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Pyramid Lake California Won’t Scratch Your Egyptomania Itch, But It’s Still a Lot of Fun

 

It even hides a lost highway beneath its sparkling waves.

Featured image credit: CraigCarter400

In the 1920s, Egyptomania was gripping the United States, Los Angeles notwithstanding. You can still see it in the architectural flourishes of the Egyptian and Vista Theaters. It’s easier to miss that LA actually has its very own pyramid, though the looming rock edifice has nothing to do with Egypt and everything to do with the area’s transit history. It still stands dominion to this day over Pyramid Lake California (not to be confused with Nevada’s landmark of the same name); a 1,360-acre manmade lake achieving depths of 700 feet, not to mention serving as a somewhat obscure recreation area. 

Where is Pyramid Lake? 


 

You may have caught glimpses of Pyramid Lake California while returning from San Francisco on the 5, just west of the freeway as you blow through Tejon Pass. But it’s not a site that you just casually stumble upon which is likely why its recreation area isn’t more popularly known amongst Angelenos. The 180,000-acre-foot reservoir straddles the line between the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests in the eastern Topatopa Mountains. It’s soaking up sunshine in Los Angeles County though it feels worlds away. 

The “Pyramid” at the Root of the Name

So how does a body of water in California earn a name like “Pyramid Lake”? The story starts in the early 1930s when crews were hard at work building U.S. Route 99. If you’re unfamiliar with US-99, that’s because it was largely rendered obsolete when Interstate 5 (the aforementioned 5 freeway) was established in the ‘50s. Look for US-99 today in that area and you’ll need to invest in some diving equipment. It’s submerged at the bottom of Pyramid Lake. 

But with US-99’s path charted through the Topatopa Mountains, crews needed to cut through the earth to give the road passage. In 1932, engineers carved through a rock, leaving behind a segmented pyramid-like design that would loom over motorists passing on the newly constructed highway. Because of its resemblance, it picked up the nickname “Pyramid Rock.” Visit Pyramid Lake today and you can still see the chiseled manmade majesty of Pyramid Rock across from the 386-foot-tall stone and packed earth dam built by the California Department of Water Resources. 

A Gold Rush Footnote

Photo credit: donielle

Prior to the introduction of Pyramid Lake California, the area had a very brief cameo in the gold rush. However, the modest discovery in nearby Santa Feliciana Canyon failed to inspire prospectors to brave the treacherous landscape. Attempts to settle the land pioneered by Rancho Temescal owner Francisco Lopes and a team of ranchers were likewise unfruitful. Engineers established the lake itself in 1972 with work on the project completed in 1973. 

Role in California’s Aqueduct System

Pyramid Lake serves as an important piece of the California Aqueduct. More specifically, it’s an active reservoir for the wide-ranging California State Water Project. Pyramid Dam adds control to the reservoir with water flowing out of Pyramid Lake to neighboring Castaic Lake which concludes this particular avenue of the aqueduct system. The 1,495-megawatt Castaic Power Plant also employs heavy use of Pyramid Lake and nearby Castaic Lake in generating hydroelectric energy. You won’t see the power plant when visiting Pyramid Lake since it’s actually situated along Castaic Lake. 

Recreation at Pyramid Lake California

But most locals familiar with Pyramid Lake California recognize it is an accommodating recreational area, offering opportunities to boat, jet ski, swim, fish, or simply enjoy the 21 miles of shoreline by picnicking or suntanning. Thousands of guests flock to Pyramid Lake each year, looking for a leisurely sunkissed afternoon that is as fun as it is free. Most access the lake through the Vista del Lago Visitor Center which is open every day from 9 am until 5 pm with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Not only does the visitor center provide information and resources for guests, but it also allows for one of the best views of Pyramid Lake via the observation deck. 

Photo credit: California Department of Water Resources

Boating isn’t just allowed but actively encouraged with year-round access and five exclusive beaches only accessible by boat including Serrano, Spanish Point, and Bear Trap. Another such beach, Yellowbar, is closed until Summer 2027 due to damages incurred by the Post Fire. Docks are provided by Pyramid Lake, but since they cannot be reserved, it pays to be an early bird. Fishing enthusiasts also enjoy Pyramid Lake as a solid source for bass, crappie, bluegill, and the occasional trout. 

LA’s Very Own “Pyramid” 

Due to recent wildfires, access to Pyramid Lake California hasn’t been quite as reliable as usual. However, you still have plenty of entry points to enjoy the reservoir and recreation area. And even though it has nothing to do with Egypt, Mexico, Sudan, or anywhere else a pyramid has appeared in the world, Pyramid Rock remains the closest you’ll get to a life-sized pyramid anywhere near Los Angeles. 


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