When we did this in mid May, there was still snow the last bit of road past Airplane Lake. It is an avalanche zone and can be dangerous to cross as snow slants down over road with a long dropoff. Check conditions. It is quite easy the first 4.5 miles; then it heads up steeply. There are several locations near water where you could camp. This is a gated road system, but we did see a couple of vehicles during the first day. Gorgeous views once you break out of woodsy area maybe about 6 miles in. Suggest bike for first easy 4.5 miles; stash in trees before first major hill.