Shutdown Forces California to Close Pyramid Lake

State parks are safe for now, but an outdoor destination run by a state agency quickly closed to the public Friday afternoon.

"Although the California Department of Water Resources operates Pyramid Lake and the [Pyramid Lake Recreation Area], the U.S. Forest Service is the land owner," said news release sent out after 2 p.m. "The Forest Service ordered the closure due to the Federal budget impasse." The area was closed less than two hours later.

Pyramid Lake, which bridges the Angeles and Los Padres national forests off the 5 freeway in the Tejon Pass, is a California Aqueduct reservoir, feeding the hydroelectric Castaic Power Plant. Activities on the body of water include boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping, all which have been suspended until further notice.

The Vista del Lago Visitor Center overlooking the lake, however, will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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