The Lake Itself

photo courtesy of Steve Fox

From this point on the rim, we climbed another 500 feet to The Watchman Lookout (center left on map) overlooking Wizard Island. At 8,000+ feet, you don't want to rush it. As you can see, the 35 mile route around the lake is not exactly flat. Cyclists would do well to acclimate for at least a day before trying it. You will want to plan that ride in a warm month. Winter snow levels along the road can exceed 35 feet.

We walked and took some photos and left the bikes in the truck. I dislike riding anywhere "just to say I did it" or to meet some mathematical goal. Goals seem too much like work; cycling is supposed to be fun. As Henry James said, "the saddest thing in the world is watching an American trying to have a good time." Go for the slow ride to the fourth highest waterfall and usually, you'll have it all to yourself.