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Backpacker Magazine – March 2010
Southern Rockies: Wheeler Peak, NM
Climb to the crown of the Sangre de Cristo Range.
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Tags:
- Destinations |
- New Mexico |
All Rocky Mountain Trips |
Southern Rockies: Truchas Traverse, NM |
Southern Rockies: Wheeler Peak, NM |
Southern Rockies: Twilight Peaks, CO |
Southern Rockies: Continental Divide Trail, CO
Start early to get up and down New Mexico’s highest peak before summer thunderstorms roll in. The 16-mile out-and-back gains 3,800 feet, ending with a long ridgewalk to Wheeler’s 13,161-foot summit. En route, you’ll likely see bighorn sheep and golden eagles (and brazen, pack-ravaging marmots—don’t leave your stuff unattended). Two routes start at Taos Ski Valley: Take the Bull of the Woods/Wheeler Peak Trail (it avoids the ski runs and steep talus slopes you’ll find on the Williams Lake Route).
The Way
From Taos, drive 19 miles northeast on NM 552 and NM 150. Continue beyond the Taos Ski Valley one mile to the Bull of the Woods trailhead, at Twining Campground.
Map
USGS quad Wheeler Peak ($8, store.usgs.gov)
Contact (575) 586-0520; fs.fed.us/r3/carson
Trip Data backpacker.com/hikes/563533
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READERS COMMENTS
Thanks for the info. Hope to do climb for the 1st time this Fall. 2 Texans have talked about this for years but have never done. Nearing the big 6-0 we have decided it is time!
Having climbed this trail many times I find this write up to be almost an insult. This is a beautiful well maintained trail and the climb out of La Cal Basin is a sight to behold. The Williams lake trail is shorter (saves about two hours) and last year switch backs were added which makes it a much nicer climb or decent. Previous it was nothing but a knee tester. Also at 13,000' the air is lacking in oxygen for a lowly texan. Don't pass this one up.
Having climbed this trail many times I find this write up to be almost an insult. This is a beautiful well maintained trail and the climb out of La Cal Basin is a sight to behold. The illiams lake trail is shorter (saves about two hours) and last year switch backs were added which makes it a much nicer climb or decent. Previous it was nothing but a knee tester. Also at 13,000' the air is lacking in oxygen for a lowly texan.
Having climbed this trail many times I find this write up to be almost an insult. This is a beautiful well maintained trail and the climb out of La Cal Basin is a sight to behold. The illiams lake trail is shorter (saves about two hours) and last year switch backs were added which makes it a much nicer climb or decent. Previous it was nothing but a knee tester. Also at 13,000' the air is lacking in oxygen for a lowly texan.
Having climbed this trail many times I find this write up to be almost an insult. This is a beautiful well maintained trail and the climb out of La Cal Basin is a sight to behold. The illiams lake trail is shorter (saves about two hours) and last year switch backs were added which makes it a much nicer climb or decent. Previous it was nothing but a knee tester. Also at 13,000' the air is lacking in oxygen for a lowly texan.
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