Peaceful at Pyramid
Visit the Public Beaches at Pyramid Lake Just Outside of Reno Nevada
About 40 minutes beyond downtown Reno, Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway leads to one of the world’s largest oases. Pyramid Lake is the end point of the Truckee River, and it’s an absolute marvel.
It’s also a national wildlife refuge, as a breeding ground for American white pelicans in numbers so big there’s something called the Popcorn Binocular Viewing Site (the popcorn is the teeming island of pelicans in the distance).
Pack a picnic and plan to spend some time at one of the public access beaches alongside the lake, which is world-renowned for fishing, thanks to the revered Lahontan cutthroat trout.
You can pick up a map of the area at the Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center (the map marks the public beaches). The museum is excellent, filled with all variety of information and exhibits sharing the history of Pyramid Lake and the Paiute Indian Tribe. There’s no museum fee, though donations are welcome. From the museum, it’s a short drive to the lake.
PERMIT NOTE: You will need a permit to spend time at one of the public beaches around the lake. Get one ahead of time online.
Public places at Pyramid Lake are dog-friendly!
