There are often a lot of loose rocks on the surface, and it can be a bit rough. The surface can also be soft after a rain, but is normally very dry and dusty. The airport is in the bottom of the reservoir gorge, with much higher terrain on all sides, so turbulence can be extreme if the winds are strong. It is usually a good place to get away from it all, if you crave a bit of solitude. The scenery in the gorge is spectacular.
Every turn offers a new breathtaking vista.
There are often deer in the area, and sometimes bighorn sheep can be seen in the hills to the west. Other wildlife includes rattlesnakes, so a little caution is in order. The fishing in the lake is very good at times, but there is a caution about eating the fish. Because of naturally occurring mercury in the water, pregnant or nursing women and children 6 years old or younger should not eat any fish taken here. Children older than 6 and healthy adults should eat no more than 8 ounces of fish from these waters 6 times a year.