There’s no shortage of mysterious and haunted places in Nevada, particularly in and around Goldfield, Virginia City, and even Las Vegas. However, not all haunted locations have to be within buildings. In some cases, even the most beautiful area can have a creepy and sinister history. Such is the case with the Pyramid Lake stories that we are featuring today. Located in southeastern Washoe County within the Truckee River Basin, Pyramid Lake is a mere 40 miles from Reno, and it’s one of the most beautifully spectacular places in the Silver State. But don’t let this lake’s beauty and grandeur fool you. Despite its splendor, there are plenty of Pyramid Lake legends that are downright creepy. Check it out:

How deep is Pyramid Lake in Nevada? This lake is an impressive 900 feet deep in places. It's the last surviving remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan that covered nearly all of Nevada during the Pleistocene era.
Richard Bertolino/Google Reviews
Pyramid Lake was the deepest part of that prehistoric lake, and nobody knows exactly what lurks in the sediments below. It's no surprise that there are plenty of creepy Pyramid Lake stories out there.
Dawn (We Always WAnder)/Google Reviews
Pyramid Lake is named for the large tufa rock formations in and around the water. There's even a large pyramidal rock in the center.
Karel Vanek/Google Reviews
Among the other tufa formations are the Stone Mother, Indian Head Rock, and Popcorn Rock.
Philippe Stoop/Google Reviews
The lake is well-known for its crystal clear waters, pristine beauty, and picturesque vistas.
CJ Oliver/Flickr
It is also a sanctuary for numerous birds including pelicans, owls, geese, gulls, grebes, and ducksand, and the lake also serves as a home to several endangered species of fish.
The surrounding area of Pyramid Lake has long been inhabited by members of the Native Paiute tribe.
rocor/Flickr
This tribe is actually comprised of three related groups of Native Americans: the Northern Paiute, from California, Nevada, and Oregon, the Owens Valley Paiute from the California-Nevada border, and the Southern Paiute from the Mojave Desert and Colorado River basin.
The tribe lived peacefully until 1844, when explorer John C. Fremont discovered and named Pyramid Lake.
rocor/Flickr
The rapid settlement of the area by European settlers turned violent and the bloody Pyramid Lake War ensued in 1860.
There are many legends of strange creatures lurking beneath the water's surface.
Ken Lund/Flickr
One such creature is the mermaid that a Paiute warrior fell in love with. According to the legend, when he took her back to his village to marry her, he was told to return her to the water. Becoming enraged, rumor has it that the mermaid cursed the tribe. Today, many Paiute members believe that all bad luck (including the Pyramid Lake War) is tied to that curse.
Another legend says that the spirits of a cavalry troop that fought in the Pyramid Lake War can be seen riding over a nearby hill, going in to battle with the Paiute.
David Gijay/Flickr
And many witnesses have reported that at times the calm water becomes turbulent with waves without any rhyme or reason.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Then, as abruptly as it started, the turbulence mysteriously and quickly subsides.
Another mystery at this unique lake in Nevada involves bodies that have disappeared from Pyramid Lake that have mysteriously resurfaced in Lake Tahoe over 61 miles away (and vice versa.)
wilco737/Flickr
Not only does Lake Tahoe feed the Truckee River but the Truckee River feeds Pyramid Lake. Making matters even weirder is that Pyramid Lake has no outlet whatsoever. Rumor has it that there are underground tunnels connecting the two rivers, and the bodies are drawn into these subterranean tunnels and transported between the two lakes. Regardless, there is no proof one way or the other.
Then, there's the legend of the ghostly, impish Pyramid Lake Water Babies who haunt the lake.
rocor/Flickr
For centuries, the Paiute would throw unwanted deformed or premature babies into the lake to dispose of them. Many have heard the sounds of babies crying or laughing coming from the lake; even those who are not familiar with the legend. Rumor has it that if you hear the Water Babies you will have bad luck, and if you see them, you're dead. Creepy, huh? Reports of Water Baby "activity" increases significantly in the spring.
During the spring it's not uncommon for a fisherman to fall into the lake and disappear. Fishermen flock to Pyramid Lake each year to fish for the giant Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Tmann1960/Google Reviews
Some people say that these unfortunate souls sink to the very bottom of the ultra-deep lake... but if you believe the Pyramid Lake legends, it's possible they could be eaten by the Water Babies.
It may seem odd that people drown in this lake. Near the shoreline, the water is quite clear and you can easily see the bottom. However, a 350-foot drop appears from nowhere.
Gary O. Grimm/Flickr
Pyramid Lake remains shrouded in truly puzzling mystery.
Beau Rogers/ Flickr
Yet regardless of its sinister history and haunted lore, Pyramid Lake remains one of the most beautiful areas in all of Nevada.

Fishing, camping, and boating are allowed on Pyramid Lake – however, remember that since it sits on Native American land, permits are required. And you may want to visit in a season other than spring. Just in case. You know, Water Babies and all.

Pyramid Lake is a unique lake in Nevada, but it’s absolutely haunting. Have you ever visited here or heard the Pyramid lake legends? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Sarah | March 08, 2021

Where are some other creepy places in Nevada?

Nevada is a beautiful state to live but it’s definitely got its dark side. It’s known for its ghost towns, haunted places, spooky old cemeteries, and a rough history during the “Wild West” days. These 11 creepy places in Nevada are sure to give you chills, like this clown-themed hotel in Tonopah. Nothing freaks people out more than the scariest creature of all - clowns. For the truly coulrophobic, this motel is horrifying. If an all-out clown theme wasn't enough, it's directly next door to an old cemetery full of early Tonopah residents who died from a plague. The motel has even been featured on the show "Ghost Adventures" and an independent horror movie. El Dorodo Pet Cemetery is another place in Nevada that's high in the creepy factor; this little cemetery can be found near Boulder City. The cemetery is home to the graves of at least 60 pets, though there's a rumor going around that several victims of the mob are buried here. Another ghost that reportedly has been seen is that of a white cat who follows visitors around. It's largely regarded as the most haunted pet cemetery on earth. So, visit with caution!

What are some other unique places in Nevada?

Pyramid Lake is definitely the most unique lake in Nevada, but the state is full of truly one-of-a-kind places and attractions. Nevada is a very interesting state, and there are a variety of things that can be found here -- and not anywhere else. Fly Geyser is one of them. When you stumble upon Fly Geyser, you might think you've landed on another planet. This otherworldly geothermal feature will leave you in awe at the wonder of Mother Nature. And you may not be aware of this, but Nevada is a state that's known for odd art exhibitions! Visit the Goldwell Open Air Museum to see some of the most notable ones for yourself, including a life-size version of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci. The sight of these stark white cloaks in the middle of the desert is oddly unsettling.

What's the most beautiful lake in Nevada?

While Nevada is home to myriad stunning lakes, the most objectively beautiful would have to be Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe was actually named the most beautiful place in Nevada by Condé Nast Traveler, for its pristine blue waters and mesmerizing surroundings. Lake Tahoe attracts a whopping 2.7 million visitors a year, and it's understandable because this Nevada gem (okay, we share it with California) is truly spectacular.

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Pyramid Lake, Nevada 89510, USA