Pyramid Lake

Freshwater lake in Nevada, USA, between the Lake Range and Virginia Mountains, 48 km/30 mi northeast of Reno. A remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, it is the largest natural lake in Nevada, stretching about 43 km/27 mi north–south. Set in spectacular sandstone and tufa scenery, the lake is fed by the Truckee River, and contains Anaho Island, a wildlife refuge and white pelican breeding ground. Native fish species include cutthroat trout and the endangered cui-ui. Its waters are surrounded by the 1,435-sq km/554-sq mi Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, home to the Paiute peoples; population (2000) 1,700 (70.4% American Indian).

The lake is regarded as sacred by the Paiute, particularly its northern end. It was named by explorer John Frémont in 1844, after a huge stone rising from its eastern side.