Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway
Pyramid Lake Tour

Departure: Sparks, Nevada
Destination: Wadsworth, Nevada
Time to allow: 1 day

Byway travelers can start in either Sparks or Wadsworth, because the driving directions given here start and end in the Reno/Sparks area. Beginning in Sparks you can take State Route 445 north bound to Sutcliffe to enjoy fishing, swimming, and having a picnic along the west shore of Pyramid Lake. On your way you’ll pass places like Mullen Pass, you can stop at the turnout on the left for a scenic vista of the lake. If you get a chance to visit here as the sun sets, the Pyramid, Anaho Island, and the slopes of the Lake Range may be bathed in a red glow.

From the view of Pyramid Lake the Tufa Rocks formed by hot springs await your arrival just a few minutes down the road. As you venture on you’ll come to the Visitor Center and Tribal Museum and fish hatcheries to find out about the area's natural history and the tribe's fisheries program. Take a walk along the wetlands nature trail where you can experience the unique habitats of the river valley.

Day 1

  • Start: Sparks

    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum, the Family Adventure Park, or the Victorian Square. Around the end of July or the beginning of August you can visit Hot August Nights, the largest automotive event within the United States.

  • Stop 2: Sutcliffe

    From previous stop: 45 minutes / 33.39 mi (53.4 km)
    Directions:

    Drive on State Road 445, also known as Pyramid Way, northbound until you reach Sutcliffe, NV.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Stop in Sutcliffe to prepare for some fishing.

  • Stop 3: Pyramid Rock

    From previous stop: 8 minutes / 4.3 mi (6.9 km)
    Directions:

    From Sutcliffe you can make your way down to the Marina, or any side road that leads to the lake to view Anaho Island or The Pyramid at Pyramid Lake. Since these places are closer to the east side of the Lake it's best to bring your binoculars along.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Pyramid Lake is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and water sports, as well as unique geological features.

  • Stop 4: Anaho Island

    From previous stop: same location
    Directions:

    From Sutcliffe you can make your way down to the Marina, or any side road that leads to the lake to view Anaho Island or The Pyramid at Pyramid Lake. Since these places are closer to the east side of the Lake it's best if you bring your binoculars along.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Anaho Island, located in Pyramid Lake, is one of the only pelican nesting sites in North America.

  • Stop 5: Tufa Formations

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 1 mi (1.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue southward along State Road 446, also known as Sutcliffe Highway. Stop when you arrive at Indian Head Rock.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The tufa formations at Pyramid Lake are made of calcium carbonate deposits formed by precipitation over hot springs.

  • Stop 6: Paiute Tribe Museum & Visitor Center

    From previous stop: 17 minutes / 11.39 mi (18.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue southeast on State Road 446, turn left onto State Street in Nixon, the address is 709 State Street, Nixon, Nevada 89424.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    This Pyramid Lake Tribal Museum in Nixon will acquaint visitors with the history and culture of the Paiute Tribe of Pyramid Lake.

  • Stop 7: Marble Bluff Fish Hatchery

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 4.3 mi (6.9 km)
    Directions:

    From the Tribal Museum and Visitor Center follow State Road 447 northward. Keep following State Road 447, once you pass Winnemucca Street turn left onto the next road on State Road 447, follow this road town to the Marble Bluff Dam where the Marble Bluff Fish Facility is located.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    The Marble Bluff Dam prevents the endangered cui ui, threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, and other fish from migrating up into the Truckee River to spawn. Marble Bluff Fish Facility is critical to moving the endangered Cui ui around the dam.

  • Stop 8: Historical Marker 148

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 11 mi (17.6 km)
    Directions:

    If you wish, from the Marble Bluff Fish Hatchery you can continue driving north on State Road 447 and take a side road to get a closer look at The Pyramid and Anaho Island on the east side of the Lake. Otherwise, the Historical Marker 148 is 7 miles south of Nixon along State Road 447. Follow State Road 447 southward until you find signs for the Historical Marker 148.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    In 1860, two battles occured between the white settlers and the Paiute Indians at Pyramid Lake.

  • Stop 9: Numana Fish Hatchery

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 2 mi (3.2 km)
    Directions:

    The Numana Fish Hatchery is located on State Road 447 south of the Historical Marker 148. Look for the signs just a few miles down the road.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This visitor center explains the purpose of the hatchery and includes a photo display of the people of Pyramid Lake.

  • End: Wadsworth

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 11 mi (17.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue south along State Road 447 to Wadsworth.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This town is known as the gateway to the Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 78.38 miles / 125.4 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 6 hours 25 minutes