Pyramid Lake

40.00603 , -119.55282

United States of America (USA)

Aside from Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake is probably the most interesting geographic and geological feature in all of northwest Nevada. The largest remnant of Lake Lahontan, the Truckee river flows from Lake Tahoe into Pyramid Lake, and the lake is saline because there is no outflow - water only leaves the lake via evaporation. The shores of the the lake are surrounded by large tufa mounds, which arise from carbonates in the water preciptating. The lake supports a variety of wildlife, including a massive breeding colony of American White Pelicans on Anaho Island and an endemic (and endangered) fish species, the Cui ui. Lahontan cutthroat trout are also common, making the area popular with fishers and providing food for the pelicans. There are patches of cottonwoods along the lake and a decent riparian corrridor along the Truckee river leading up to the lake, but besides that the area is surrounded by mountainous desert.

The Pyramid lake area is sacred to the Paiute people, in particular several tufa formations on the northeast side like the "Stone mother." The entire region is tribal land, and access is controlled by the Paiute. Due to vandalism, the eastern and northern parts of the lake have been closed to non-tribal visitors for over a decade, and there are various other closures. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to respect the closures and the tribe's cultures, traditions, and land when visiting. See the "Access" section below. There are three small towns in the area: Wadsworth, Nixon, and Sutcliffe.

In addition to the geographic and cultural importance of the site, Pyramid Lake is also one of the premier birding areas in Northern Nevada. Many of the best areas are now closed, though not due to the actions of birders (as far as I know). There are still worthwhile places to bird though, as the riparian along the Truckee is a magnet for migratory passerines, with a good number of eastern vagrants recorded, the waters regularly support many typically coastal species, and the confluence of the Truckee river with the lake is a phenomenal area for shorebirds and gulls.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 40.0060/-119.5528 (2020-11-22 12:37:20 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Pyramid Lake" (2020-11-22 12:37:20 )

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 15:13:40
Aside from Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake is probably the most interesting geographic and geological feature in all of northwest Nevada. The largest remnant of Lake Lahontan, the Truckee river flows from Lake Tahoe into Pyramid Lake, and the lake is saline because there is no outflow - water only leaves the lake via evaporation. The shores of the the lake are surrounded by large tufa mounds, which arise from carbonates in the water preciptating. The lake supports a variety of wildlife, including a massive breeding colony of American White Pelicans on Anaho Island and an endemic (and endangered) fish species, the Cui ui. Lahontan cutthroat trout are also common, making the area popular with fishers and providing food for the pelicans. There are patches of cottonwoods along the lake and a decent riparian corrridor along the Truckee river leading up to the lake, but besides that the area is surrounded by mountainous desert. The Pyramid lake area is sacred to the Paiute people, in particular several tufa formations on the northeast side like the "Stone mother." The entire region is tribal land, and access is controlled by the Paiute. Due to vandalism, the eastern and northern parts of the lake have been closed to non-tribal visitors for over a decade, and there are various other closures. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to respect the closures and the tribe's cultures, traditions, and land when visiting. See the "Access" section below. There are three small towns in the area: Wadsworth, Nixon, and Sutcliffe. In addition to the geographic and cultural importance of the site, Pyramid Lake is also one of the premier birding areas in Northern Nevada. Many of the best areas are now closed, though not due to the actions of birders (as far as I know). There are still worthwhile places to bird though, as the riparian along the Truckee is a magnet for migratory passerines, with a good number of eastern vagrants recorded, the waters regularly support many typically coastal species, and the confluence of the Truckee river with the lake is a phenomenal area for shorebirds and gulls.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet
  • Timing and strategy

The area is productive almost year round, with migration season providing the best diversity of species and the highest chance of vagrants. Ducks are best in the winter, especially November and March but even through January. All three scoters and Red-necked Grebe are fairly regular here, and other rarer coastal species show up occasionally as well. Shorebird migration starts in late July and peaks in September, and depending on the water levels at the delta can be excellent. Late May can be a good time for eastern vagrants; probably the slowest time of year is mid June to mid July.

With the discovery that Swan lake is nearly as good as the delta area, as well as new landbird traps in Churchill county, Pyramid lake is now rarely birded by locals. The (new) exorbitant entry fee is contributing to this. However, the habitat is still there and is just as good as ever.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 20:51
The area is productive almost year round, with migration season providing the best diversity of species and the highest chance of vagrants. Ducks are best in the winter, especially November and March but even through January. All three scoters and Red-necked Grebe are fairly regular here, and other rarer coastal species show up occasionally as well. Shorebird migration starts in late July and peaks in September, and depending on the water levels at the delta can be excellent. Late May can be a good time for eastern vagrants; probably the slowest time of year is mid June to mid July.July. With the discovery that Swan lake is nearly as good as the delta area, as well as new landbird traps in Churchill county, Pyramid lake is now rarely birded by locals. The (new) exorbitant entry fee is contributing to this. However, the habitat is still there and is just as good as ever.
Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 15:19
The area is productive almost year round, with migration season providing the best diversity of species and the highest chance of vagrants. Ducks are best in the winter, especially November and March but even through January. All three scoters and Red-necked Grebe are fairly regular here, and other rarer coastal species show up occasionally as well. Shorebird migration starts in late July and peaks in September, and depending on the water levels at the delta can be excellent. Late May can be a good time for eastern vagrants; probably the slowest time of year is mid June to mid July.
  • How to get there

From Highway 80, exit at Wadsworth towards Sutcliffe.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 20:45
From Highway 80, exit at Wadsworth towards Sutcliffe.

Starting in 2021, a day use pass of $22 is being charged for any use of the lake, and year long passes are no longer available. Passes can be purchased online at pyramidlake.us, at the ranger station in Sutcliffe, or at convenience stores within the reservation (such as Wadsworth or Nixon), depending on availability. Much of the lake is closed to the public, please check the website above for up to date information, as closures can happen at any time. Please do not trespass onto closed sections.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 20:48
Starting in 2021, a day use pass of $22 is being charged for any use of the lake, and year long passes are no longer available. Passes can be purchased online at pyramidlake.us, at the ranger station in Sutcliffe, or at convenience stores within the reservation (such as Wadsworth or Nixon), depending on availability. Much of the lake is closed to the public, please check the website above for up to date information, as closures can happen at any time. Please do not trespass onto closed sections.
  • Other attractions

Pyramid lake is famous for fishing. There is a museum run by the Paiute tribe for those interested in cultural aspects, and many artifacts/hieroglyphs around the lake, though many of these areas are closed to the public, and the locations of such sites on public land is not to be disclosed, per tribal policy. The geology also is interesting. There are few indoor activities, and the region is relatively remote, so come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 20:53
Pyramid lake is famous for fishing. There is a museum run by the Paiute tribe for those interested in cultural aspects, and many artifacts/hieroglyphs around the lake, though many of these areas are closed to the public, and the locations of such sites on public land is not to be disclosed, per tribal policy. The geology also is interesting. There are few indoor activities, and the region is relatively remote, so come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen.

There are small convenience stores and a few other businesses in the towns. Many of the ebaches have porta potties, though it should be noted that there is not one at the delta

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 20:55
There are small convenience stores and a few other businesses in the towns. Many of the ebaches have porta potties, though it should be noted that there is not one at the delta

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
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Pyramid Lake - Orniverse