Off Interstate 5 · Angeles & Los Padres National Forests
Pyramid Lake
A reservoir north of the Tejon Pass for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and a stop at Vista del Lago.
Pyramid Lake and the surrounding mountains.
A reservoir tucked into the canyons north of the Tejon Pass, with about 21 miles of shoreline, boat launches, a swimming beach, and a free visitor center. This is the Pyramid Lake near Gorman and Santa Clarita — not other lakes that share the name.
Lake access, swimming conditions, boat-in sites, and water-quality advisories can change. Check the latest Pyramid Lake updates from the California Department of Water Resources before visiting — including current water-quality information before swimming, boating, fishing, or allowing pets near the water.
What you can do here
- Boating & water sports
- The open lake allows wakeboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing. Emigrant Landing has a boat launch and rents patio boats, fishing boats, and jet skis. Private vessel operators need a valid California Boater Safety Card.
- Boat-in picnic areas
- Spanish Point, Bear Trap, and Serrano are first-come, first-served day-use areas reachable only by boat. Yellowbar is currently closed for Post Fire repairs through summer 2027.
- Beaches & swimming
- Vaquero Beach, just below the visitor center, has a sandy shoreline, a swim area, shaded picnic structures, and seasonal kayak or paddleboard rentals.
- Fishing
- Shore and boat fishing for striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and crappie. A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
- Vista del Lago Visitor Center
- Free admission. An observation deck overlooks the lake, and indoor exhibits cover California's water and aqueduct system.
- Camping nearby
- Los Alamos Campground, in the hills minutes from the water, has about 90 single-family sites, group sites, flush toilets, and a camp store.
Confirm before you leave home
- Current day-use and launch fees, and whether reservations are required.
- Boat rental availability and hours at Emigrant Landing.
- Current water level, boat-in area status, and any swim or launch advisories.
- Los Alamos Campground availability and reservation rules.
- Visitor center hours.
Hours, fees, water level, and amenities change with the season. For current advisories and conditions, check the California Department of Water Resources Pyramid Lake page; Recreation.gov lists campground reservations.
How to find it
Want to stay overnight? Los Alamos Campground is minutes from the water.
Camping options