How Big is Pyramid Lake?

Exploring the Size and Significance of One of Nevada’s Largest Lakes

Nestled in the high desert of northwestern Nevada, Pyramid Lake is a striking and mysterious body of water known for its mesmerizing blue hues, unique tufa formations, and deep cultural significance to the Paiute people. But one question that often arises from both travelers and geography enthusiasts alike is: Just how big is Pyramid Lake?

Surface Area: One of Nevada’s Largest

Pyramid Lake spans an impressive surface area of approximately 112,000 acres (about 452 square kilometers or 174 square miles). This makes it one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada and among the largest in the western United States. To put it in perspective, it’s nearly three times the size of San Francisco and slightly larger than Lake Tahoe in terms of surface area—though shallower in comparison.

Dimensions: Length and Width

The lake stretches about 27 miles (43 kilometers) long from north to south and is approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) wide at its broadest point. These dimensions give it a long, oval-like appearance when viewed from above, with sweeping shorelines and vast open water that seem to stretch endlessly across the desert landscape.

Depth and Volume

Despite its large surface area, Pyramid Lake is relatively shallow compared to some deeper lakes in the region. Its average depth is about 90 feet (27 meters), with a maximum depth of approximately 356 feet (109 meters). The lake’s water volume is estimated to be around 23.7 million acre-feet, though this can vary depending on annual precipitation and inflow levels.

Elevation and Geographic Context

Located at an elevation of roughly 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) above sea level, Pyramid Lake occupies a basin in the southeastern portion of the Lahontan Valley, which was once part of the prehistoric Lake Lahontan—a massive Ice Age lake that covered much of Nevada. Pyramid Lake is one of the last remnants of this ancient lake system and the largest still-standing remnant of Lake Lahontan.

Fed by the Truckee River

Pyramid Lake has no natural outlet, meaning it is a terminal lake—water flows in, mainly from the Truckee River, but doesn’t flow out. This makes the lake saline and alkaline. The Truckee River originates at Lake Tahoe and provides the lake’s primary source of freshwater. The lake’s size can fluctuate based on snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, upstream water use, and local climatic changes.

In Summary: How Big is Pyramid Lake?

Metric	Measurement
Surface Area	112,000 acres (174 sq mi / 452 km²)
Length	27 miles (43 km)
Width	11 miles (18 km)
Average Depth	90 feet (27 m)
Maximum Depth	356 feet (109 m)
Elevation	3,800 feet (1,158 m)

Pyramid Lake is not just one of the biggest lakes in Nevada—it's one of the most unique and storied bodies of water in North America. Its sheer size, geological history, ecological richness, and cultural importance make it a fascinating subject for anyone interested in the geography of the American West.