Day 40: Ten Sleep, WY to Meadowlark Lake Lodge

July 8, 2023

21 miles

1,354 miles so far

Today was our big climb up through Ten Sleep Canyon to Meadowlark Lake at 8,600 feet. We had another nice breakfast at The Carter Inn and got started around 8am this morning. The temperature started out in the mid-50s and peaked in mid-80s. Of course, as we began the climb, we were quickly shedding layers. While there were a few switchbacks and many pull-offs at viewing points, it was a steady 21 mile ascent with a total elevation gain of about 4,100 feet.

We had made a reservation for a rustic cabin at the Meadowlark Lake Lodge for this evening but had contemplated pushing on to the summit and on to Buffalo. The summit is another 1,000 feet and about 5.5 miles from Meadowlark, and Buffalo is about 43 miles.

Since the reservation was non-refundable, and the climb had been pretty challenging, we decided to check in and have lunch which consisted of cheeseburgers. Hamburgers and especially potatoes have become staples unfortunately on this tour. It is challenging to maintain good nutrition.

The cabin which has electricity and heat is actually quite nice and overlooks the lake; however, the shared bathhouse is up a hill! We have had enough hills for today!

While challenging, the ride up was beautiful. The Ten Sleep Canyon is breathtaking with high red rock faces on both sides and a river running through it. At about mile 16, we climbed out of the canyon and were surrounded by tall evergreens, aspen and beautiful purple mountain Lupine flowers. We also saw some deer - no Bighorn sheep or moose!

On our way up another cyclist stopped to say hello. He was riding a custom made, carbon framed Italian bike made by Pegoretti. He was from Ten Sleep, had worked for the National Science Foundation in DC his entire career but had recently retired and returned to Ten Sleep. The Italian bike was his retirement gift to himself. He told us he was on a training ride for the upcoming Tour de Wyoming which is a multi-day, 600 mile tour which would take him over the Big Horn Mountains twice. We saw him again up at The Meadowlark Lake Lodge, and he encouraged us to spend the night and enjoy the setting. It didn’t take much arm-twisting!

We will make breakfast in our cabin and plan to get an early start tomorrow.