There's no shortage of mysterious and haunted places in Nevada, particularly in and around Goldfield, Virginia City, and even Las Vegas. However, not all haunted locations have to be within buildings. In some cases, even the most beautiful area can have a creepy and sinister history. Such is the case with the Pyramid Lake stories that we are featuring today. Located in southeastern Washoe County within the Truckee River Basin, Pyramid Lake is a mere 40 miles from Reno, and it's one of the most beautifully spectacular places in the Silver State. But don't let this lake's beauty and grandeur fool you. Despite its splendor, there are plenty of Pyramid Lake legends that are downright creepy. Check it out:

How deep is Pyramid Lake in Nevada? This lake is an impressive 900 feet deep in places. It's the last surviving remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan that covered nearly all of Nevada during the Pleistocene era.

Pyramid Lake was the deepest part of that prehistoric lake, and nobody knows exactly what lurks in the sediments below. It's no surprise that there are plenty of creepy Pyramid Lake stories out there.

Pyramid Lake is named for the large tufa rock formations in and around the water. There's even a large pyramidal rock in the center.

Among the other tufa formations are the Stone Mother, Indian Head Rock, and Popcorn Rock.

The lake is well-known for its crystal clear waters, pristine beauty, and picturesque vistas.

It is also a sanctuary for numerous birds including pelicans, owls, geese, gulls, grebes, and ducksand, and the lake also serves as a home to several endangered species of fish.

The surrounding area of Pyramid Lake has long been inhabited by members of the Native Paiute tribe.

This tribe is actually comprised of three related groups of Native Americans: the Northern Paiute, from California, Nevada, and Oregon, the Owens Valley Paiute from the California-Nevada border, and the Southern Paiute from the Mojave Desert and Colorado River basin.

The tribe lived peacefully until 1844, when explorer John C. Fremont discovered and named Pyramid Lake.

The rapid settlement of the area by European settlers turned violent and the bloody Pyramid Lake War ensued in 1860.

There are many legends of strange creatures lurking beneath the water's surface.

One such creature is the mermaid that a Paiute warrior fell in love with. According to the legend, when he took her back to his village to marry her, he was told to return her to the water. Becoming enraged, rumor has it that the mermaid cursed the tribe. Today, many Paiute members believe that all bad luck (including the Pyramid Lake War) is tied to that curse.

Another legend says that the spirits of a cavalry troop that fought in the Pyramid Lake War can be seen riding over a nearby hill, going in to battle with the Paiute.

And many witnesses have reported that at times the calm water becomes turbulent with waves without any rhyme or reason.

Then, as abruptly as it started, the turbulence mysteriously and quickly subsides.

Another mystery at this unique lake in Nevada involves bodies that have disappeared from Pyramid Lake that have mysteriously resurfaced in Lake Tahoe over 61 miles away (and vice versa.)

Not only does Lake Tahoe feed the Truckee River but the Truckee River feeds Pyramid Lake. Making matters even weirder is that Pyramid Lake has no outlet whatsoever. Rumor has it that there are underground tunnels connecting the two rivers, and the bodies are drawn into these subterranean tunnels and transported between the two lakes. Regardless, there is no proof one way or the other.

Then, there's the legend of the ghostly, impish Pyramid Lake Water Babies who haunt the lake.

For centuries, the Paiute would throw unwanted deformed or premature babies into the lake to dispose of them. Many have heard the sounds of babies crying or laughing coming from the lake; even those who are not familiar with the legend. Rumor has it that if you hear the Water Babies you will have bad luck, and if you see them, you're dead. Creepy, huh?

Reports of Water Baby "activity" increases significantly in the spring.

During the spring it's not uncommon for a fisherman to fall into the lake and disappear. Fishermen flock to Pyramid Lake each year to fish for the giant Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Some people say that these unfortunate souls sink to the very bottom of the ultra-deep lake... but if you believe the Pyramid Lake legends, it's possible they could be eaten by the Water Babies.

It may seem odd that people drown in this lake. Near the shoreline, the water is quite clear and you can easily see the bottom. However, a 350-foot drop appears from nowhere.

Pyramid Lake remains shrouded in truly puzzling mystery.

Yet regardless of its sinister history and haunted lore, Pyramid Lake remains one of the most beautiful areas in all of Nevada.

Fishing, camping, and boating are allowed on Pyramid Lake - however, remember that since it sits on Native American land, permits are required. And you may want to visit in a season other than spring. Just in case. You know, Water Babies and all.

Pyramid Lake is a unique lake in Nevada, but it's absolutely haunting. Have you ever visited here or heard the Pyramid lake legends? Share your experiences in the comments!