Vista del Lago Visitors’ Center

This place is great! It’s called a visitor’s center but it’s full of interactive displays geared towards elementary age, teaching about the CA water supply and demand issues we all face. It would make a great field trip or stop-​off for homeschoolers and youth groups. They even have a badge program. We took about 45 minutes, but you could easily spend a couple hours and have a sack lunch picnic.

Great rest stop. The view of the water from the parking lot is amazing. You can walk the outside of the building to snap some great pictures of the hills and water. There is some binoculars that are free on the outside towards the back, no quarters needed to use. The inside has some awesome interactive displays of the water situation in California. You can spend a good 30 minutes here to stretch and enjoy the view. Staff was extremely helpful and kind. I will always make it a point to stop here when I’m traveling down.

Love stopping here, as its about half way to my parents house when we visit and a great clean spot to use the restroom and stretch your legs, change the kids diapers, etc. I think its open till about 5pm, so its not a late night stopping spot. Its also kind of a cool place to learn about California’s drought and water issues as well. I know you can’t have food inside, but a locked up snack or beverage vending machine would be nice.
Steve

Tejon Pass can deliver thrill-​ride like experiences for drivers in every season. Winter can turn the thrill amp up to 10 and you may find yourself stuck in an I-​5 worth of parking lot when you think you’ll jet over the pass.
If you’re an avid fan of roadside rest stops as I am, you may plan to be stopping at the Tejon rest area, but instead find yourself doing a Fort Tejon two-​step miles away inside the car while the blizzard outside tries erasing human creation.
Avoid this dilemma. At least from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. most days. Stop at the Vista del Lago (View of the Lake) visitors center. Well-​maintained facilities, far below the snow lines of Gorman and Frazier Park and offering a lot of information on hydrology, humans and water and engineering water works. Plus way better displays regarding local ecology than the flat interpretive signs at rest stops.
Your kids and grandkids will have a good time, the lake is beautiful and you can make it all the way to Grapevine without another stop. Unless weather or traffic holds you up.

I was on a road trip and stopped here with my dad to stretch our legs, explore the building, and look at the lake. We were very pleasantly surprised with what we found! We expected to find a simple overlook of the lake with maybe a desk and some brochures but we walked into a full-​blown museum.
The exhibits are very well done and help visitors learn about nearby wildlife, California’s history and the history of the lake, and also promotes the idea of water conservation. There was a surprising about of information stored in this building, there were many exhibits and the view from the balcony was breathtaking.
While we were browsing the museum, we stumbled upon a photo of my dad and his friend in the museum! We had a few laughs about that. The museum would probably be best for adults and teenagers, or children that at least know how to read and understand complex topics. I think the museum would only appeal visually for smaller kids that don’t know how to read. Smaller children may not find a lot of the information interesting, but it’s worth a shot.
There was a lot of parking space outside the building which made it easily accessible without careful planning. I’m glad we stopped by and we may have to stop by every time we drive towards this beautiful spot!

I had made the STUPID decision to drink a venti frappucino before embarking on the drive from LA back to the bay area. I have the bladder of a kitten, so unsurprisingly, within less than an hour of the drive, I was ready to pee my pants, and we were of course miles away from any rest stops. I checked google maps and noticed there was a visitors’ center about 10 miles away from where we were, so my bf sped down the 5 to get us there before I pissed myself.
So we make it there in time, and are super surprised to see essentially a museum in this random isolated location right over pyramid lake. After using their super clean bathroom, we decided to have a look around since we weren’t in a rush. They have lots of different educational stations all about water; some interactive, some not, but all very interesting and informational. We also took some time to enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake and use their free binoculars to spy on boaters down below.
All in all this is a great stop for children and adults alike. Learn about water and California’s (dwindling) water supply, and of course enjoy the great view. We couldn’t have stopped at a better place for a potty break.

A sudden bathroom emergency for our 2 year old son took us to the next exit on the freeway, which brought us here. Looked like it was possibly closed, but fortunately not. Plenty of parking, a nice view, and clean bathrooms.

What a nice little surprise for everyone heading back home from LA. This place has clean restrooms along with some cool educational facts about water conservation. There’s a scale to weigh yourself and how much of it is water weight, and little activities to show you the cycle that water goes thru to get to where it is now.
Really cool and different compared to our other pitstops.
Down further is a little lake, give it a try!

You’re heading out of LA up the 5 when all of a sudden it hits you, and it hits you hard: you knew you forgot to do something as you were rushing out and that venti triple-​shot latte with extra foam is putting pressure on you right at the same exact spot as your seat-​belt. And it’s getting worse.
Something’s gotta give.
Then you see a sign for Vista del Lago. What the heck? Who wants to look at a lake when, you know, you have more urgent matters on your mind?
Well, hold on and stop by the Vista del Lago Visitors’ Center. You will find the cleanest restrooms anywhere on the 5, guaranteed.
You will also find a cute display about water and how not to use it.
You will NOT find anything to eat or drink, just a water fountain.
You will find a nice view of Pyramid Lake.
You will NOT find free wi-​fi (unlike Iowa, where ALL the rest stops have free wi-​fi. Just sayin’.)
You will find tons of parking.
And relief.

