Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake, Los Angeles - 1,360 acres

Most Angelenos have witnessed the blue and green waters of Pyramid Lake when driving to the San Joaquin Valley through I-5. Pyramid is named after the pyramid-shaped cutout on the mountain face on the west side of the lake. Pyramid Rock, the lake's namesake, is south of the lake's dam in Piru Gorge. The lake’s shorelines are steep, so most of them are accessible only by boat.

Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campground is located a few miles from Pyramid Lake in the hills above Santa Clarita Valley and has 93 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. Campsites are set back away from Pyramid Lake in the hills above the Santa Clarita Valley. Each campsite has a table, fire ring, BBQ grill, RV hookups, a picnic area and volleyball. Premium campsites have shade ramadas. Those staying at the campground have free access to the lake and have first shot at launching boats at the lake if they arrive at the marina early.

The Vista Del Lago Visitor Center offers sweeping views of Pyramid Lake on its wraparound viewing platform.

Emigrant Landing can be reached via Smokey Bear Road off-ramp from I-5. It has a marina, boat rentals, an eight-lane boat launching ramp, a beach, and several picnic areas.

In 1843, gold was discovered near Pyramid Lake and in the Santa Feliciana Canyon, just south of what is now Pyramid Dam.