Nevada is home to many unique and impressive geological wonders such as the stunning rock formations in Valley of Fire State Park and the spectacular Fly Geyser in Black Rock Desert; however, one of the most oddest is Pyramid Lake. Located 40 miles northeast of Reno/Sparks in Washoe County, Pyramid Lake got its name from the unusual pyramids that jut out of the still water.
On the road (N-445 N) to Pyramid Lake. The highway traverses a series of shallow depressions and low, brush-covered hills.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The entrance to Pyramid Lake:
S.J. and Jessie Quinney/Flickr
The area was inhabited by Paiute Indians in the 19th-century and remains a popular fishing spot. In fact, the world record cutthroat (at 41 lbs.) was caught here in 1925.
Ken Lund/Flickr
John C. Fremont was the first American to lay eyes on Pyramid Lake in January 1844 and gave it its name.
rocor/Flickr
Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River and as it has no outlet, relies on evaporation.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Pyramid Lake was the deepest point in ancient Lake Lahontan that covered most of northeastern Nevada during the last ice age. The lake occupies approximately 10% of the Great Salt Lake’s area but only has about 25% more volume.
squirrel83/Flickr
A stunning view of Pyramid Lake’s gorgeous blue water. It is the largest natural lake in Nevada, covering 125,000 acres.
Ryan Harvey/Flickr
Pyramid Lake is shallower, warmer, more alkaline, and at a lower elevation than Lake Tahoe.
rocor/Flickr
This large pyramid, for which the lake got its name, is a tufa limestone formation.
rocor/Flickr
Pyramid Lake’s namesake pyramid as seen from the opposite side of the lake.
Alisha Vargas/Flickr
A stunning view of Pyramid Lake at night.
Dimka/Flickr
Have you been to Pyramid Lake, or any of Nevada’s other geological wonders? Please share your experiences and comments below.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
S.J. and Jessie Quinney/Flickr
Ken Lund/Flickr
rocor/Flickr
squirrel83/Flickr
Ryan Harvey/Flickr
Alisha Vargas/Flickr
Dimka/Flickr
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