The Tajon Pass or Lake Pyramid Visitors Center is more than a rest stop. It is located in the foothills of the Santa Feleciana Canyon, which is at the mouth of the Los Angeles Basin. The El Tajon pass is not too far from where the 99 and the 5 meet (or split depending on the direction you are traveling.) The incline is extremely steep and the change in elevation is intense. I counted at least 3 «runaway truck» landing strips on both sides of the highway because the semi trucks are unable to stop when driving through. So those of you «speed demons» need to understand that if you decide to pretend that you are on the autobahn and happen to cut off a semi… the results could/​would be devastating.
Anyhow, I stopped at the top at the Pyramid Lake visitors center as I had heard that the views are beautiful and I needed to take a rest from the touring I had been doing throughout Southern California. This visitors center has really good air conditioning and extremely clean rest room and lounge areas.
Added bonus: I was delighted to see that there are two museums inside the visitors center. And the Park rangers who run the place are super helpful and take pride in answering any questions you may have.
The museums vignettes describe the history of water conservation and how the water power plant works in distributing water from one end of the state to the other. Interestingly enough, by visiting this museum I learned that gold was actually discovered at pyramid lake in 1843.
Lake Pyramid is very clean and well maintained. In viewing the lake I noticed several boaters, people fishing, jet skis, people hiking, and many Rvs and camp sites along the lake shore. This would be a great place to visit with family and friends as it truly is a hidden gem that many people whiz right past in their cars. I was one of those fast driving people but today I stopped for a visit and I’m glad I did.
Should you have the opportunity to stop at the Pyramid Lake visitors Center in El Tajon pass, then you might take a moment to walk over to the viewing deck and soak in the beauty our golden state has to offer.

I always forget this place is called the Vista del Lago Visitors’ Center, because for almost the last ten years, our kids have referred to it as The Water Museum.
The Water Museum has always been a highlight for us for the SJ to LA drives. The kids always make sure to take a drink from the drinking fountain («Look mom! We’re drinking the water from the lake down there!»), and the displays are very educational.
Sometime in the last two years, the center remodeled quite a few of the displays, so now there is a bit more interaction available for the kids to enjoy. Some of it is silly fun (like the display showing the cycle of water as it evaporates, forms clouds, and comes back down as rain), but it’s all very informative.
Oh, and the view from the back balcony is beautiful.
When I visit places like this, I don’t mind so much paying my taxes.

I have always liked Pyramid Lake. It sits in this eerily quiet valley in the Angeles National Forest beside I-​5 in the hills north of Los Angeles prior to the descent on the famed Grapevine grade. The word forest is «funny» here, but there are Ponderosa pine at higher elevations and these parts of the national forest are worth exploring and are even quieter.
I only wanted to get a look at the lake, and recall that the desolate exits of Hungry Valley Road or Templin Highway might be the way to access the lake. Then, an exit called Vista del Lago greeted me. I exited and found that this rest area /​vista point /​visitors’ center made for an interesting museum chronicling California’s water situation, water history, and also featured the story of Pyramid Lake itself. I didn’t spend 2 hours in there to absorb everything because I had to be somewhere, but it was definitely an interesting and worthwhile museum, not to mention a great vista point over Pyramid Lake from which one could continue to drive down to the lake and look around even more.
I also learned at the center that it is now possible to swim in Pyramid Lake. When a teenager, it was mostly a boater’s lake, as is Castaic Lake, which is closer to L.A. along I-​5, and where swimming appeared to be limited to a spillover lagoon beneath its dam. Also, there are places near Pyramid Lake which make for great camping so close to the city and which make a person feel like they are in another world from the never-​ending megalopolis that is the Los Angeles area.
This is truly a great stop and resource along I-​5, for the vista, to stretch one’s legs, to use the restrooms, and/​or to get an education about water and California. It is also free of charge and the people who work there are very knowledgeable.
Add: I couldn’t resist. See this photo.

My husband and I randomly stopped at this visitor’s center on our most recent trip over the Grapevine. I hadn’t even been in here before and we were really just pulling off to get a pic of Pyramid Lake, but saw the center and stopped. So glad we did!
It is a huge educational center and it’s free to walk around. They have lots of displays and several are interactive. I work for a law firm that deals primarily with water law. Interestingly, there was lots of information about water companies and water districts throughout our state — several of which we actually represent.
It was a really fun stop and the views are great. They even have the over-​sized binoculars you can look through (also for free) on their back porch. Pull off the I-​5 next time youre on top of the Grapevine and enjoy yourself. If you have enough time, I think it’s only $ 8 for access to the Lake.

