the first American to view Pyramid Lake. At 27 miles long and 7 or 8 miles wide, it must have seemed unbelievable to find this body of water out in the middle of nowhere.

The lake is one of the largest remnants of the ancient Lake Lahontan, and is fed by Lake Tahoe via the Truckee River. Home to such species as Lahontan cutthroat trout, Tui-chub, Tahoe suckers, Cui-ui and Sacramento perch, Pyramid Lake draws out avid fishermen on a nearly year-round basis.

Because of its importance to several of these species, several fisheries have been established on the banks of the river to help encourage their continuance and survival. One such hatchery is the Dunn Hatchery in Sutcliffe. Open daily for tours and such, this hatchery is devoted to the raising of the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which is a threatened species.