On weekends, traffic can get heavy, though, especially with vehicles towing boats or those pesky Jet Ski craft. There are places to pass, however. Approaching the lake, you will encounter an endless number of huge yellow signs informing you that you have to buy a parking pass. If you don't plan to park, just drive through. Like we did.
Some narrow roads navigate around the lake and offer fine scenery.
There are also lots of picnic facilities, many under ramadas. Just don't forget that parking fee. If you're driving only to take a gander at the lake then driving out again, give yourself an hour or so extra to enjoy the scenery at your leisure and to poke around the little roads surrounding the lake. Mountain vistas, rich desert foliage, Bartlett Lake views. Nice two-lane blacktop through desert country, sweeping curves, changing elevations.