Lake Pyramid offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors year round, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, and water skiing. This good-size, rustic lake is located in the rugged foothills above Santa Clarita Valley, in the Angeles National Forest, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Novice paddlers may only want to paddle the first four coves on the eastern side of the lake, especially if the winds have begun to blow by the time you reach the Tin Cup picnic area.

On Saturdays and Sundays at the Emigrant Landing launch area, there is usually a long waiting line. Only 150 vehicles are allowed at a time.A maximum number of boats are set daily on Pyramid Lake. Get there early on weekends. Once the limit is set, boats and jet skis will only be allowed to enter the Emigrants Landing Boat Launch area as boats or skiers leave the lake.

Vasquero, the second boat launch area located off of the Vista del Lago Road exit, is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Either way, you will need to arrive by 6:00 a.m. if you intend to paddle the entire lake and avoid strong gusty winds.

Another advantage of paddling early is you can often catch a glimpse of deer grazing in Priest and Glory Hole Coves. Also, you’ll paddle on flat water before the boat traffic and strong gusty winds begin. 

Boating speed limits differ in parts of the lake. Canoes, rubber rafts, and rowboats are often seen in the canyons, where power boats are restricted to low speeds. Higher speeds for waterskiing are allowed on the main body of the lake. 35 m.p.h. is the maximum boat speed limit, though I have often seen boats travel a lot faster.

Map of Lake Pyramid