Okay, I’ll admit. The first time I came here I really really really needed a bathroom. The second or third time I came here I explored a bit after relieving my bladder. After that it became a regular stop on my road trips. This place is great.
First off, it’s free of charge. California has so many great free museums all over the place. This one is no different. Their focus here is water. There are great models to show you how the water that comes out of your tap gets around the state. It’s really interesting to see how the water is moved around and treated for consumption. They’ve got hands-​on displays, all with loads of information. The history of water use in the state, and even the history of water movement throughout history in general. The scale models of ancient Roman, Indian & Chinese aqueducts were much fun.
Second, the displays and exhibits change frequently. From one road trip to the next, I see new and ever interesting things. This last time I was there, I saw some new exhibits and noticed that some of their older exhibits were shut down and out of order in order to be broken down and make way for new exhibits.
Thirdly their bathrooms are always well lit and sparkling clean. As one would expect, they’ve got as many waterless features as they can. This saves the state’s water resources. I’d imagine the people get alot of bathroom stops here.
Lastly, the views off their patio are magnificent. The land around pyramid lake is beautiful, and despite being stuck on it so much, even the 5 freeway has it’s own character and charm. I usually find both worthy of photographing. I usually take several dozen pictures here.

I live about a half hour south of this place, but always stop. I’ll admit it, it’s usually just a desperate attempt to cling to a vacation I really don’t want to end, but it’s still a neat place to stop.

A super cool and educational pit stop on the Grapevine. In my many years of travel I had never stopped here, for no other reason then because I didn’t know it was there.
I think they should out better signs out on the road. The only reason my wife and I found it, is because our baby boy needed a diaper change and a feeding.
In side there is so much great information about the California water ways. It shows California’s history with water, from the gold rush to current times.
Take a break on your drive for 20 – 30 mins, you wont be disappointed.

Thoroughly enjoyed going through the presentation about water and conservation. Posted on the outside railings are the history of Pyramid lake and dam.
Such a cool and fun way to stop and stretch your legs.
Although, I did not get to find out about the clean restrooms many are raving about as they were closed for maintenance. So the porta-​potty was it. I’m just glad I used it on my way out because it would’ve clouded my judgment of the whole experience. They were super gross, need I say more?

Excellent location for a quick driving break when heading north (or south) on I-​5.
Pros:
Large parking lot
Lake view
Bathrooms
Enough room to throw a ball or have outdoor food
Appealing hardscape and softscape

Just before the exit for Vista del Lago Visitors’ Center, the traffic traveling north came to a fairly quick halt. Using my iPhone, I discovered it would stay that way for another 4 miles… SCREW THAT!
I took the opportunity to exit and cruise around a bit. I passed right by the actual visitor’s center and went long down the road closer to the water (which was so damn gorgeous that day) and came to the gate where you must pay to enter. It’s $ 11 for the day so I decided it wasn’t worth it, but before turning around unnoticed, a kind woman came out from the gate post. «You’re trying to head North right now, aren’t you?» she speculated, then upon confirmation, she began to encourage me to head up to the visitor’s center. «You could spend quite a deal of time there, it’s full of interesting things.» She was so damn nice… and right! :)
My first choice was to beeline to the bathrooms. Well taken care of bathrooms, I must say. Hooray for that! Then I went exploring. The center is circular shaped, and full of information and interactive games for kids (or bored adults like me). There’s also a balcony around the entire building which I walked and took pictures of the faint snow up on the mountains and the beautiful lake. It was pretty damn cold so I got myself back into the heated building after taking some nice shots of the scenery (see photos).
After my half hour or so stop, I looked out at the freeway again and it seemed the north bound traffic was moving along much better and had stopped it’s stop-​and-​go. What a perfect way to spend my time instead of being stuck behind the wheel. But really folks, this place is nice enough that it’s worth the stop even if it isn’t to avoid traffic. I highly encourage more people to stop by!

Beautiful… beautiful. The State of California out performed itself with this visitors’ center. You should stop as you travel the grapevine, as this is your tax dollars at work, long before budgetry problems. And a nice diversion, too.
There is a large water exhibit, great for kids and adults, that tells you how much water is needed for certain foods and daily activities like showering, dishes, etc. Humbling.
Then there are the great bathrooms and a small nature museum.
Plenty of parking, even for large RVs.
And a great vista point to see chunks of Pyramid Lake. It’s right there, speed boats and all.
Streeeeeetch real good, breathe real deep. Drink the water. Now, on with your trip.

Vista del Lago Visitors’ Center is a neat place to stop when you’re treking it along the 5 freeway. You might notice signs for Pyramid Lake or the visitor’s center for water conservation. It’s a quick stop and well worth a visit!
The view of the water and the mountains will take your breath away. Stop for a restroom break, learn about water conservation, snap some photos of the great scenery and you’re in and out in 10 – 15 minutes!