Virtual Tour of US 99

- Pyramid Lake (Northern End)

Last section of US 99 remaining at the entrance to Pyramid Lake. Looking south.

The concrete shown in the photo above was added in 1959. The original 1948 lanes were asphalt.

Location where US 99 went into Pyramid Lake.

This lake was created in 1972 as a holding reservoir for the California State Water Project. Unfortunately for highway buffs, it conceals one of the best sections of US 99. There were many bridges and cuts in this section as well as deep canyons and tall mountains. This was the north end of Piru Gorge. This section of highway was originally built with three lanes in 1933 and widened to a four lane divided highway in 1949. In 1968, I-5 bypassed this segment from Violin Summit to Smokey Bear Road (Formerly known as Hungry Valley Road). There were plans to put a reservoir here since the days of the Ridge Route but US 99 was put though here as it was easier at the time.

Go North on US 99

Go South on US 99

Return to US 99 Introduction Page