Vista del Lago Visitor Center

Perched above Pyramid Lake along the I-5 corridor, the Vista del Lago Visitors Center is far more than just a scenic rest stop — it’s a gateway to understanding one of California’s greatest engineering feats: the State Water Project.

Whether you're a traveler heading over the Grapevine or a local resident exploring the Frazier-Tejon region, this free public center offers breathtaking views and a behind-the-scenes look at the massive water system that quietly sustains life across the state.

What Makes This Place So Special?

The center overlooks Pyramid Lake, a reservoir formed by the Pyramid Dam, which plays a critical role in managing water as it flows south through the West Branch of the California Aqueduct.

What many visitors don’t realize is that directly beneath your feet, enormous tunnels have been bored through the Mountains. These tunnels carry water lifted nearly 2,000 vertical feet by the Edmonston Pumping Plant — the highest single-lift pumping station in the world. This incredible ascent allows Northern California water to reach millions of people and farms in Southern California.

What You’ll See

• Interactive Exhibits:
  Learn about the California State Water Project, its history, and how water is stored, moved, and delivered across hundreds of miles from the Sierra Nevada to your tap.

• Theater & Multimedia:
  Watch short films that explain how water flows from the Feather River, through canals and tunnels, and over the mountains right to where you stand.

• Observation Deck:
  Enjoy panoramic views of Pyramid Lake, surrounded by rugged hills — and reflect on the massive aqueduct system operating just below.

• Educational Displays:
  Touchscreens, models, and real-time maps make this a perfect learning stop for students, families, and curious travelers.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Right off I-5 at Pyramid Lake, north of Castaic

• Hours: Open daily (hours may vary seasonally)

• Admission: Free

• Parking: Ample and RV-friendly

Why It Matters

The Vista del Lago Visitors Center doesn’t just offer great views — it tells a story of ingenuity, resilience, and statewide cooperation. The water that flows beneath this region powers homes, grows food, and sustains wildlife, all thanks to the network of dams, canals, tunnels, and pumping stations like Edmonston.

Understanding this system helps visitors appreciate the Frazier-Tejon region’s place in California’s lifeline — not just as a beautiful landscape, but as a critical junction in the journey of water.

Stop in, take in the view, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the mountains, lakes, and infrastructure that make life in California possible.